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Understand accommodations and supports

In high school, your child may have been offered accommodations and supports. In a postsecondary or training environment, your child will need to ask for help if they want it.

It’s important for your child to understand if and when to disclose a disability, what accommodations to request, and how to ask for them.

Disability services at postsecondary institutions

Most colleges and universities have a disability or accessibility services office with staff who guide students through the process of requesting accommodations (including registration and documentation). Common accommodations include extended test time, note-taking assistance and alternative formats for course materials.

Evaluations and documentation

Your child's IEP or 504 plan won't automatically transfer to a postsecondary institution. Though high school disability documentation helps, colleges require new evaluations and documentation. Start this process early in your child's senior year of high school as testing can take months. If cost is a concern, financial assistance is often available.

Translation services

Language barriers shouldn't stop your involvement. Many colleges offer translation services for meetings with disability services, financial aid offices and academic advisors. Don't hesitate to request interpreters or translated materials. Colleges want families engaged in their student's success.

Ways to support your child in seeking accommodations and supports

Summary statement here.

It's important to meet with a college or university's disability services staff early in the enrollment process to ensure that accommodations are in place before coursework begins. Contact the school early to start evaluations.

You can prepare by checking out this Accommodations in College (PDF) guide to see examples of accommodations and a step-by-step guide to the post-secondary accommodations process.

The Disclosing a Disability in Postsecondary Settings (PDF) guide can help your child understand what it means to disclose a disability and when disclosure might make sense.

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