IEP vs. 504 Plan: What Parents Need to Know for College Success
Hey parents!
🎓 Your teen is about to take a big leap into college life, and amidst the whirlwind of graduation, it’s easy to let plans for their next chapter slip through the cracks. One crucial area to focus on is understanding how to navigate their accommodations as they transition from high school to college. If your student has had an IEP or a 504 Plan, it's important to know how these will play out in higher education. Let’s break it down!
What’s the Difference?
IEP (Individualized Education Program): This plan is designed specifically for students who need special education services and is covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Unfortunately, IEPs don’t carry over to college.
504 Plan: This plan falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It provides accommodations for students with disabilities and protects them from discrimination. Unlike IEPs, 504 Plans can be used in both high school and college. However, the exact accommodations might not transfer directly and may need to be re-evaluated.
What to Do Next?
1. Understand the New Role: Unlike high school, where the school often manages accommodations, in college, your student will need to take the lead. This shift is due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), which gives students control over who sees their grades and other academic information. Parents need to sign a waiver for access.
2. Contact the Disability Services Office (DSO): As soon as your student enrolls, they should reach out to the DSO. It’s crucial to start this process early because it can take up to six weeks for accommodation plans to be approved.
3. Gather Documentation: The DSO will need documentation of your student’s disability from the past three years. This can include their IEP or 504 Plan from high school to show previous accommodations.
4. Meet with the DSO: Once the documents are submitted, your student will meet with the DSO to discuss their specific needs and accommodation requests. The DSO will provide a new accommodation plan that will need to be presented to their professors.
5. Advocate for Accommodations: In college, students are responsible for advocating for themselves. They will need to share their accommodation plans with their professors and discuss how these will be implemented in their classes.
Action Steps for Parents:
Help Them Practice Self-Advocacy: Support your student in practicing how to communicate their needs. Role-play discussions with professors and help them understand their rights under Section 504.
Involve Them Early: Engage your student in the transition process. Let them take the lead in meetings with the DSO and practice presenting their accommodation needs.
Know Their Rights: Make sure your student understands their rights and how to use their accommodations effectively.
Wrap-Up
Sending your child off to college can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, they’ll be set up for success. Remember, while these plans are designed to support them, practicing self-advocacy and communication skills is just as important. Encourage your student to take charge and reach out to their DSO early. Good luck, and here’s to a successful college experience!
