As a parent of a child with a learning disability, understanding the transition from high school to college can be daunting. The accommodations your child receives in high school do not automatically transfer to college, and it’s crucial to be proactive in preparing for this change. While schools may not provide all the support you hope for, you have the power to equip your child with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. This article will guide you through the process of securing accommodations in college and highlight the steps you can take to ensure your child’s success.
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Understanding that High School Accommodations Do Not Transfer to College is Essential for Parents
It’s important to recognize that the legal framework changes when your child moves from high school to college. In high school, accommodations are covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which mandates that educators identify and accommodate students with disabilities. However, in college, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply, requiring students to self-identify and request accommodations. This shift means that you, as a parent, must prepare your child to take on the responsibility of advocating for their needs.
For parents of children with dyslexia: Remember, college accommodations don't automatically transfer from high school; your child must self-advocate and provide documentation to receive support.
Parents Should Encourage Their Child to Self-Identify and Understand the College’s Accommodation Process
Your role as a parent is to empower your child to self-identify as having a disability and to understand the specific accommodation process at their chosen college. Each institution may have different requirements, so it’s vital to research ahead of time. Encourage your child to reach out to the disability services office to learn about the necessary documentation and steps to secure accommodations. This proactive approach can make the transition smoother and more successful.
The campus as a whole does have academic coaching, we have tutoring services, we have the writing center and all that stuff, but we ourselves do not.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Familiarizing Yourself with Common Accommodations and How They Are Implemented Can Help Parents Support Their Child
Common accommodations in college include extended time on exams, recording of lectures, access to PowerPoints, and preferential seating. These accommodations are typically managed through a database system where students can request what they need for each class. As a parent, understanding these processes can help you guide your child in requesting and utilizing these accommodations effectively. It’s also important to know that professors are legally required to implement these accommodations, but your child must be proactive in making reservations and communicating with faculty.
Key takeaways
- Understanding Accommodations in College: It's crucial for parents to know that accommodations provided in high school under a 504 plan or an IEP do not automatically transfer to college. Students must self-identify as disabled and request accommodations themselves, as colleges are governed by different laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This shift requires students to advocate for their needs, and parents should prepare them for this transition by encouraging self-advocacy skills.
- Documentation Requirements for Dyslexia: Colleges have varying requirements for documentation of dyslexia. Some may accept older documentation if it still applies to the student's current needs, while others might require more recent evaluations, especially for standardized exams. Parents should contact the disability services office at the colleges their child is considering to understand specific documentation needs and avoid unnecessary expenses on new evaluations if not required.
- Common Accommodations and Services: The most common accommodations for students with dyslexia include extended time on exams, recording of lectures, access to PowerPoints, converted books into accessible formats, and preferential seating. However, disability services offices typically focus solely on accommodations and do not provide tutoring or coaching. Parents should guide their children to utilize other campus resources like academic coaching and tutoring services to support their learning needs beyond accommodations.
Parents Can Assist Their Child in Connecting with Additional University Resources Beyond Accommodations
While the disability services office may focus solely on accommodations, many colleges offer additional resources such as academic coaching, tutoring services, and writing centers. As a parent, you can help your child navigate these resources by encouraging them to connect with the appropriate departments. These services can provide crucial support and enhance your child’s ability to manage their learning disability, such as Dyslexia , effectively. Remember, the disability services office can often point your child in the right direction to access these additional supports.
The law again says that we give accommodations to guarantee access not success.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Overcoming the Challenge of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia in College Requires Parental Support and Advocacy
One of the specific challenges highlighted in the podcast is the need for updated evaluations for conditions like Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, which can be both costly and unnecessary. As a parent, your role is to advocate for your child by contacting the disability services office at their chosen college to understand their specific requirements. By doing so, you can help your child avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure they receive the accommodations they need for a better life and educational experience.
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Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.
A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
