Will my child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan continue?

No. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does not cover college students. Your child’s IEP or 504 plan ends when they graduate high school. If your child had an IEP or 504 plan in high school, they will have to start the documentation and accommodation process again in college.

What should my child do when they start college?

Colleges do not have a responsibility to locate persons with disabilities. Your child will need to identify their disability, provide documentation, and request assistance.

What are colleges required to provide for students with disabilities?

Colleges cannot discriminate based on disability. Their programs must be accessible to students with disabilities. This includes providing building access, communication aids, and academic accommodations. They must also offer comparable accessible housing to students with disabilities at the same cost as others.

Do colleges make testing accommodations?

Yes. Colleges must establish a process for making their tests accessible to students with disabilities. Examples of this include allowing extended time, providing a distraction-free space, sign language interpreters, readers, and alternative test formats.

How else can my child prepare?

Your child may want to work on life skills like organization and time management. They should understand their disability and the accommodations they will need. Practicing self-advocacy skills will also help them request accommodations.