From High School IEP to College 504: What Every Family Should Know

Q: What Changes?

In college, the responsibility shifts from the school to the student. Rather than the college identifying students who need services, students must disclose their disability and request accommodations. Most colleges have an Office of Disability Services (sometimes called Accessibility Services) that coordinates this process. Students may be asked to provide documentation of their disability, such as a recent evaluation, medical records, or even a copy of their high school IEP to help support their request. While the IEP itself doesn't carry over, it can still be valuable documentation.

Melanie Miller
18 hours ago
2 min read

One of the biggest surprises for many families after high school graduation is discovering that a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) does not follow them to college.

After years of advocating for services through the K-12 special education system, it can feel overwhelming to learn that the rules change once a student enrolls in a college, university, or trade school. Understanding these differences before classes begin can make the transition much smoother.

Why Doesn't My IEP Transfer?

IEPs are governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a law that applies to public K-12 schools. Once a student graduates with a regular diploma or enrolls in postsecondary education, IDEA no longer applies.

Instead, colleges operate under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws protect students from discrimination based on disability, but they do not guarantee the same level of individualized support provided through an IEP.

What Changes?

In college, the responsibility shifts from the school to the student.

Rather than the college identifying students who need services, students must disclose their disability and request accommodations. Most colleges have an Office of Disability Services (sometimes called Accessibility Services) that coordinates this process.

Students may be asked to provide documentation of their disability, such as a recent evaluation, medical records, or even a copy of their high school IEP to help support their request. While the IEP itself doesn't carry over, it can still be valuable documentation.

What Accommodations Might Be Available?

Depending on the student's disability and documentation, accommodations may include:

Extended time on exams
Reduced-distraction testing environments
Note-taking assistance
Priority registration
Accessible course materials
Assistive technology

Unlike high school, colleges are generally not required to modify course content or fundamentally alter academic standards.

Preparing for Success

The best time to prepare is before graduation. Encourage your student to practice self-advocacy by understanding their disability, knowing which accommodations help them succeed, and becoming comfortable communicating with instructors.

Before the semester begins, contact the college's Disability Services Office, submit any required documentation early, and ask about deadlines for requesting accommodations.

The transition from an IEP to college accommodations is a significant change, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. With preparation, self-advocacy, and a clear understanding of the process, students can continue to thrive in higher education while receiving the support they need to succeed.