High School

Postsecondary Institution

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

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

IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) 504 Plan

No IEP or 504 Plan exists at the postsecondary level.

Covers ages 3 -21 or until regular high school diploma requirements are met.

Covers students with disabilities regardless of age; schools may not discriminate in recruitment, admission or during enrollment, solely on the basis of a disability.

Schools are required to identify students with disabilities through free assessment and the individualized education program (IEP) process.

Require documentation from a licensed professional with the diagnosis and functional limitations.

School provides evaluation at no cost to student.

Student must get evaluation
at own expense.

Student receives special education and related services to address needs based on an identified disability.

Student must self-identify to the Disability Services Office or designated office.

Primary responsibility for accommodations belongs to the school.

Primary responsibility for accommodations belongs to the student.

Parents have access to student records.

Parents do not have access to disability-related records unless student provides written consent.

Parents advocate for the student.

Student advocates for self.

Teachers may modify curriculum and/or alter pace of assignments.

Professors are not required to modify curriculum.

Use multi-sensory approach. Weekly testing, mid-term, final, and graded assignments. Attendance taken and reported.

Tend to rely on lecture, may or may not use multi-sensory approach. Testing and assignment frequency vary. Student is responsible for attending class; attendance often not taken.

Progress toward IEP
goals is monitored and communicated to the parents and/or student.

Student is required to monitor their own progress and communicate their needs to appropriate personnel.

Grades may be modified based on curriculum.

Grades reflect quality of work submitted.