The process for obtaining accommodations in college differs from what families may be accustomed to under high school IEPs or 504 Plans.

1. Understand the Law

In college, accommodations are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Unlike high school, where schools are required to identify students who need support, in college, students must self-advocate and initiate the process.

2. Gather Your Documentation

Most colleges require recent documentation that outlines:

• A diagnosed disability (learning, physical, psychological, etc.)
• How the disability affects learning or daily functioning
• Recommendations for appropriate accommodations

This may include a psychoeducational evaluation, medical records, or a letter from a licensed provider. Some colleges accept a current IEP or 504 Plan as supporting documentation, but not always as the primary source.

3. Contact the College's Disability Services Office

Every college has a Disability Services (DS) or Accessibility Office. Students should:

• Visit the office's website for application procedures (colleges will generally outline what documentation is required)
• Submit documentation before the semester starts (earlier is better!)
• Schedule a meeting to discuss their needs

This meeting is essential—students will discuss their challenges, share what has worked in the past, and collaborate with staff to determine appropriate accommodations. There will be a window for appealing the granted accommodations, if needed, so pay attention to the deadline.

4. Common College Accommodations

Accommodations are tailored to individual needs but may include:

• Extended time on tests
• Note-taking assistance or lecture recordings
• Quiet testing environments
• Use of assistive technology (speech-to-text, audiobooks, etc.)
• Housing or dining adjustments

Colleges don't automatically inform teachers about accommodations. Some possible scenarios include:

• The college may have an accommodations portal where students can select the accommodations they'd like to use for each class.
• The college Disability/Accessibility Office may inform professors directly.
• Students may need to email each professor and/or go to office hours and have each teacher sign a form (which then must be returned to Disability Services).

Prepare for a onerous process!

5. Encourage Student Independence

College students are legally adults. Parents cannot initiate or manage accommodations on behalf of their child and will not be copied on any emails or communications (which will generally be sent to the student's new college email address). You can help your student build self-advocacy skills:

• Practice explaining their needs and strengths
• Encourage them to speak directly with professors and staff
• Remind them it's okay to ask for help

6. Renew and Adjust Accommodations as Needed

Accommodations don't automatically carry over from one semester to the next. Students may need to:

• Request new letters each term from professors.
• Revisit the DS office if a change in classes or health occurs.
• Visit the accommodations portal and make updates before the next semester starts (students will usually get an email in Nov/Dec asking students if they want to continue accommodations.