Graduating from high school begins an exciting new chapter. Students have many options as they consider their future, including entering the workforce, attending trade school, enrolling in a community college, or pursuing a degree at a university.

Some universities offer programs for students who are not pursuing a traditional degree, such as the TOPS Program (Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings). These programs may offer opportunities to experience campus life, participate in modified coursework, develop independent living skills, and complete internships in supportive work environments.

Students pursuing a degree may qualify for accommodations. College accommodations provide equal access to education by removing disability-related barriers. They do not change academic standards or course requirements.

Understanding Accommodations in Higher Education

• Accommodations are not automatic. An IEP or 504 Plan does not transfer directly from high school to college. Each college has its own process for requesting accommodations.
• The office may be called Accessibility Services, Disability Services, Student Access Services, or another name. Students should find the correct office and learn its process before classes begin.
• The student is responsible for submitting documentation and following the college’s process for requesting accommodations.
• The college and student use an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. Students should be ready to explain how their disability affects them in the learning environment and which supports have helped. For example, a student might say, ‘Handwriting is difficult for me, but I can usually type accurately.’
• Colleges generally communicate directly with the student. A student’s written consent may allow the college to disclose specified education records to a parent, but it does not require staff to include the parent in every conversation. College policies and practices vary.

Key message  Parents can support their student, but the student needs to learn to advocate for themselves.

Questions to Ask the Accessibility Services Office

• What documentation is required?
• What is the process for requesting accommodations?
• How does the college determine which accommodations are appropriate?
• Is the process different for housing, dining, transportation, or other accommodations?

Key message  The student is responsible for requesting accommodations. The college will not seek out the student or ask whether they received accommodations in high school.

Skills to Practice Before College

• Introducing themselves to professors, staff, and other students
• Asking questions when they do not understand something
• Writing an appropriate email
• Following the college’s process for notifying professors about approved accommodations
• Discussing how approved accommodations will be used in a class. Professors generally receive information about the approved accommodations, not the student’s diagnosis.
• Managing a calendar
• Making their own appointments
• Meeting deadlines

Campus Resources and Supports

Tutoring

• Which subjects have tutoring?
• How does a student request a tutor?
• Where is the tutoring center?

Academic Coaching

• Is academic coaching offered?
• What does the coach help students do, and what is outside the coach’s role?

Student Counseling Services

• Are counseling services offered?
• How does a student schedule an appointment?
• Where are counseling services located?

Ask about any other campus resources the student may need or benefit from.

Key message  College tutoring works differently from high school support. It is better to begin using tutoring before the student is struggling.

Preparing for Independence

• What situations are difficult for me?
• What are the early warning signs that I am becoming overwhelmed and may need a break?
• What helps me calm down and reset?
• Who can I contact if I need assistance and do not know where to go?
• What can I do when things do not go as planned?

Key message  Parents can gradually shift from ‘You watch while I do it’ to ‘We do it together,’ then to ‘You take the lead while I support you’ and finally to ‘You take the lead and use support when needed.’

Academic readiness is only one part of preparing for college. Self-advocacy, communication, executive functioning, and independent living skills can help students manage barriers and use available support. Practicing these skills before college helps the student take a more active role in decisions and daily responsibilities.

About Expert

Gina McGranahan is Director of Accessibility Services at Youngstown State University, leading disability accommodation programs, accessibility initiatives, student support services, compliance efforts, and campus-wide inclusion practices.