Higher Education
Differences Between High School and College
The services a student may receive in college are different from those a student receives in college. In high school, students' educational rights are covered by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act). Students are entitled to a free, appropriate public education, and special education services are offered to students who qualify for services. Students receive accommodations to increase access to the educational environment and curriculum. They also receive specialized instruction to address skill deficits that are related to a disability. Sometimes modifications are made to what students learn.
Colleges, however, must comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the civil Rights Restoration Act. This means that students may receive certain accommodations in order to increase access to the educational environment and curriculum, but specialized instruction and modifications to the curriculum are NOT provided.
In order to receive accommodations, a student must disclose that s/he has a disability and request accommodations. The college will NOT seek out a student to offer accommodations.
*See below for more information on the differences between high school and colleges.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE DISABILITY SERVICES.pdfGateway Technical College - Disability Support Services
Gateway’s Disability Support Services (DSS) provides each campus with a full range of support services. They prepare individualized and reasonable accommodations at the request of learners with documented disabilities. The purpose of DSS is to provide students equal access to learning opportunities to reach their educational goals. We’re committed to assisting the academic needs of every learner and supporting students in their journey to achieve scholastic excellence. We encourage you to request accommodations as early as possible to reap the full benefits of Disability Support Services.
Disability Documentation
In order to document your disability and receive necessary accommodations, here is a summary of the following information generally needed from a licensed professional (such as a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist):
Diagnosis of your disability. If the disability is a learning or psychological disability, we will need the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) classification (see form below.)
The impact of your disability on your ability to learn and participate in classroom activities.
Strategies the teacher will need to implement in order to facilitate learning in the classroom, as well as the accommodations needed
Prognosis for the disability and it’s expected duration.
ADA Medical_Authorization_Form.pdfADA Medical Inquiry Form template, effective 8-18-20 - student pdf (1).pdfUW-Parkside Disability Services
UW-Parkside is committed to high-quality educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to a diverse student population. To fulfill this mission, Disability Services recognizes that all persons, regardless of ability, are an integral part of our community. Further, it is our goal to effectively collaborate with students, instructors, staff and community members to create usable, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments.
Documentation Guidelines
Providing documentation of disability is the responsibility of the student. In general, the less obvious the disability, the more information is required to assess a student's needs and make accommodation recommendations.
Documentation should be recent, relevant and comprehensive and, where appropriate, contain test scores and interpretation (e.g. learning disability reports, audiograms, etc.). If the original documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability or reasonable accommodation, the university has the discretion to require additional documentation. Any cost incurred in obtaining additional documentation is also borne by the student.
Shepherds College
Shepherds College is a three-year post-secondary school that assists young adults with intellectual disabilities in successfully transitioning from school to work, and from home to independent living.
We are one of only a few resources for students with intellectual disabilities in the nation. Students at Shepherds College receive education, skills training, and support to successfully bridge the gap from school and home to Appropriate Independence.
Along with studies in Culinary Arts, Technology and Horticulture, Shepherds College offers a general education program that is focused on helping the students develop skills they will need for everyday life. The Functional Academic classes are practical in nature, reviewing and then building on the aptitude each student possesses. Like the other components of Shepherds College, the intent of these classes is to assist students in their personal transition and pursuit of Appropriate Independence in their work, home, and social life.
Watch Videos to Learn More
Application Process
UW-Whitewater - L.I.F.E Program
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program will provide a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability. With ample supports, specialized instruction, on-campus residential living, and community integration, the program serves a critical need in our region and community. The program will have two components, which includes a Basic Program (2 years) and an Advanced Program (2 years) that are designed to facilitate independent living and employment success for persons with significant cognitive limitations. Brief highlights of the program are as follows.
Learn More about UW-LIFE
View the UWW-LIFE Open House
24-25 Application Packet
LIFE student Application 24-25.pdf