For many students with disabilities, having an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place during their time in school has been crucial for ensuring they receive the support and accommodations they need to succeed academically. But what happens when these students transition to college?

The short answer is yes, students can use their IEP in college. However, the process of receiving accommodations and support looks a bit different in higher education compared to K-12 schools. In college, students are no longer covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which governs the provision of special education services in K-12 schools. Instead, they are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Under the ADA and Section 504, colleges and universities are required to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, as long as the student provides documentation of their disability and the need for accommodations. This means that students with IEPs can work with their college’s disability services office to develop a new plan for accommodations that is appropriate for the college setting.

Some common accommodations that students with disabilities may receive in college include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, priority registration for classes, and access to assistive technology. These accommodations are designed to help level the playing field for students with disabilities and ensure they have an equal opportunity to succeed in their academic pursuits.

It’s important for students with disabilities to proactively advocate for themselves and reach out to their college’s disability services office early on in their college career. By providing documentation of their disability and discussing their specific needs with disability services staff, students can work together to create a plan for accommodations that meets their individual needs.

While the process of receiving accommodations in college may be different from what students experienced in K-12 schools, it is important for students to know that they still have the right to receive support and accommodations in higher education. By working with their college’s disability services office and proactively advocating for themselves, students with disabilities can successfully navigate their college experience and achieve their academic goals.