Requesting Accommodations in College
For most students, the process of transitioning to college is straightforward. However, students with disabilities – including physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, mental health conditions, learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD – have additional considerations leading up to move-in day.
In the K-12 setting, students with disabilities are provided with accommodations by the school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Once a student reaches college, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) goes into effect. Here is what that means:
- In high school, the school is responsible for identifying and evaluating students with disabilities.
- In college, students have to self-identify and request specific accommodations.
What do students with disabilities need to consider to support their transition?
Student “To Do” List-Requesting Accommodations
Once a student is accepted to college, if they want to receive accommodations they will need to do the following things:
- Contact the college’s Disability Support Office (DSO). It may have a different name, such as “Access Services,” “Learning Services,” or “Student Disability Services”.
- Identify what type of documentation is required. All colleges will require documentation of a disability. However, colleges may require different types of documentation. Check the DSO website.
- For students with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia, the college will typically require a neuro-pyschological evaluation that was completed in the last 3-5 years.
- For students with physical disabilities, health conditions, or mental health conditions, the college will typically require documentation from the student’s healthcare provider that outlines the diagnosis and functional limitations (how the student’s condition affects them in the academic setting).
- Request specific accommodations. If a student received accommodations in High School, ask the High School counselor to specify which accommodations. Here are some examples: A student with ADD might request extra time for exams and a private testing room. A student with Crohn’s disease might request breaks during class and exams. A student who uses a wheelchair, might request an ADA accessible dorm room, accessible classroom desks, preferential seating, and modified classroom location. All requests must be supported by the documentation.
The student will need to:
- Submit documentation to the college and set up an appointment to meet with a counselor in the DSO.
- Prepare a list of the accommodations requested and be prepared to talk about each accommodation.
- Meet with the DSO counselor to discuss accommodations and complete the accommodations process.
Resources:
Going to College: A Resource Guide for Teens with Disabilities
Types of College Accommodations and Services
Accessible College provides college transition support for students with physical disabilities and health conditions. If you have questions, contact Annie Tulkin