College and higher education
IDEA and IEPs end after high school. In college, the ADA and Section 504 protect students, but the student has to ask for help.
This page is general information in plain language. It is not legal advice. For help with your own situation, contact one of the free helpers listed on this page.
What changes after high school
| High school | College | |
|---|---|---|
| Who starts it | The school finds and evaluates students | The student contacts the disability services office |
| What you get | Services and changes to what is taught | Accommodations for equal access. Course requirements stay the same. |
| Who is involved | Parents lead | The student leads. Parents need the student's written permission. |
How to get accommodations
- Contact the disability services office as soon as you are accepted.
- Bring documentation: a recent evaluation, your IEP or 504 plan, or a letter from a doctor or psychologist.
- Meet with the office and talk about what helps you learn.
- Get an accommodation letter and share it with each professor every term.
- If something is not working, go back to the office right away.
Inclusive college programs
More than 300 colleges have programs built for students with intellectual disability. Many approved programs let students get federal financial aid such as Pell Grants. Find a program or visit Think College.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision.