Learning Differences & Disabilities
Students in high school who have disabilities are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which provides services to ensure that students are successful in school. Parents are actively involved in this process and work with the school to ensure the best outcome for their child. A free high school education is a RIGHT but that changes once we look at college.
Summertime is the best time to send a copy of your 504 or IEP to your chosen college. If you have a copy of a recent psycho-educational assessment, send that along
It is very important to visit the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus you visit to see what they require for documentation and what they offer for services/accommodations.
In college, the focus and rights shift from parent to student once they turn 18. Colleges and universities have different governing laws (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) which are more about access and reasonable accommodations. The college is not required to provide special programs, nor do they guarantee success. There is a multi-tiered system to be aware of when looking at different colleges.
The above information is found here at ThinkCollege.net and explained in depth.
There are some differences between which laws cover different types of schools.
The PACER Center covers those questions in the ADA Q&A file at the bottom of this page.
Colleges offer supports as minimal as peer tutoring and as comprehensive as fee-based specialized programs based on individual needs (see the Spectrum of Support file at the bottom of the page from Bass Educational Services). It is crucial to research what supports are in place at the colleges you are interested in.
The CollegeBoard (SAT) and the ACT both have accommodations for testing...make sure you are eligible and have requested yours by seeing your school counselor or case manager.
Are you ready to start looking for colleges that are the right fit for your specific learning needs?
Judy Bass of Bass Educational Services, LLC created a website just for you! It's online service is FREE. (you may choose to go deeper for a fee service but start here - the resources are amazing!).
