Quick answer: College accommodations are adjustments that give students with disabilities equal access to higher education, such as extended test time, note-taking support, audio textbooks, reduced-distraction testing or priority registration. IEPs and 504 plans do not follow students to college. Under Section 504 and the ADA, the student must contact the college disability services office, provide current documentation and request accommodations each term. Colleges must provide reasonable accommodations, but they do not have to lower standards or fundamentally change a program.
In this guide
Many students with disabilities arrive at college expecting their IEP to follow them. It does not. Students who know how college accommodations work, and register early, are far more likely to get support before the first exam.
High School vs College Accommodations
| High school (IDEA, 504) | College (504, ADA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who identifies the disability? | The school must find and evaluate | The student must disclose and ask |
| Documentation | School evaluates at no cost | Student provides current documentation |
| Is the IEP enough? | It is the plan | Usually helpful but often not enough alone |
| Modifications | Curriculum can be modified | Standards stay the same; access is adjusted |
| Who advocates? | Parents and team | The student |
These differences come from the U.S. Department of Education’s guide for high school educators (U.S. Department of Education). For the difference between changing access and changing content, see accommodations vs modifications.
Key point: In college, accommodations start only when the student asks. Nothing happens automatically.
How to Get College Accommodations in 5 Steps
From acceptance letter to first exam
Common College Accommodations by Need
| Need | Possible college accommodations |
|---|---|
| Reading (dyslexia) | Audio or digital textbooks, text-to-speech, extended exam time |
| Attention (ADHD) | Reduced-distraction testing room, breaks during exams, recorded lectures |
| Writing (dysgraphia) | Speech-to-text, laptop for exams, note-taking support |
| Autism and anxiety | Advance notice of changes, alternative presentation options, single room housing request |
| Hearing | Sign language interpreters, captioning, assistive listening |
| Executive function | Priority registration, reduced course load approval, assignment clarification |
Preparing for College Accommodations in High School
- Make sure evaluations are current in the last years of high school.
- Practice requesting accommodations yourself; see self-advocacy skills.
- Use the same accommodations in high school that you will use in college.
- Request a strong summary of performance before you exit.
- Visit disability services offices during college tours.
- Ask vocational rehabilitation about help with college costs and assistive technology.
Email to a professor
“Dear Professor Kim, I am registered with Disability Services and my accommodation letter is attached. I receive 1.5 times extended time on exams in a reduced-distraction room. Could we confirm the plan for the midterm on October 14? Thank you, Jamie.”
Real-Life Example
Case story
Noah has ADHD and dyslexia. In his senior year, he updated his evaluation and practiced leading his IEP meeting. Before college orientation, he registered with Disability Services, uploaded his documentation and summary of performance, and received extended time, audio textbooks and a quiet testing room. He emailed every professor in the first week. His first-semester grades were the best of his school career.
Students with intellectual disability: Inclusive postsecondary education programs exist on many campuses. Think College lists about 360 programs in the U.S., and approved programs can unlock some federal financial aid.
College Accommodations FAQ
Do IEPs carry over to college?
No. IDEA ends at high school exit; colleges follow Section 504 and the ADA.
What documentation do colleges need?
It varies, but usually current evidence of the disability and how it affects learning; the IEP and summary of performance often help.
Do I have to tell my college about my disability?
No, disclosure is your choice, but accommodations require registering with disability services.
Can colleges refuse accommodations?
They can refuse ones that lower standards or fundamentally alter a program, but must provide reasonable alternatives.
When should I register?
As soon as you accept admission, ideally before classes begin.
In short: College accommodations depend on the student: disclose, document, request and follow up every term. Practice in high school so it feels natural in college. This article is part of our Transition to Adulthood series.
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Sources
- U.S. Department of Education. Transition of Students With Disabilities to Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators
- Office for Civil Rights. Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
- Think College (2026). Inclusive Postsecondary Education 101
This article is educational and does not replace professional advice.
