1. Students with Disabilities Preparing for Post-secondary Education:
Know your Rights and Responsibilities

2. Education is not the filling of a pail,
but the lighting of a fire . . .
William Butler Yeats

3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance may not discriminate against any individual with a disability in the United States.

4. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Prohibits state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability
A public entity shall furnish appropriate aids and services where necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of a service, program or activity conducted by a public entity.

5. High Schools and Colleges are very different . . .
Law, processes, and procedures
Rights of parents
Learning locations
Roles of Teacher/Instructor

6. High Schools
Students are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)
Student has the right to an education until he/she graduates or meets the goals of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
School is responsible for evaluation and developing an IEP
School is required to provide services and document students’ use of those services

7. Colleges
Emphasis is placed on access to the education, not the education
Different Laws apply: ADA Title II and Section 504
Institution’s admission requirements must be followed
Responsibility for obtaining evaluations that are required belongs to the student
Responsibility for seeking and using accommodations belongs to the student
Communication is with students, not parents

8. College Admissions Process
Complete application as required and send into Admissions Office
Complete entire application, some schools may ask to self-disclose, this is not mandatory!
Notify Disability Support Office of your situation and request information about services
Provide appropriate and current documentation about the disability
Meet with the Disability Service Coordinator to discuss possible accommodations

9. Documentation Requirements
Comprehensive and current – less than three years old – and must include diagnosis
IEP’s, progress updates and 504 plans are not considered appropriate documentation
Documentation must be prepared by an appropriate professional
The College/University will not pay for updating of required documents

10. Where to get more info . . . Office of Civil Rights:
Section 504 and Title II:

11. More info on Post-Secondary Institutions
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Muhlenberg College
East Stroudsburg University
Kutztown University
Penn State University