| High School |
College |
| The applicable law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA |
The applicable law is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act |
| IDEA is about success |
The ADA is about access |
| Fundamental modifications of programs and curricula are required |
No fundamental modifications are required - only accommodations |
| Education is a right and must be provided in an appropriate environment to all individuals |
Education is not a right - students must meet certain admission criteria |
| The school district is responsible for identifying a student's disability |
Students must self-identify |
| The school district develops Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to define educational services |
Student must identify needs and request services - no IEP exists and is not considered sufficient documentation |
| The school district provides free evaluations |
The student must obtain evaluations at his/her own expense |
| Student is supported by parents and teachers |
Student is responsible for seeking assistance from the Disability Services Office |
| Primary responsibility for arranging modifications belongs to the school |
Primary responsibility for self-advocacy and arranging accommodations belongs to the student (who may seek assistance from Disability Services) |
| Personal services for medical and physical disabilities are required (i.e., Personal Care Attendant) |
No personal services are required - however, the Disability Services Office may assist the student in advertising for such services |
| Parent has access to student records and can participate in the IEP process |
Parent does not have access to student records without student's |
