As you transition from high school to college, you might notice that what types of accommodations you receive, and how you access them are changing. There are significant differences in the goals of accommodations, legal protections for students, and who has the most responsibilities. It’s important to be aware of how these differences will affect your experience.
How do high school accommodations work?
High school accommodations fall under the IDEA act, as well as Section 504 and the ADA. Schools are responsible for identifying students who need accommodations, providing necessary evaluations, and notifying teachers. Especially when students are younger, parents might have significant involvement in managing accommodations and meeting with teachers.
The goal of high school accommodations is to help students succeed. Class or curriculum requirements might be changed, and test or assignment material may be modified.
How do college accommodations work?
There are no specific legal protections for college students (although the ADA and 504 still apply). Students request accommodations and provide appropriate documentation. Students are also responsible for notifying professors at the start of every semester (at Wellesley this process is done through AIM). Finally, there is no parental involvement, and professors are often not allowed to discuss a student's progress with their parents.
In college classes, the goal is to provide equal access to opportunities, not success. Graduation, class, or curriculum requirements won’t be modified, and neither will test or assignment material.
What are the key differences between high school and college accommodations?
In college, much more of the responsibility of accessing accommodations falls on the student, rather than parents or the school. This means that you’ll need to work on strategies to help you stay organized, and know how to advocate for yourself and where to access documentation of your disability.
In college, you might also have new types of accommodations, such as housing, transportation, or dining accommodations that you didn’t need while living at home.
What are common college accommodations?
Common accommodations at the college level include a note taker; extra time or an alternative room for exams; assistive technology; use of a computer for taking notes, early registration for classes or housing, a single room, or using the access van.
What resources are available at Wellesley?
Resources available include ADR, Student Access Advocates (ADR’s student workers), the Class Deans, peer tutors, Academic Success Coaches, the Stone Center (mental health resources), and professors. For some accommodations, talking to your RA, HP, or CD can also be helpful.