College Accommodations 101: A Guide for Students and Families
College Accommodations are Different from High School
Families often assume that Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans will seamlessly carry over to college. In fact, colleges operate under different laws. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does not apply in college as it does in K-12 settings. Instead, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require colleges to provide reasonable accommodations. Students must self‑disclose their disabilities, provide documentation and request accommodations. Understanding this shift and preparing early helps ensure that support is in place from day one.
Know Your Rights
Reasonable accommodations are designed to provide equal access to educational programs, but they cannot fundamentally alter coursework or impose undue burden on the institution (Preparing for college: Students with disabilities). Typical accommodations include extended time on exams, quiet testing environments, note‑taking support, priority registration, accessible course materials and reduced course loads. Students must recognize that colleges are required to provide these services, but will not proactively seek out eligible students. Self‑advocacy by the student is essential.
Steps to Request Accommodations
Start early. Contact the disability services office as soon as a college decision is made. Early communication ensures there is time to process documentation and develop a plan before classes start.
Gather documentation. Colleges may require recent evaluations or medical records demonstrating the need for accommodations. High‑school records often suffice, but each school has their own rules. Keep copies of psycho‑educational evaluations, doctor’s letters and past accommodation plans.
Schedule an intake meeting. Request an appointment with a disability specialist to discuss your needs and learn about available services. At many schools, accommodations are determined through an interactive process that requires self‑disclosure, documentation and an initial meeting.
Review your accommodation plan. Once approved, you will receive a Student Accommodation Plan listing your accommodations. Review the plan carefully and make sure to renew it each semester.
Communicate with professors. After you submit a semester request, accommodation letters are sent to your instructors, but you still may need to remind them of what accommodations you are entitled to. Make appointments with professors during office hours to discuss how the accommodations will be implemented.
Beyond Basic Accommodations
Accommodations level the playing field but do not replace the need for executive‑function skills. To succeed in college, students must master self‑advocacy, time management and organization skills in addition to whatever academic requirements are on their plate (From High School to College: Building Executive Function Skills for a Smooth Transition and Why You Need Expert Guidance). College Success Plan coaches help students prepare by teaching them how to schedule appointments, communicate with professionals, follow through on plans, study effectively and take meaningful notes. We help students develop the myriad of skills needed for success in college and in life, ultimately saving resources that otherwise may be spent on lost credits and extra semesters (The ROI of Structure: Why College Support Pays for Itself).
If your student needs accommodations in college, don’t wait until the last minute. The approval process for accommodations can take several weeks. Make sure you understand your student’s rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This knowledge empowers you to advocate for yourself effectively. Elizabeth Hamblet’s book, 7 Steps to College Success - A Pathway for Students with Disabilities is an excellent resource to familiarize yourself with disability services and applicable laws in higher education vs. the secondary school level.
Accommodations are Just the Start. Coaching can Make a World of Difference.
Setting up accommodations and utilizing them in the best way possible are critical steps for college students who learn and think differently. At College Success Plan, our coaches are experts in helping students take advantage of all of the resources available at their particular institution, but that is just the start. Our one-on-one coaching programs support students at any institution, from small liberal arts colleges to flagship state universities, and provide an individualized level of support that goes far beyond that available at most (if not all) institutions (The Difference Between Campus Support Centers and College Success Plan Individualized Coaching).
Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how we can help your student make the most of all college has to offer!
