| Question | High School | College |
| Who is responsible for identifying and documenting accommodations and services? | School districts are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and planning educational programs (IEPs) for students. | Students are responsible for self-identifying to the college and providing necessary documentation of their disability. |
| Where do I go to receive accommodations or services? | Special education classroom, resource room, related service provider (i.e., speech) | Students need to see a Disability Services advisor within Student Services to request accommodations and services. (Services are provided at no additional cost.) |
| What related services are mandated? | School districts must provide rehabilitation counseling, medical services, personal aides, social work, and other services as needed during the school day. | Colleges provide physical, academic, and program access. Additional services of a personal nature are the responsibility of the individual. |
| What documentation is needed to begin receiving services? | Documentation and testing is coordinated by the school psychologist or CSE- appointed staff person. The school develops an IEP based on documentation and test results, all paid for by the school. | Students must provide documentation as “proof” of a disability (HS records, independent reports, IEP, medical reports, etc.). After high school, students are responsible for paying for any new testing and evaluations. |
| What is the law for students with disabilities? | IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) | Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1990, 2008 |
| What is the intent of the law? | To provide a free, appropriate education for all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment | Ensures that no otherwise qualified person is discriminated against in a federally-funded program |
| What about self-advocacy? | The parent or guardian is the primary advocate. Students learn about their disability, accommodations they need, and ways to become a self-advocate. | Students are expected to be their own advocates. |
