Students and parents may notice a difference between high school and college-level disability services.  The list below is not exhaustive, but does provide a good overview.

• In high school, eligibility for accommodation is determined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  In college, IDEA does not apply.  Instead, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are in effect and cover students of all ages.
• In high school, students are covered by Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) or 504 Plans.  These plans are no longer valid at the college level.  Accommodations and modifications made on these plans may or may not be the same as accommodations provided in college.
• In high school, it is the responsibility of the school to determine the student’s need for accommodations and to provide such accommodations. In college, it is the responsibility of the student to self-disclose and register a disability with ODS, make a specific request for accommodations, and submit all required documentation.
• In high school students may receive individually designed instruction.  In college, reasonable accommodations may be made to provide equal access, but personal accommodations such as private tutoring or remedial classes are not required.
• In high school, granted accommodations are often coordinated by teachers and administrators for the student.  In college, it is the student’s responsibility to disclose and coordinate accommodations with instructors or staff.   
• In high school, progress toward goals is monitored by teachers and administration and communicated to the student and parents.  In college, students monitor their own progress.
• In high school, parents often advocate for students.  In the college environment, communication is the responsibility of the student.  Each student should be in contact with ODS, as well as with parents, to discuss circumstances or difficulties.  If a student wishes for open lines of communication between ODS and his or her parents, a release of information specific to ODS must be signed and on file at ODS.  At ODS, we view the process of accommodating as a collaborative process between the student and the university.