DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABLITIES

 
The transition from high school to community college can be exciting and a bit confusing for the student
with a disability. There are many new procedures and rules to learn. There are also significant differences between the assistance and accommodations the student received in high school under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the services and accommodations the student may receive at the community college under Section 504 and The ADA.

IN THE K-12 SYSTEM:

1. The student is covered by Individuals with Disability Education Act.
2. The school district seeks out and identifies the student with a disability.
3. Evaluation for the disability is free.
4. The district develops the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
5. The district ensures that the IEP is implemented and the goals are met.
6. The teacher advocates for the student.
7. Fundamental alterations are allowed to the:

• Program of study
  
• Graduation requirements
  
• Instructional/testingmethods
  

8. Personal services are provided.
9. Success is more of a right.
10. Transportation to and from school is provided.

IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM:

I. The student is covered by Title 5 Section 504 and ADA. The education is a privilege not a right.
2. The student is responsible for providing appropriatedocumentation of the disability.
3. The student pays for the evaluation. Delta will provide Learning Disability evaluations for free.
4. The student identifies own needs and must request services.
5. The student is responsible for own goals and progress
6. The student advocates for self.
7. Accommodations may not alter the fundamental nature of the course or instructional/testingmethod.
8. No personal services or transportation is provided.
9. There is no guarantee of educational success.

 Revised: December 2007