1. How do I receive disability services at college?

The student needs to contact the Student Accessibility office on campus to start the application process.

2. When do I need to apply for Disability Services?

It is a good idea to start the application process at the Student Accessibility office as soon as you have been admitted into college, so that any accommodations you need will be in place for the first day of class.

3. Can I use my 504 Plan or IEP for documentation of my disability?

If your 504 Plan or IEP contains the necessary information, it will be accepted as documentation. (See Guidelines for Disability Documentation)

4. Will I receive the same services that I received in high school?

Maybe. High school Special Education programs are required by law to provide whatever service, help, or accommodation the student needs to be successful. Colleges are required by law to provide "equal access to education," through programs, activities, and facilities. They provide access by using accommodations - not necessarily services or extra help. Access is provided through reasonable accommodations.

For example, services such as word banks or reduced assignments probably won't be provided because postsecondary schools don't provide modifications that would change the educational standards in coursework.

5. Can a student receive a failing grade for a college class in which he/she is receiving accommodations?

Yes. Accommodations ensure "access," not necessarily "success".

6. I have a disability. Will I be eligible to use accommodations in college?

Maybe. The decision to provide accommodations is based on the activity and whether the disability creates any barriers to doing it. For example, a student who is paralyzed from the waist down has a disability and needs a physically accessible environment. However, this same student would not be eligible to use note taking services or have books on tape, because the disability does not interfere with reading or writing.

7. Will my 504 plan follow me to college?

No, the 504 Plan developed by the high school does not follow the student to college, but the rights and protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply. Section 504 is civil rights legislation and provides two things: 1) nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and 2) an equal opportunity to participate. The concept of "maximizing success" is only found under IDEA for elementary and secondary schools.

8. Who decides what accommodations I can use in college?

The disability services office at the college in which you are enrolled makes the final decision after reviewing your disability documentation and talking with you. Accommodations will be based on how the disability interferes with access to the educational environment and the course curriculum.

9. Do I have to pay for my accommodations?

No. It is the college's responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students with disabilities at no cost to the student.

10. Do colleges and universities provide testing to identify a learning disability?

Colleges and universities are not required to provide testing services. Referrals will be made to the appropriate professionals.

11. Is financial assistance available through the disability services office for students with disabilities?

No. Check with the financial aid office at the school you will be attending. Some agencies that may provide support are: Vocational Rehabilitation, Workers Compensation, Veterans Administration, and Job Service.

12. Will the Student Accessibility office provide services like helping me get ready for the school day or pushing my wheelchair?

No. Services or equipment needed to assist a person with activities of daily living are the responsibility of the individual, not the college.

For example, helping with dressing or reminding someone to take their medication is a personal service that an individual needs in order to function on a daily basis, whether or not they are in college.

If the service or equipment is needed solely for the purpose of participating in a college program or activity, it is the college's responsibility to provide it. For example, the college would provide a writer or scribe for essay tests if the student's disability prevented her/him from writing. The college, however, is not obligated to provide a writer so that same student could do homework or write personal letters.