Complete the form below, and we will send you the Lento Law Firm's complimentary guide to University Student Disability Issues and Rights.
For students with disabilities, the transition to college can be jarring. Many of the protections from their K-12 years no longer apply, but federal and state laws are in place that require support and accommodation.
This guide will help students in college understand their rights.
Read more about:
- How Disability Rights in College Differ From K-12
- How to Qualify for Disabilities Accommodations
- What Happens When a School Fails to Provide Accommodations or Other Support
- Disability as a Defense or Mitigating Factor
The following is a sample of the downloadable guide:
7. TYPES OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS
One of the difficulties of attending college with a disability is that options can vary widely between schools and states. Unlike public K-12 schools that are required to follow the requirements of IDEA, colleges, and universities have more leeway in what services and support they offer.
More leeway doesn't mean schools have no responsibility to students with disabilities. With rare exceptions, all postsecondary institutions must abide by federal law, including the ADA and Section 504. Whether a school is a community college or a four-year private university or if a student is an undergraduate or graduate, schools must provide support to students with disabilities.
Some schools go beyond what federal or state law requires or have more resources. Just as a school may be known for a certain major or program, certain schools may have better support services for certain disabilities.
Before applying to or attending a school, students and their families should do research to identify the schools or programs that will best support them. A student's reasons for attending college and their educational and career goals should also play a role in finding a school that's the best fit for them.
Some students may need specialized programs, whereas others need support while taking general classes. A student's specific disability can also be a factor in determining the best program or school. Similar to an IEP, the focus should be on the individual and not on their disability when determining the best environment.
One thing to keep in mind is that some services may come with an additional cost. For students who attended K-12 public schools, no longer having all services available for free may come as a surprise. Unlike Public K-12 Schools, which are required to provide services and accommodations at no charge to families, colleges, and universities are not required to provide all services free of charge. Some specialized or one-on-one support options may not be included in tuition.
What follows are some examples of programs that assist students with disabilities.
Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to fight for your student's rights, and request the free downloadable guide to University Student's Disability Issues and Rights Form using the form above.
