| High School | College |
| Special education is provided to students through IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. | Accessibility (or Disability) Services are provided to students through the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. |
| A “Free and Appropriate Public Education” is a right, and schools must provide services and specialists to meet students’ needs. | College education is an opportunity, colleges must provide access, but students need to meet criteria as defined under the ADA law as “otherwise qualified.” |
| School districts are responsible for identifying a student’s area of disability. | Students must self-identify to Accessibility Servies Office. |
| School districts provide students with free testing and evaluations. | Students are responsible for providing documentation, if not current, students must obtain and pay for up-to-date evaluations and medical records. |
| An IEP or a 504 Plan determines what type of education and services are provided to the students. | A Letter of Accommodations is created through an interactive process with the student and Accessibility Services Coordinator. |
| Personal services for medical or physical disabilities are required by law and provided by school districts. | The college is not required to provide personal services or individualized educational support, such as tutors. |
| Curriculum can be modified to meet students’ needs. | There are no modifications, students need to meet the course objectives. Students must meet the same criteria as the other students for health, character, technical standards, conduct codes, and course objectives. |
| Fundamental alterations of programs and curricula are required. | No fundamental alterations of programs and curricula are required. Students are given equal opportunity to pursue courses through reasonable accommodations. |
| School districts provide educators with the IEP or 504 Plan to define students’ education services. | Students must self-advocate and request their Letter of Accommodations to be provided to their instructors. |
For more information on the transition from high school to college please review Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education.