Students may or may not be aware that the process for accessing services is very different from the process they experienced in high school, primarily because the federal law that protects their rights has changed. 

Advisors/faculty members may be told by a student that they received services in high school and may possibly expect that services will transfer.  Therefore, a general understanding of the differences is important. 

A disconnect appears to exist between the assessment information high schools provide and what colleges require.

IDEA vs. ADA/504

IDEA (K-12)

• Requires K-12 schools to seek out students with disabilities and provide whatever help they need to be successful
• Students are tested at no charge
• If a disability is suspected, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed.  Support as dictated by IEP
• If special education services are not needed, a 504 Plan is developed
  

ADA/504 (Postsecondary Institutions)

• Civil Rights legislation designed to provide equal access to programs
• Modification or adjustment
• Student must support request with appropriate documentation - rationale for reasonable accommodations
• Documentation must provide adequate information on fundamental impact so effective accommodations can be identified