The transition from high school to college requires that students with disabilities contact disability services well in advance of actual enrollment. Many colleges and universities have a diverse student population with many different needs and services which need to be planned in advance. Pre-enrollment services may be needed for assessment testing or other college requirements.
Successful accommodations come from effective collaboration between the student, college staff and faculty. Students are encouraged to:
- Know your rights as well as your responsibilities.
- Learn to communicate your needs, but be flexible.
- Become familiar with the college website. Know how to use the hardware and software needed for access.
- Utilize tools for independent access to college programs, services, and activities.
Especially for students attending college for the first time, here's a comparison between high school and college:
High School |
College |
|---|---|
|
School 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. |
Full time students attend class 12-18 hours per week. |
|
The school year is about 9 months long. |
The academic year is two 16 week semesters. |
|
Time is structured by others; teachers closely monitor attendance. |
Students arrange their own schedule and manage their own time. |
|
Students are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate. |
Students are expected to know the graduation requirements for their particular program. |
|
Teachers check student’s completed homework. |
Instructors may not always check student’s homework. |
|
Teachers might remind students of missed work and often provide students with information they missed when they were absent. |
Instructors may not always remind students of missed work; they expect students to get notes from classmates for any classes they have missed. |
|
Case manager acts as advocate. |
Students advocate for themselves. |
|
Services result from Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). |
Services are based on individual needs, which must be supported by updated documentation, and the requirements for specific classes. |
|
Regular parent contact. |
Parent contact limited by privacy laws. |
|
High schools are required to identify students with disabilities and determine what is needed for the student to be successful |
Colleges are restricted from seeking out students with disabilities due to privacy laws. |
|
Educational and psychological testing is provided. |
Students are responsible for providing documentation to the college. |
|
Entitlement law (IDEA) |
Civil rights – Anti-discrimination law (ADA, Rehabilitation Act, Section 504 and the MN Human Rights Act). |