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High School | College |
Applicable law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] | Applicable laws are the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], the ADA Amendments Act [ADAAA], and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 |
The IDEA law focuses on success | ADA laws focus on access |
Modificationsof programs and curricula are required | Only reasonable adjustments/supports are required; cannot fundamentally alter the course |
School districtis responsible for identifying a student’s disability | The student must self-identify |
The school district develops Individualized Education Plans [IEPs] to define special education services | Students must identify needs and request services |
The school district provides free evaluations | The student must obtain evaluations at his/her own expense–IEPs are often insufficient documentation to verify a student’s disability |
Parent has access to student records and can participate in the IEP process | Parent does not have access to any student records without the student’s written consent (FERPA release of information) |
Parent advocates for the student | The student must self-advocate |
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