Modifications and Accommodations in College. Will a post-secondary school accept my modifications or accommodations from high school?

What’s the difference between Modification and Accommodation?

Unfortunately, many people use the terms “modification” and “accommodation” interchangeably in discussions about education and accessibility. In actuality, they are very different concepts. Modifications involve altering the curriculum to better suit unique student needs to achieve student success. While accommodations only provide additional support or adjustments so that all students can engage with (or access) the same coursework. 

Post-secondary schools are not required to provide modifications to students with disabilities. However, many approve and provide accommodations with tools and procedures so that students with disabilities have equal access to instruction and assessment and participate in grade-level instruction without reducing learning expectations. In fact, unless the post-secondary school has a dedicated program for students with disabilities that provides modifications to a degree plan designed to support a student with a disability, most post-secondary schools provide little if any modifications to a standard degree plan. 

Accommodations provide equal access to learning but do not guarantee student success. It is up to the student to request accommodations that they may need to help them be as successful as possible. Accommodations are provided to “level the playing field.”  They are intended to offset the effects of the disability and to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills. 

Fun Fact: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals from discrimination based on disability. Along with Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, the ADA promotes equal access and participation in post-secondary schools. These laws provide that students must have an equal opportunity to obtain the same educational outcomes and level of achievement as students without disabilities (accommodations). 

Will a post-secondary school accept my modifications or accommodations from high school?

Since post-secondary schools are only required to provide accommodations and not modifications for students with disabilities, students may find that having the documentation from an IEP or a 504 plan can be helpful for the post-secondary school's Disability Services office (names may vary slightly) to better understand the student’s disabilities and accommodation needs. However, most colleges do not accept either an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan from a secondary education school as documentation of disability or as legally binding to provide similar supports, services, accommodations or modifications for the student.

The Disability Services office, which is required by law to be on every college campus that receives federal funding, evaluates individual student requests for accommodation. Before applying, it is crucial to make a list of questions to ask at the college’s disability services office and to call or visit the college. As always, it is best to get the answers to your questions in writing with a follow-up email to clarify or document the specific accommodations you will be seeking.  Remember that the Disability Services office is there to guide students through the process of requesting and notifying the instructors of the student’s accommodations. Becoming familiar with and seeking support from the Disability Services office may be one of the most important steps in your college career. 

It is a good idea to visit the Disability Services office at the colleges you are considering attending before classes start.  Talk to them about accommodations, documentation, and any other information you may find helpful. Remember, It is extremely important that a post-secondary school is a good fit for you, and speaking with the Disability Services office can help you better understand how the school supports your potential for success.

  Getting To College can help you identify the accommodations you currently have or        you may need based on your educational history, and career choices. In addition, GTC    can help teach    you to self-advocate for those accommodations.

For More Information:

1. What are a public or private college/university's responsibilities to students with disabilities? (https://adata.org/faq/what-are-public-or-private-college-universitys-responsibilities-students-disabilities)

2. Postsecondary Institutions and Students With Disabilities (https://adata.org/factsheet/postsecondary) 

3.  How Disability Accommodations Empower Academic Success (https://publish.illinois.edu/stnews123/2024/05/12/how-disability-accommodations-empower-academic-success/)