Hey! I currently have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) in high school due to some learning difficulties. If I go to college, will my IEP carry over or will I need to start the process over to receive accommodations? Thanks for the help!
Hey there! While your high school IEP doesn't directly carry over to college, the good news is that colleges and universities are required to provide accommodations to students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the process to secure accommodations in college is different from high school.
Once you're accepted to a college, you'll need to proactively reach out to your college's disability services office—sometimes called the accessibility services office or a similar name. It's important to contact them early, ideally before the semester starts, as it may take some time to secure accommodations. You may be asked to provide current documentation of your disability, which could include an evaluation from a licensed professional, a medical report, or other relevant records.
Each college has its own process for determining and granting accommodations, so it's important to follow their guidelines. Although your high school IEP won't transfer directly to college, it can serve as a helpful starting point for discussions with the disability services office.
In college, it's important to establish strong communication with your instructors to make sure they implement the accommodations granted by the disability services office, as ultimately, you'll be the one responsible for ensuring your accommodations are in place.
Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and your needs in college. Best of luck in your journey!
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