Transferring a 504 Plan to College

Do 504 plans transfer to college, and what should I expect in terms of receiving support similar to what I got in high school? I'm concerned about maintaining the assistance I need for my accommodations.

While 504 plans don't technically "transfer" from high school to college, a similar level of support can be accessed in the post-secondary environment thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. However, the responsibility to receive accommodations shifts more to the student in the college environment, whereas in high school, the school district was often more proactive.

Colleges typically have an office of student disability services, or similarly named department, that manages accommodations for students. You'll need to register with this office and possibly provide documentation of your disability in order to access accommodations. The college might request recent testing that demonstrates a continued need for accommodations, so ensure your documentation is updated.

Remember that the college experience is much different from high school and so the types of accommodations you receive might differ. For instance, instead of more time on tests, you may be offered a distraction-free testing environment. It's important to have an open conversation with the college's disability services office to understand what is offered and how you can best take advantage of it.

Remember to also take advantage of supportive resources that are available to all students at the college, such as writing centers, tutoring programs, and academic advising centers, as these can supplement any accommodations you receive.

While seeking accommodations in college might involve a bit more initiative and self-advocacy than in high school, rest assured that colleges are committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to thrive in your academic journey.