Over 15% of students in high school have an IEP, and almost a third of them are for language-based disabilities and learning differences. For parents of students with learning differences, the transition from high school to college brings a unique set of questions and concerns. One of the most pressing is, “Can my child use their IEP in college?” The short answer is no—Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) do not carry over to college. However, this doesn’t mean that your student is left without support. Colleges offer a range of accommodations designed to help students with learning differences succeed. Understanding how these supports work and how to access them is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition.

Understanding the Transition from IEPs to College Accommodations

An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines specific educational services and supports a student receives in K-12 education. This document is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring they receive the education they are entitled to by law. However, once a student graduates from high school, the IEP ends. In college, students are expected to advocate for themselves, and while support is available it functions differently.

Colleges operate under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which require institutions to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. However, these laws do not mandate the creation of an IEP, nor allow for the use of an IEP in college. Instead, students must request accommodations through the college’s disability services office, providing appropriate documentation of their disability.

What Accommodations Can Students Expect in College?

While students cannot use their IEP in college, many of the supports it offered can be translated into college accommodations. Some common examples include:

  • Extended Time on Exams: Students who need extra time to process information can request additional time on tests and quizzes.
  • Note-Taking Assistance: For students who struggle with taking notes, colleges may provide note-takers or allow audio recording of lectures.
  • Alternative Testing Environments: Students who need a quiet, distraction-free environment to take exams can request to do so in a separate location.
  • Flexible Deadlines: In some cases, students may be able to negotiate extended deadlines for assignments, particularly if their disability affects their ability to complete work on time.
  • Priority Registration: Some colleges offer priority registration to students with disabilities, ensuring they can enroll in classes that best meet their needs.

How to Navigate the Accommodation Process

The process of securing accommodations in college requires proactive effort on the part of the student, often with support from their parents. Here are the steps to take:

  1. Contact the Disability Services Office Early: As soon as your student is accepted to a college, reach out to the disability services office to begin the process of documenting and requesting accommodations.
  2. Gather Documentation: Colleges require documentation of the student’s disability, often including a recent evaluation and a summary of the IEP. This documentation will help determine the appropriate accommodations.
  3. Develop Self-Advocacy Skills: Unlike in high school, where teachers and parents were often the advocates, college students need to advocate for themselves. This includes communicating with professors about their accommodations and seeking help when needed.
  4. Stay Engaged: College life can be overwhelming, and it’s easy for students to become disengaged if they’re struggling. Parents can play a vital role in keeping open lines of communication and encouraging their students to use the resources available to them.

Mansfield Hall: A Bridge to College Success

For students with learning differences, the transition to college can feel daunting – especially because they cannot use their IEP in college. That’s where Mansfield Hall comes in. We provide residential academic, executive functioning, social, and independent living skill support to help students thrive in their college experience. Our program is designed to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed, both academically and personally.

At Mansfield Hall, we understand that every student’s journey is unique. Our personalized approach ensures that each student receives the support they need to reach their full potential. Whether it’s providing academic coaching, helping students develop strong executive functioning skills, or fostering social connections, Mansfield Hall is committed to helping students succeed – even if they don’t have an IEP in college.

Take the Next Step with Mansfield Hall

If you’re a parent of a student with learning differences and are concerned about how they will navigate without an IEP in college, Mansfield Hall can help.

Contact us today to learn more about how our program can provide the support your student needs to succeed in college and beyond.