Differences Between High School and College for People with Disabilities

This page describes the difference between high school and college for people with disabilities.

Student tutoring at Academic Achievement Center

High School vs. College

Expectations of Students with Disabilities (PDF to Print)

	High School	College
THE LAW	IDEA/504: students are entitled to appropriate public education. The focus is on SUCCESS.	ADA/504: Guarantees equal rights to students with disabilities in higher education. The focus is on EQUAL ACCESS.
DOCUMENTATION	The school district evaluates the students and develops an individualized education program (IEP).	Students provide documentation of a disability to receive accommodations. Evaluations are not provided.
ADVOCACY	Teachers and parents advocate for services.	Students must reach out to request accommodations and services.
ACCOMMODATIONS	Determined as part of the IEP process.	Determined as part of an interactive process. Some accommodations provided in high school may not be considered reasonable in college.
PARENT’S ROLE	Parents have access to student records and can advocate on the student’s behalf.	Parents do not communicate with professors or have access to grades and student information (without written student permission).
TEACHER ROLE	Teachers see students frequently and may remind students of upcoming deadlines.	Professors expect that students read and follow the course syllabus, understand the expectations of the course, and seek help when needed.
INSTRUCTION	Teachers may modify curriculum and the pace of assignments.	Professors are not required to modify curriculum.
TESTS	More frequent tests on less information. May have modified tests.	Fewer tests covering more material. Academic adjustments (e.g. extended time) are given when supported with disability documentation.
STUDY RESPONSIBILITIES	May be able to get studying done within the structured school day.	Substantial reading and writing done outside of class. Expect 2-3 hours of work outside of class for each hour of class time.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES	Some schools may consider disability as a mitigating factor in determining disciplinary outcomes.	All students, regardless of disability status, must be able to adhere to the College’s Code of Conduct.