Postsecondary Disability
Support Services
Education Matters
This fact sheet and others can be
found at www.mdod.maryland.gov
Questions?
Contact the Maryland Department of
Disabilities
Transitioning from high school to postsecondary is a difficult and stressful process for
most individuals. For individuals with disabilities, it can be a daunting task. Is it the
same as high school? Where do I begin? What do I need? Whom should I speak to?
Am I still under IDEA? Are my parents still going to be meeting with the school on my
behalf? These are questions commonly asked by individuals with disabilities when they
are preparing for college. This fact sheet will assist in answering some of those
questions. For additional information, please contact the institution you are interested
in attending. You should begin planning your postsecondary education a year or two
before you graduate.
Overview
Glossary of Terms
The Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA): a law
that prohibits discrimination
on the basis of disability.
Section 504 of the
Vocational Rehabilitation Act
of 1973: designed to elimi-
nate discrimination on the
basis of a disability in any
program or activity receiving
Federal financial assistance.
Qualified Individual with a
disability (as it relates to post-
secondary education): a per-
son who meets both the dis-
ability criteria of Section
504/the ADA and
the insti-
tution's academic and techni-
cal standards for admission
or participation in programs
and/or activities.
Individual with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA): a law
that ensures all children with
disabilities receive a free ap-
propriate public education.
This law does not
apply to
postsecondary institutions.
Individualized Education
Program/Plan (IEP): An
annual document that
describes what special educa-
tion and services you received
while attending public
school.
Differences between High School & College
require services.
Consequently, you
(not your parents) will
have responsibilities as a college student
that you did not have as a high school
student. These laws make it your respon-
sibility to request services and provide
appropriate documentation of your dis-
ability. You must be actively involved in
the process. The responsibility now rests
on you.
Will I get the same accommodations as
high school?
Not necessarily, as your high school
IEP/504 plan does not carry over to col-
lege. The college will determine what
accommodations you will receive after
your documentation has been reviewed
and information has been gathered from
you.
Am I still covered under IDEA and my
IEP/504 Plan?
No. When you were in high school, you
were covered under a law called IDEA
which provided a free, appropriate public
education in the least restrictive environ-
ment. Under IDEA ,it was the school’s
responsibility to seek you out and provide
services.
IDEA does not apply to colleges and uni-
versities. They are governed by a set of
other laws: the Americans with Disabili-
ties Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Voca-
tional Rehabilitation Act and other perti-
nent state laws. The responsibilities of
colleges and universities are significantly
different from those of your former high
school. If you attended a private school
or were home schooled, you may not
have had a IEP/504 Plan, but may still
Receiving Services at College
Where do I go for services?
Every college/university has an individual who assists students with disabilities. This indi-
vidual is often in the Disability Support Services (DSS) office. Please consult your
institution's directory for the appropriate location. To receive accommodations and/or
services, you must first self-identify to your college/university disability services. It is your
responsibility to talk to your college/university about your needs.
When should I request services?
Although you may request accommodations from your college/university at any time, it
is recommended that you make an appointment with the appropriate individual as soon
Martin O’Malley, Governor ~ Anthony Brown, Lt. Governor
Department of Disabilities
Maryland Higher Education Commission
(continued on back)
This fact sheet is the result of a combined effort between the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Maryland Higher Education Commission and the Maryland Disability and
Higher Education Network (MDDHEN). This document is available in alternate formats upon request.
Association of Higher Education & Disability
Voice / Text: (704) 947-7779
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ahead.org
HEATH Resource Center of George
Washington University
Voice: (202) 973-0904 / (800) 544-3284
TTY: (202) 973-0904 / (800) 544-3284
Email: as[email protected]
Website: www.heath.gwu.edu
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Voice: (800) 421-3481
TTY: (877) 521-2172
Email: OCR@ed.gov
Website: www.ed.gov/about/offices/
list/ocr/index.html
Resources / References
as possible and no later than one month before the semester be-
gins. Colleges/universities are committed to working with and
providing you with reasonable services and accommodations.
However, arranging services and accommodations takes time.
Some academic adjustments may take more time to provide than
others. You should follow your institution’s procedures to ensure
that there is enough time to review your request and provide an
appropriate academic adjustment.
Accommodations cannot be made retroactively. Policies concern-
ing students who are in poor academic standing are the same for
individuals with and without disabilities. Check your institution’s
policy for how this may affect you.
What kind of documentation do I need to provide?
Schools may set reasonable standards for documentation. Some
schools may require more documentation than others, but all
schools will require you to provide documentation prepared by an
appropriate qualified professional. You will be responsible for any
fees associated with obtaining required documentation.
Essential elements of documentation include the following:
A diagnostic statement identifying the disability.
A description of the diagnostic methodology used.
A description of the current functional limitations as it
relates to both academic and residential settings.
A description of the expected progression or stability of the
disability.
A description of current and past accommodations, services
and/or medications.
Recommendations for accommodations, adaptive devices,
assistive services, compensatory strategies and/or collateral
support services.
Although an IEP or Section 504 plan may help identify services
that have been effective for you, it generally is not sufficient
documentation for a postsecondary institution. There is a differ-
ence in the laws and postsecondary education presents differ-
ent demands than high school education. What you need to
meet these new demands may be different.
Receiving Services at College (continued)
What accommodations/modifications are provided?
Accommodations are modifications to the academic requirements that are necessary to ensure equal access to qualified individuals.
Reasonable accommodations may include extended time on tests, books in alternate format, sign language interpreters, screen-
readers, voice recognition and other assistive technology. Your DSS office will work with you to set up reasonable accommodations.
Be aware that an accommodation cannot be provided if it creates a fundamental alteration of the coursework.
What accommodations are not provided?
Accommodations that are of a personal nature or will impact the essential requirements of the individual program of study will not
be provided. These include personal care attendant, private tutors and waiving of required coursework.
Receiving Accommodations at College
Will I be required to follow the same requirements as others?
Yes. Colleges and universities are not obligated or able to change requirements that are essential to their programs. Having a dis-
ability that makes specific course content difficult will not automatically result in such courses being waived. In some cases, course
substitutions may be accepted for students with disabilities. This should be discussed and determined when you enter college.
What will I need to do to earn a college degree?
You will be required to meet the requirements of your program of study as mandated by the state of Maryland and the institution
you are attending.
Other Considerations
Maryland Department of Disabilities
Voice / TTY: (410) 767-3660
Voice / TTY: (800) 637-4113
Email: mdod@mdod.state.md.us
Website: www.mdod.maryland.gov
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Voice: (410) 260-4500 or (800) 974-0203
TTY: (800) 735-2258
Website: www.mhec.state.md.us
