Do IEPs transfer to college settings?

I currently have an IEP in high school and am wondering if it will transfer over once I'm in college. How does that process work, and should I expect any big differences?

While your IEP (Individualized Education Program) doesn't directly transfer to college, the rights and protections for college students with disabilities still exist under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The process, however, is quite different compared to K-12 education; in college, it's mostly your responsibility to seek and secure accommodations.

First, you will need to identify and connect with the Office of Disability Services (or a similar office) at your chosen college. The names might differ, but all colleges will have a department dedicated to assist students with disabilities. It's usually advisable to reach out to them as soon as you've accepted the college's offer of admission.

The next step is to provide documentation of your disability to the college's disability services office. This often includes evaluations and reports related to your disability, and sometimes your high school IEP can be a part of this documentation. However, each college may have different standards for what they accept as documentation, so you’ll need to check this with the disability services office at your college.

Once the college blesses your documentation, you'll work with the staff to figure out what accommodations are best for your unique situation. Accommodations may include things like extended time for tests, note-taking services, permission to record lectures, etc. It is important to remember that unlike in high school, colleges are not required to make modifications that would fundamentally alter the nature of the services they provide or result in an undue burden on the college.

In conclusion, while the specifics of providing support for students with disabilities change from high school to college, the central tenet that you are entitled to reasonable accommodations to ensure access to education remains. Be proactive and open about your needs and work closely with the disability services on your campus to make the most out of your college experience.