IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are very different, leading to miscommunication between college and high school staff who have studied only the statues applying to their institution. For example, in high school, a student classified as learning disabled in a specific area (i.e., reading comprehension), may also receive special services in another area (i.e., math). In college, a student is only eligible to receive accommodations that are directly associated with the specific identified disability. In other words, accommodations listed in individual education plans (IEPs) developed at a high school are not binding on a college or university.
Differences Between High School and College
| High School | College |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973Americans with Disabilities ActCivil Rights Restoration Act | Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973Americans with Disabilities ActCivil Rights Restoration Act |
| Responsibilities of High Schools | Responsibilities of Colleges |
| Identify students with disabilitiesProvide assessment of learning disabilitiesClassify disabilities according to specified diagnostic categoriesInvolve parents or guardians in placement decisionsProvide certain nonacademic servicesPlace students in programs where they can benefit (in any way) by placement committee with parent participation and approvalStructure a large part of the student’s weekly scheduleModify educational programsPrepare Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs)Provide a free and appropriate educationProvide appropriate services by school nurse or health service | Protect a student’s right to privacy and confidentialityProvide access to programs and servicesInform students of office location and procedures for requesting accommodationsAccept and evaluate verifying documentationDetermine (via documentation) that an impairment causes a substantial limitation on a major life activityDetermine for students who are otherwise qualified for participation in the program or service whether a reasonable accommodation is possibleMake reasonable accommodations for students who meet the above criteriaProvide reasonable access to program and service choices equal to those available to general publicSuggest reasonable adjustments in teaching methods that do not alter the essential content of a course or programAssure that off-campus and contracted program facilities also comply with Section 504 (Subpart E) and ADAInform students of their rights and responsibilities |
| Colleges are not required to: | |
| Reduce or waive any of the essential requirements of a course or programConduct testing and assessment of learning, psychological, or medical disabilitiesProvide personal attendantsProvide personal or private tutors (but tutoring services normally available to persons without disabilities must be accessible to persons with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for those services)Prepare “Individual Education Plans” (IEPs) | |
Disability Services (ADA)
Margaret Rapp, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) & Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) Director, Disability Services
- Potter Hall 105
- Phone: 903-510-2878
- Email: mrap@tjc.edu