IEP and 504 Plans Don’t Automatically Follow You to College: What Families Need to Know

Making the leap from high school to college is exciting, but for students with IEPs or 504 plans, the transition comes with a critical reality check: your high school supports do NOT automatically carry over into college.

If you’re counting on extended time, note-taking help, or other accommodations you relied on in high school, you’ll need to take proactive steps before the semester begins to ensure you have what you need.

Here is what every family should understand to avoid unpleasant surprises and set students up for success.

1. The Legal Landscape Changes After High School

During your K–12 education, support for students with disabilities is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires schools to actively identify students who need services and provide them. The student identified must receive educational benefit under the law.

In college, the IDEA no longer applies. Instead, colleges fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which means colleges must provide equal access—but they are not required to proactively identify students, create individualized plans or make sure you are receiving educational benefit.

Bottom line: In college, students are responsible for disclosing their needs, requesting accommodations, and then following the procedure to utilize them.

2. Your IEP/504 Plan Becomes “Guidance”- Not a Guarantee

Many families assume they can hand their IEP or 504 plan to the college and receive identical supports. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Colleges often use your high school plan as reference material only. Most schools will require a current psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation—typically under two years old—to verify your eligibility for specific accommodations.

Pro tip: Schedule updated testing in your junior or early senior year of high school so you’re ready for college applications and accommodation requests.

3. You Must Self-Advocate

In high school, teachers and counselors often keep track of your accommodations and make sure they’re provided. In college, it’s on the student.

You must:

• Register with the college’s Disability Services Office (the name varies by school).

• Provide all required documentation before the semester begins.

• Communicate with professors about approved accommodations each term.

Waiting until you’re struggling mid-semester can delay support—or limit what is available.

4. The Supports Are There, But You Have to Ask

Colleges want students to succeed, and they offer a wide range of accommodations, such as:

• Extended testing time

• Distraction-reduced testing environments

• Note-taking assistance or permission to record lectures

• Priority registration for classes

• Housing or dining accommodations

These services won’t be provided unless you formally request them. That’s why reaching out to Disability Services early, ideally before orientation, can make a huge difference in your college experience.

5. How to Choose the Right-Fit College

If you or your student needs accommodations, factor this into your college search:

• Meet with the Disability Services Office: Ask what documentation is needed, how to request support, and what services are typically provided.

• Ask about culture and responsiveness:  Some campuses go above and beyond, while others only meet the minimum legal requirement.

• Plan for the transition: Students who can self-advocate and manage their accommodations will thrive.

Final Takeaway: Plan Ahead and Own the Process

Success in college with a disability is not about luck but preparation.

Don’t assume your IEP or 504 plan transfers automatically.

• Update your documentation well before enrollment.

• Reach out early to the Disability Services Office and make a plan.

  
  

With the proper preparation, students with learning differences can flourish in college—building academic skills, independence, and confidence.