How does a 504 Plan transfer to college?

I currently have a 504 Plan in my high school, and I'm wondering if it transfers over when I go to college. Do colleges accommodate these plans, or is there a different process I need to follow?

The transition from high school to college brings about change in the way intervention services for students with disabilities are handled. In high school, 504 Plans are managed under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. However, when you go to college, your rights will be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

College students aren't given 504 Plans, but they are eligible for similar accommodations under the ADA. Many colleges have offices for disability services that provide resources and support to students with disabilities. It's your responsibility to approach these offices, present your documentation, and request accommodations.

For example, if you require extra time for tests or assignments due to a learning disability, you have the right to these accommodations in college. However, unlike high school, colleges do not have to take the initiative to identify and plan for your needs. This means you have to be proactive, set up meetings with your professors or the office of disability services, and clearly communicate what accommodations you need.

Each college or university will have its own process for setting up accommodations, so make sure you find out about these as early as possible, ideally before you begin your first semester. The sooner you have your accommodations in place, the smoother your transition to college will be.

Keep in mind that while colleges are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations, they won't fundamentally alter the nature of a course or decrease its rigor. Your accommodations are meant to ensure you have the same access to learning as all other students, rather than give you an advantage.

In other words, while your 504 Plan won't technically transfer over to college, the spirit of accommodation and accessibility will. You simply need to be proactive in starting these conversations and advocating for your needs.