Do IEPs transfer to college?

I currently have an IEP in high school and will be transferring to a new college soon. How does this work in a college setting? Do accommodations automatically transfer over, or do I need to go through another process?

First off, it's great that you're being proactive about your educational accommodations. While your current Individualized Education Program (IEP) does not automatically transfer to college, your rights to accommodations are still protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Upon entering college, you'll need to connect with the disability services or student accessibility office at your new school. Each college has unique procedures, but generally, you'll need to provide documentation of your disability and a description of how it affects your academic performance. This could include medical records, reports from professionals who diagnosed or treated you, or records from your high school, such as your IEP.

The services provided can vary based on your individual needs and the resources available at the school, but examples of accommodations could include extended time for tests, note-taking assistance, alternative text formats, etc. After your accommodations have been established, it's usually your responsibility to communicate with professors, arrange for extra time on tests, etc. Remember that your need for accommodations won't impact your admission decision or academic standing—they're there to ensure that you have equal access to education.

Additionally, it might be worthwhile to maintain contact with your high school special education coordinator. They can help guide the transition process and provide advice based on their knowledge of you and your needs. Keep in mind that you'll have to advocate for yourself more in college, but don't hesitate to reach out to your school's resources or seek support when needed.