The time has finally come: senior year. Excitement builds as your young adult joins in all the senior festivities. But it also comes with significant stress. What’s next? Some students with disabilities will transition to a job, supported employment, vocational training or other activities that align with their independent living skills. Many others will attend college. Parents may feel anxious as their young adult with a disability transitions from a more supportive high school environment to college, where the laws and policies are very different. Understanding what to look for and how to prepare for college-level accommodations can help you set your future college student up for success. 

What’s the Difference? 

Throughout your child’s school career, federal laws have guided their education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that public schools identify, plan and provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. However, the protections of IDEA do not extend into college. 

That doesn’t mean that there is no support, though. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 requirements remain in effect. This means that colleges are legally required to provide equal access to education for students who self-identify as having a disability and produce documentation to receive accommodations in college classes. 

The result is a shift for students who may have become accustomed to special education services and accommodations in public schools. As they enter college, services become less prominent, and accommodations take center stage. Depending on the student’s needs, accommodations may focus on physical accessibility, educational access or other individual needs. It’s not uncommon to see students receiving accommodations such as small-group testing, additional time for tests or assignments, note-takers or preferred seating, among others. 

What to Look For? 

It’s important to visit potential colleges in person if possible. If not, do so virtually. This allows you and your young adult to see how accessible classes, buildings and activities are. Look for a clearly-defined office of disability services or accessibility. Visit their website, contact an accessibility specialist or visit their offices during a physical tour. Ask about the process for requesting accommodations, the services they offer, the types of accommodations they typically provide for students with similar needs as your child’s and other services offered by the college that may be helpful (e.g., tutoring, writing centers, accessible housing, mental health counseling, technology resources, transportation, etc.). 

Where to Start 

Once your young adult has been accepted to college, reach back out to the accessibility office for the next steps and a timeline of activities and due dates. Some schools require a current evaluation (within the past three years), while others accept older IEPs or 504 plans. 

Advocacy in Action 

Throughout the process, encourage your young adult to communicate their needs, schedule meetings and present their own documentation. Emphasize that self-advocacy builds independence and confidence. Remember, colleges want their students to succeed. At the same time, they rely on students to take initiative and speak up when they have needs related to a disability that require accommodations. 

As your young adult transitions into this new phase of life, encourage them to seek and utilize the accommodations needed to help them achieve success.