College Transition FAQs

Does my IEP go to college?

No, the IEP is a requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Act while regulates special education in K-12 public schools. College, universities and other post-secondary schools are regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any post-secondary institution receiving any kind of federal funding, including federal financial aide is required to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications based on the student’s disability. IEPs are not part of these laws.

How do I get help?

Students need to contact the disability service person or department on the campus of the post-secondary institute in order to request accommodation or modifications. This is an important step during the initial college visit in order to gauge the “fit” of not just the campus as a whole, but also disability services.

Can I use my IEP to document my disability?

Documentation is a tricky process, and IEPs are not used to document the disability of the student. Different colleges have different requirements for documentation, and it is best to check with each post-secondary institution. Sometimes the psychological evaluation performed by the high school may be used, but not always. It is also best to check early in the planning process in order to make adequate arrangements for securing documentation for post-secondary disability services.

Isn’t my high school required to provide me with documentation?

No, IDEA does not require high schools to provide this documentation. There is also no provision requiring colleges to provide documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to secure adequate documentation. This is not to say that sometimes the documentation used for a student’s special education evaluation in high school might not be able to use for post-secondary documentation. Can’t hurt to try, but try well in advance in case it doesn’t work.

Do I have to tell people I have a disability in college?

No, it is not necessary for you to disclose your disability, but if you don’t you cannot receive accommodations and modifications to assist you. Colleges do not seek people with disabilities in order to provide them with services. If services are needed it is the student’s responsibility to disclose this information. It does not need to be disclosed during the application process, and if you talk to disability services they CANNOT disclose this information to admissions.

What diploma do I need to go to college?

Most 4-year colleges and university require a standard or advanced standard diploma for admission. Community colleges have open admissions, and students may attend with a modified or special diploma. All students at the community college level must first take placements tests in order to determine if they are academically ready for entry level courses. If they do not demonstrate proficiency on the tests they must pay for and successfully pass remedial classes. For this reason, students must be academically prepared no matter which diploma they choose.