Requesting College-level Accommodations 

Can I get accommodations in College?

Yes!  You can request accommodations in college, but just like the rest of college, it will be different from high school, and no college or university does it the exact same way.

How do I get accommodations in College?

Identify the Point of Contact(s)

Every college or university should have a point of contact or department who can help you process these requests. You can usually find that can help you process these requests by searching the name of your school + "disability services" or "accessibility services" or "accommodations" (e.g. "Delgado Community College Accessibility Services."  The names of these positions and departments are different at each campus, so if you are having a hard time finding it, don't be afraid to call your school and ask about these resources.

Here are some examples from local colleges and universities:

• Delgado Community College: Office of Accessibility

• Loyola University New Orleans: Office of Accessible Education

• The University of New Orleans Office of Accessibility Services (formerly referred to as the Office of Disability Services)

• Southern University - BR Disability Services

Provide Your Documentation and Requests

It is recommended that you submit your most current Individualized Education Plan - IEP (SPED), Individualized Accommodations Plan - IAP (504 Plan), or health plan / medical diagnosis AND with an accommodations request letter from your High School 504 or SPED Counselor so they can provide a letter (see template) to your college and university.  This is because colleges do not provide the same accommodations and/or modifications as high schools, so you should use this worksheet to help you know what to advocate for. 

In addition to sharing these documents with them, most schools require you to complete intake surveys and/or have a formal meeting with the department so make sure you follow up with them about what else you need to do.

Advocate to your teachers (EVERY SEMESTER!)

After completing the previous steps, you'll want to register for classes and send your schedule to the office.  They will then send you and your professors a letter indicating your accommodations, but you should still contact your professor (preferably in person either after class or during office hours) to make sure they got your accommodations letter and ask them to recommend what they can do to get those accommodations for this particular class.  For example, before your first exam and your first assignments are due, you'll want to remind your professor about any accommodations or modificiations (preferably in writing so you have documentation that you requested it in case they don't provide it).  Most professors will be grateful for the reminders because they are often teaching multiple classes and at the beginning of semesters they may get 20 emails about students who need accommodations, or they may get assigned to a class last minute and never receive that letter, but it is up to you to be proactive about that, and if you need help or a professor is refusing to provide accommodations, follow up with the Accessibility Services Contact for your school. 

Other Recommended Services

There are additional programs at colleges and universities that are designed to help students succeed and also make it a more inclusive space for students.  Check out these options at your school and take advantage of them -- your tuition is paying for these services so you might as well use it to get the most out of your college experience!

Summer "bootcamps", orientations, and first-year experience programs

Many colleges and universities offer summer bridge programs, orientation sessions, and first-year experience courses designed to help students transition successfully from high school to college by introducing them to campus resources, study strategies, technology platforms, and college expectations. Schools like University of New Orleans and Delgado Community College provide programs that help students build connections with advisors, peer mentors, and other students before classes officially begin. These programs are often especially helpful for first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and anyone who wants extra support adjusting to college life.

Tutoring, writing-centers, and reference librarians.

Most colleges provide free academic support services such as tutoring centers, writing labs, math labs, and reference librarians to help students improve assignments, prepare for exams, conduct research, and strengthen study skills. Writing centers can help with essays, resumes, presentations, and citations, while librarians can teach students how to use academic databases, find credible sources, and complete research projects more effectively. Many campuses, including University of New Orleans, also offer peer tutoring and subject-specific academic support for challenging college courses. 

Work-study jobs (on-campus paid work / community partnerships)

Federal Work-Study and other student employment programs allow eligible students to earn money while attending college through part-time jobs on campus or with approved community organizations. Students may work in offices, libraries, tutoring centers, recreation facilities, research labs, or nonprofit organizations while gaining professional experience, building resumes, and developing workplace skills. Many schools also offer flexible schedules that are designed to fit around class times and academic responsibilities. 

Research Opportunities (paid and unpaid)

Colleges and universities often provide opportunities for students to participate in faculty-led research projects, creative activities, and internships that help students explore careers and build professional experience. Depending on the program, students may earn academic credit, stipends, hourly pay, or volunteer experience while developing skills in communication, problem-solving, data collection, and teamwork. Research opportunities are available in many fields, including science, engineering, education, business, social sciences, and the arts. 

LRS (Louisiana Rehab Services)

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) is a state program that helps eligible students and adults with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment through career counseling, educational support, assistive technology, job training, and other transition services. College students with disabilities may work with LRS counselors to receive assistance with tuition, transportation, career planning, and accommodations related to employment goals. Many Louisiana colleges and universities partner with LRS to help students successfully transition from school into the workforce.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded college support program that helps eligible students — especially first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities — succeed academically and graduate from college. Services often include tutoring, academic advising, financial aid assistance, mentoring, workshops, career counseling, and transfer or graduate school planning. Programs such as the TRIO office at University of New Orleans are designed to help students build confidence, stay connected to campus resources, and navigate college more successfully. 

Counseling Services

Most colleges and universities provide counseling services that support students’ mental health, emotional wellness, stress management, and personal development while in college. Students may have access to free or low-cost short-term counseling, crisis support, workshops, support groups, and referrals for additional mental health care when needed. Schools such as University of New Orleans offer counseling services that help students manage personal challenges that may interfere with academic success 

Career Services

Career Services offices help students explore careers, prepare for the workforce, and connect with internships and job opportunities during and after college. Services commonly include resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, career assessments, networking events, career fairs, internship placement assistance, and help finding part-time or full-time employment. Many colleges also provide online job platforms where students can search for internships, campus jobs, and professional opportunities.

Clubs, Extracurriculars, Student Life, Greek Life

Student organizations, clubs, campus events, leadership programs, fraternities, sororities, and cultural organizations help students build friendships, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging while in college. Colleges typically offer dozens — and sometimes hundreds — of organizations related to academics, hobbies, service, advocacy, religion, arts, gaming, and professional interests. Getting involved outside the classroom can help students feel more connected to campus and develop valuable teamwork and leadership experience. 

Fitness Centers, Athletics, and Intramurals

Most colleges and universities provide fitness centers, recreation facilities, intramural sports, and wellness programs that encourage students to stay physically active and connected with other students. Intramural sports allow students to join recreational teams for activities like basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, and esports without needing to be varsity athletes. Many campuses also offer gyms, workout classes, swimming pools, and outdoor recreation opportunities that are included in student fees or tuition.