Differences in the Law between
College & High School
The process of deciding who is eligible to receive accommodations in college differs substantially from the process in high school. Students with disabilities may have had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP customizes an educational plan, often including academic adjustments, for nearly all students with diagnoses. Under the law that governs accommodations in public secondary schools (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), federal funds are given to schools to implement these IEP plans. Private schools do not receive these funds but often provide similar individualized plans and accommodations for students with disabilities. Neither of these models applies in colleges or universities.
Once students leave high school, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) govern decisions about disabilities and the definition of disability itself. The goal of Section 504 and the ADA, as they apply to college students, is to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to their education and equal opportunities to learn and to show what they have learned.
What is considered a disability in college? Individuals are disabled (as defined by Section 504 and the ADA) if their physical or mental impairment substantially limits them in one or more major life activities. Recent Supreme Court decisions interpret this as meaning the student must be substantially limited in comparison to most people. The comparison is not to the average college student, the average Washington University student, or to the student’s strengths, but rather to capabilities of individuals of the same age. Major life activities may include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working. The definition includes people with visible disabilities – persons who have low vision, hearing difficulties, or use a wheelchair – and people with psychological problems, learning or attention disorders, and some chronic health impairments.
Students who seek disability-related accommodations at Washington University must follow an established procedure through Disability Resources. To obtain disability-related accommodations and/or services, students must submit professional documentation of their disability. Click here for more information.
If the documentation substantiates disability status, accommodations and services will be discussed with and implemented for the student. If students are found to not meet eligibility requirements, additional documentation may be submitted. Regardless of eligibility, guidance and information about academic resources will be provided to address academic needs.