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Accommodations and Supports Through IDEA vs ADA

This activity aims to help students understand how requesting accommodations changes after high school.

Discuss

One of the major differences between high school and postsecondary schools or programs is how accommodations and supports work. An accommodation is an adjustment that can be made to help make sure individuals can participate in an activity, school, or work. In high school, your IEP or 504 Plan helps you get the supports and accommodations you need. After high school, any supports or accommodations you need, whether for school, program, or work, are up to YOU to request and make sure they are put in place. Your IEP or 504 Plan do not follow you past high school.

Because of this, you should be a part of your IEP or 504 Planning while you are in high school. Knowing what accommodations you need and planning your goals is part of self-advocacy. Practice these skills now because it will help you in your journey.

Resource

High School vs Postsecondary Accommodations (PowerPoint) reviews the differences between supports and accommodations in high school versus postsecondary, including training, college, and work.

Accommodations: A change or support that helps someone complete a task or participate in an activity in a way that works best for them. Accommodations can be for school or work. Examples include accessible space, additional breaks, or access to quiet space, and more.

Accommodations in High School:If a student needs help, the school checks if they qualify for accommodations. A team creates an IEP or 504 Plan, outlining support to help them learn and show their knowledge. The school is responsible for identifying and providing these accommodations.

What Happens After High School? (Postsecondary):Postsecondary is anything you do after high school, so this could include college, training, or going into the workforce. Whether you are going to do more training or schooling or going into the workforce, you become responsible for requesting any accommodations once you exit high school. If you have an IEP or 504 Plan, these documents do not follow you once you leave high school.

Requesting Accommodations – College or Training Program:You will need to contact the school’s Disability Services Office (if they have one) or training program to request accommodations. Examples include note-taking services, assistive technology, accessible dorm room, etc.

Requesting Accommodations – Internship or Workplace: You will need to work with the employer or human resources department to request accommodations. Examples include flexible schedules, assistive technology, ergonomic workspace, etc.

Why is it so Different?: There are different laws protecting your rights depending on your age and if you are in high school. When you are in high school you are supported by law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Once you leave high school the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects you from unfair treatment because of your disability.

Key Differences – High School: IDEA: entitled to services. School provides accommodations. Parents/guardians can advocate for you.

Key Differences – Postsecondary: ADA & Rehab Act: must be eligible. You must request accommodations. You advocate for yourself.

Self-Advocacy: Know your rights and what accommodations you can request. Practice explaining your needs to others. Have documentation ready (e.g., IEP or 504 Plan, medical records, etc.). Ask for help when needed.

Extending the Conversation

IDEA or ADA Scenarios

Review

Here are Scenario Cards that give different scenarios that are either covered by IDEA, ADA or even both.

[Instructor Note: Hand the cards out and read and review with students. Have students decide if the scenario covered by IDEA or through the ADA. This can be done together, in groups or individually then shared.]

Group Discussion: Have each student pull a scenario card and take turns reading them aloud. After the student has read their scenario aloud, discuss the following questions as a group:

  • Which law applies to this scenario?
  • What rights or protections are relevant?
  • What actions should be taken?
  • Repeat until each student has had a turn or until time is up. Remember, some scenarios describe situations where both ADA and IDEA apply.