IDEA vs. ADA: Differences in Laws Governing Students with Disabilities Cheryl Garayta, Director Integrated English, Lansing Community College Melissa Lucken, Professor, Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College Two year community college in downtown Lansing serving approximately 9,000 commuter students from a tri-county area. 1.5% of incoming students request accommodations. 6% current students use accommdations. Trending emphasis on transfer programs and successful certificate and degree completion. Academic staff approximately 1,000. 85% adjunct.

New student intake & registration process Completes orientation process which includes information on how to register with the Center for Student Access. Receives welcome letter & information on uploading transcript, ACT & SAT scores. Student applies to LCC. Completes placement testing if required. Registers and begin classes.

IDEA vs. ADA ADA IDEA Governs K-12 systems. Focus on access to education. “Top” down responsibility. Less student autonomy, more institutional authority. Communication with parents mandated by law. Curricular & outcome modifications mandated by law. Accommodations designed to ensure success. ADA Govern college and workplace. Focus on success in education. “Student” up responsibility. More student autonomy, less institutional authority. Communication with parent prohibited by law. Curricular & outcome modifications prohibited by law. Accommodations designed to ensure opportunity for success.

Key Terms Accommodation Modification LRE Disability IEP Self-Disclosure FERPA

SAMPLE IDEA ADA

Faculty and college administrator strategies Spreading awareness…self, students, staff. Flexibility in delivery, attitude…with limitations. Understand how to apply accommodations. Ask and listen.

Q & A

Thank you! Melissa Lucken Cheryl Garayta luckenm@lcc.edu garaytac@lcc.edu