Parent resources
Parent resources
Transitioning from high school to college
| 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 |
Disclaimer:
The information provided by external resources - including third-party websites - is designed to provide helpful information on topics and community resources. HCC does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content, use, or availability of resources provided by external websites or agencies. HCC makes no representations as to the eligibility of any particular student to receive any benefit or the effects – such as those impacting immigration status – that accepting a resource may have on a student. Students in populations that may have specific additional needs are encouraged to seek advice from a relevant professional or reputable resources, such as immigration counsel or a qualified website.
Contact Us
Mahnaz Kolaini, PsyD., LPC-S
Director of Counseling and Ability Services