Higher Education Access: Why College Accommodations are Different

Geoff Cook
Geoff Cook Member (Full) Posts: 156
in Education and Skills Development

Higher Education Access: Why College Accommodations are Different

We know your access journey doesn't end when you graduate high school—it just changes! We're sharing this important legal article because it clearly explains one of the most confusing parts of the transition to college: disability accommodations.

The system for accommodations in K-12 schools (like IEPs or 504 plans) is often very different from what you'll find in post-secondary education. The legal landscape shifts, and the responsibility moves much more toward student self-advocacy. You need to know the rules!

This National Law Review article breaks down those processes and the key legal distinctions—it’s a must-read for students, parents, and advocates preparing for higher education. Knowing the rules empowers your advocacy!

Read the full details here: Navigating Disability Accommodations in Higher Education

Community Question: If you've personally navigated this transition, what was the biggest challenge or most surprising difference between high school and college accommodations? Your insights are so valuable to others!

Comments

  • Sarah Tuberty
    Sarah Tuberty Posts: 94

    I had difficult experiences in my graduate school education within an occupational therapy program. I did not apply for disability services in the beginning portion of my schooling- however, when it came to fieldwork placements/clinical rotations my school placed me in 3 different settings- of which I did not have the opportunity to interview with the site before hand. As a person with a limb difference, who is now being expected to engage in specific physical skills I was unsure how accommodating the fieldwork placements could be. And because I did not know the nature of the setting, or the skills I would be learning, I was unsure what to ask for. I went to my schools disability office and was shrugged off as not really needing accommodations. I felt completely lost in navigating how to ask for the things I needed in my fieldwork setting, and I did not get clear advice on whether to disclose or not disclose my limb difference to my fieldwork sites. It was tough, because the site could fail me and that prevents my ability to graduate and sit for my board exams. It ended up all being fine in my case, however, I have friends who have limb differences and they were failed in their clinical settings. It was all unnecessarily stressful!

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