Do 504 plans transfer to colleges?

I currently have a 504 plan in high school, and I'm wondering if those accommodations transfer to college. How does this process work, and what should I do to make sure I continue to receive the support I need?

The transition from high school to college can include changes in how accommodations are handled for students with 504 plans. In high school, 504 plans, named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, are set up by the school to ensure students with disabilities have the necessary accommodations to succeed academically.

When transitioning to college, the 504 plan itself does not directly transfer, but the accommodations you used in high school, if still relevant, could be provided in college. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), colleges are required to provide necessary accommodations to students with disabilities.

To ensure you continue to receive support in college, you should contact your college's Disability Support Office (DSO) or Disability Services as soon as possible. This office may have a different name, depending on the college, such as Student Support Services or Accessible Education Services.

The typical process includes providing documentation of your disability, often related to the documentation that supported your 504 plan in high school. Your college may have specific requirements on the type and recency of acceptable documentation, so be sure to clarify what is needed. You may need to work with healthcare providers to ensure you have all the necessary materials.

Once the documentation is filed and accepted, an accommodation plan will be developed for your college coursework. Accommodation plans in college tend to be more self-directed than in high school. You will be responsible for implementing these accommodations, such as liaising with professors on their implementation.

Although the process might seem daunting, thousands of students navigate it successfully every year, and the staff in the DSO should be able to guide you through it. Remember, the goal is to ensure your success in college, providing you with the necessary accommodations to level the playing field.