An accommodation is a modification or adjustment to instructional methods and/or a course, program, service, activity, or facility that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity. An equal opportunity means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly-situated student without a disability.

• A Disability Services office is required by law to be on every college campus that receives federal funding, evaluates the requests, and determines if the requests are supported by the documentation.

• Reasonable accommodations are determined through an interactive and individualized process with the student. This process begins with a request for services, initiated by the student. All students requesting accommodations need to self-identify with the school's center for accommodations and provide appropriate documentation of their disability, illness, injury, or medical condition.  

• The Disability Services office on the college campus is there to guide students through the process of requesting and notifying the instructors of the student’s accommodations.  

• It is a good idea to visit the Disability Services office at the colleges you are considering attending on campus visits and before classes start.  Talk to them about accommodations, documentation, etc. It is just as important that this office is a good fit for you as it is for the rest of the campus.

• What each college wants/accept for documentation to qualify students for accommodations varies. 

• When colleges review documentation, they are typically looking for:

  • A diagnosis- updated/recent psychological evaluation or a medical doctor’s report

  • Information about how the diagnosis impairs one or more major life activities

  • How the disability impacts the individual in an academic setting

  • It can also be helpful to have the healthcare provider include information about frequency and severity of symptoms, especially if it is a condition that flares up from time to time.

  • IEP/504- Most recent 3 year high school reevaluation.

Just because an accomodation is received in high school and recommended in the psychological evaluation, does not mean it will be approved at the collegiate level.  At the college level an accommodation does not change or alter curriculum or the requirements of a class.  Accommodations that provide equal access to learning, such as, assistive technology to help with reading and comprehension will be granted at the college level if documentation supports the need, because the assistive technology provides access to the reading material that other students are reading and understanding.

Typical accommodations at the college level include:

• Note Taker

• Extra Time on Exams

• Private Room for Exams

• Assistive Technology- i.e. Text to Speech

• Use of Computer for Taking Notes or Answering Essay Questions

• Early Registration

• Foreign Language Substitution

As with all students, it is crucial for students with special needs to visit college campuses, to better understand the available services and resources on the college campus. When scheduling a campus visit, the student should make arrangements to meet with Disability Support Services (this name varies by campus). Doing so establishes the student’s ability to self-advocate. It will also allow the opportunity to ask faculty about what supports & resources are available to students.

• What are the procedures and timelines for applying for and receiving eligible services?

• What accommodations are available on campus and how are they accessed?

• Are there additional costs for services?

• Are students with similar needs being serviced at this school? If so, how many?

• Are tutorial services available? If so, who administers them – peers or professionals?

• Are policies in place to protect the confidentiality of student records?

• Is there someone who will help my student obtain the necessary services and accommodations?

• Is there a professional available who is knowledgeable about learning disabilities, who will be available to help my student?

• Are there organized support groups for students with similar needs?

• Are there courses available to help students with time management, study skills, organization, test-taking, etc.?

College Fairs for Students with Special Needs

The Choices College Fair and Options College Fair are regional post-secondary planning nights for students with disabilities who are college bound. For the most up-to-date information, and to view past presentations, please visit the Choices Fair website or the Options Fair website. Additionally, families can review the Choices College Disability Programs and Support Services Guide.

• New Illinois law regarding students with IEP/504 plans coming to college January 1, 2024

• Modifications vs Accommodations: High School vs College

• Difference Between High School and College Disability Services 

• Aurora University Pathways Program 

• UI Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (REACH) Program

• Learning Disabilities Association of American

• Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)

• National Center for Learning Disabilities

• CHADD: The National Resource on ADHD