It is important to understand that colleges do not have the same accommodations policies as high schools. Please read the following information carefully.
In high school the school has responsibilities that include the following:
Identify students with disabilities
Provide assessment of learning disabilities
Classify disabilities according to specified diagnostic categories
Involve parents or guardians in placement decisions
Provide certain non-academic services
Place students in programs where they can benefit (in any way) subject to placement committee and parent participation and approval
Structure a large part of the studentÕs weekly schedule
Modify educational programs
Prepare Individualized Education Plans (IEPÕs)
Provide a free and appropriate education
Provide appropriate services by the school nurse or health service
In contrast to the responsibilities of high schools, at the post secondary level, responsibilities change as follows.
It is the studentÕs responsibility to:
Self identify or disclose their disability
Provide verifying documentation
Obtain assessment and test results and provide them to the College
Act as independent adults
Arrange their own weekly schedules
Contact their instructors regarding assistance
Arrange for and obtain their own personal tutoring
It is the post secondary schoolÕs responsibility to:
Protect a studentÕs right to privacy and confidentiality
Provide access to programs and services which are accessible to persons with disabilities
Inform students of office locations and procedures for requesting accommodations
Accept and evaluate verifying documentation
Determine that a mental or physical impairment causes a substantial limitation of a major life activity (see definition of disability) based on student-provided verifying documents
Determine whether students are otherwise qualified for participation in the program or service, with or without accommodations; and if so, whether a reasonable accommodation is possible
Make reasonable accommodations for students who meet the above qualifying criteria
Provide reasonable access to program and service choices
Make reasonable adjustments in instructional programs and teaching methods which do not alter the essential content of a course or program
Assure that off-campus and contracted program facilities also comply with Section 504 (Subpart E and ADA)
Inform students of their rights and responsibilities (Other differences may exist for post-secondary institutions, which provide housing programs, health services, psychological counseling services, and extensive international programs.)
Post secondary institutions are not required to:
Reduce or adjust the essential requirements of a course of program
Conduct testing and assessment of learning disabilities
Provide personal attendants
Provide personal or private tutors (but tutoring services normally available to person without disabilities must be accessible to persons with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for those services)
Prepare ÒIndividual Education PlansÓ (IEP's)
Remember:
Privacy: Students in colleges and universities are considered adults, with privacy and confidentiality protections. College staff cannot talk with parents and guardians about a studentÕs academic activities as was typical in K-12. Any student over 18 years old, may sign the ÒFERPAÓ or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, if they so choose, granting permission to parents or named others to have such discussions with College staff.
Eligibility for special education services in high schools is diagnosis driven (i.e., the student must be diagnosed as having one of eleven specified conditions). Eligibility for reasonable accommodations in post-secondary institutions is driven by severity of impact on a major life activity (i.e., a mental or physical impairment which significantly limits a major life activity).
College students must structure and plan their own study time; colleges do not set up study periods or provide for time to do homework in most classes.
Professors and classes may differ regarding attendance requirements, scheduling, assignment due dates, and exams. The student must study each professorÕs syllabus for each class.
Students with disabilities must register with the Academic Success Center (ASC) if they want to request accommodations and must provide verifying documentation such as psycho-educational test results, medical documents and doctorÕs statements. The documentation must verify the disability, describe the extent of the impairment and provide information, which verifies the need for specific accommodation.
For more information, contact Judy Wasmann at 650-543-3845.
