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The Difference Between Disability Accommodations in High School vs. College

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Many students and families assume that disability accommodations in college work the same way they do in high school. They don’t. Understanding this difference before college starts can prevent confusion, missed support, and unnecessary stress. For many students with disabilities, the transition from high school to college is exciting, but it can also be confusing, especially when it comes to accommodations. While support still exists in college, how it works is very different. Understanding these differences ahead of time can make the transition smoother and less stressful.

IEPs Do Not Transfer to College

A common misconception is that an IEP carries over into college. It does not. In fact, if you use the term IEP in college, the only people who will likely understand what that is are the disability services support staff. 

However, your IEP or 504 plan can still be helpful:

  • As documentation of your history when requesting accommodations from your college
  • To support your accommodation requests
  • To guide conversations with disability services

Colleges determine accommodations case by case, based on the ADA and Section 504 laws, not on what you received in high school.

Support Is Still There, It Just Looks Different

College disability services offices are there to help, but they won’t automatically step in. Disability support in college is:

  • Designed to ensure equal access
  • Only available to those who qualify and request it through your colleges accommodation request process. 

Responsibility Shifts to the Student

In high school, accommodations are often automatic:

  • Teachers are informed for you
  • Parents and counselors advocate on your behalf
  • IEP or 504 plans are managed by the school

In college, you are responsible for:

  • Requesting any needed accommodations with the disability/accessibility services office
  • Providing documentation
  • Communicating with professors (often using accommodation letters)

This shift can feel overwhelming at first, but with some preparation on what to expect and how to handle any issues that may arise, you’ll be just fine. 

Accommodations Look Different

Because the law that protects students with disabilities changes from high school to college, some high school supports are not available in college.

Common high school supports that will not apply to college:

  • Modified curriculum
  • Reduced homework expectations
  • One-on-one classroom aides
  • Frequent teacher check-ins

Common college accommodations include:

  • Extended exam time
  • Reduced-distraction testing
  • Note-taking support or lecture recordings
  • Priority registration
  • Flexible attendance (when appropriate)
  • Accessible housing or classroom seating

College accommodations focus on removing barriers, not changing what you’re expected to learn.

Professors Are Not Case Managers

In high school, teachers often:

  • Track your progress closely
  • Remind you of deadlines
  • Adjust instruction proactively

In college:

  • Professors teach the course content
  • They are not required to monitor your disability needs
  • They implement accommodations only if you request them

This means it’s important to:

  • Share accommodation letters early
  • Ask questions when needed
  • Follow up if accommodations aren’t being implemented

Parents Take a Step Back

Because of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), colleges usually cannot discuss your academic or disability information with parents without a student’s written consent.

This can be a big adjustment for families, which is why it’s important to practice speaking up for yourself now. 

The transition from high school to college disability accommodations isn’t about losing support; it’s about changing how support works. College requires more self-advocacy, communication, and responsibility, but students are not expected to do it alone.

If you’re an incoming college student with a disability, reaching out to disability services early, asking questions, and understanding your rights can make all the difference.

You belong in higher education, and support exists to give you an equal opportunity to succeed.