In high school, accommodations are provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which focuses on student success. Schools are responsible for identifying students with disabilities, creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and ensuring the student receives support.

In college, accommodations are governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which focus on equal access—not success. Students must self-identify and request accommodations through the college’s disability services office. Colleges do not provide IEPs, and students are expected to advocate for themselves.

Key differences:

• Responsibility shifts from school to student.

• Support is focused on access, not outcomes.

• Parents are not automatically involved in the process at the college level.

Encouraging students to develop self-advocacy skills early will help them transition more smoothly to college-level expectations.

Class Structure and Teacher Expectations

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