1. Student Support
  2. Accessibility Resources

Disability Services: High School vs. College

Learn how disability services change from high school to college. This guide explains key differences, student roles, and how to access support.

Accessibility Resources

Transitioning from high school to college brings many changes. The focus shifts from promoting success to ensuring access. In college, students advocate for themselves by requesting accommodations and managing their support. This guide breaks down the key differences between high school and college disability services, so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare.

Comparison of Services: High School to College

The services and resources entitled to students with disabilities are governed by two laws, depending on the type of school you are attending. 

The goal of high school services is to promote success. High School services fall under the following laws:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The goal of college services is to provide access. College services fall under the following laws:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

High SchoolCollege
I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plan and/or 504 PlanDocumentation guidelines specify information needed for each category of disability.
Schools provide an evaluation at no cost to you.You are responsible to get any needed evaluation at your own expense
Documentation focuses on determining whether you are eligible for services based on specific disability categories in I.D.E.A.Current Documentation must provide information on the specific nature of your condition or disability, functional limitations, and demonstrate the need for specific accommodations
High SchoolCollege
Your need is identified by the school and is supported by parents and teachers.You must self-identify to the Office of Disability Services. Contact Accessiblity Resources
The main responsibility for arranging accommodations belongs to the school.You are responsible to self-advocate and arranging accommodations for yourself. Apply for Resources
Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance.Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance.
High SchoolCollege
Your parent has access to student records and can participate in the accommodation process.Your parent does not have access to student records without your written consent. Complete a FERPA Student Records Release Form to give your parents access.
Your parent advocates for you.You advocate for yourself.
High SchoolCollege
Your teacher may modify curriculum and or alter the pace of assignmentsYour professors are not required to modify curriculum design or alter assignment deadlines
Your are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed, and often re-taught, in class.You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may not be directly addressed in class
Students seldom need to read anything more than once, and sometimes listening in class is enoughStudents need to review class notes and text material regularly
High SchoolCollege
I.E.P. or 504 plan may include modifications to test format and/or gradingGrading and test format changes (i.e. multiple choice vs. essay) are generally not available. How tests are given (extended time, test proctors) are appropriate academic adjustments when supported by disability documentation.
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of materialTesting is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material
Makeup tests are often availableMakeup tests are rarely an option, without permission from professor
Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due datesProfessors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded
High SchoolCollege
Tutoring and study support may be a service provided as part of an I.E.P. or 504 plan.Tutoring does not fall under Disability Services and is not considered an academic adjustment on accommodation. Tutoring resources as they are available to all students, Students with disabilities must seek out .
Your time and assignments are structured by others.You manage your own time and complete assignments independently.
You may study outside of class as little as 0 to 2 hours a week, and this may be mostly last-minute test preparation.You need to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class.

Transition Resources

Questions?

Contact us at ar@tulsacc.edu if you need assistance.