Support for students with disabilities doesn't disappear in college — but it works very differently. There are no IEPs, and the responsibility to ask shifts to you. Here's how the system changes and how to set yourself up to thrive.
The law changes after high school
In K-12, the IDEA law gives you an IEP or 504 plan, and the school is responsible for finding and supporting you.
In college, the ADA and Section 504 apply instead — there are no IEPs, and the responsibility shifts to you.
You must self-identify and request accommodations; the college won't come to you.
Register with Disability Services
Every college has a Disability or Accessibility Services office — that's where you go to set up accommodations.
You'll provide documentation of your disability, so gather your records (including your old IEP/504) before you start.
They approve accommodations like extended test time, note-taking help, and accessible materials.
Self-advocacy is the new skill
You drive the process — register with the office and share your approved accommodations with each professor.
Ask for what you need clearly and early; professors follow approved accommodations but won't guess.
It feels different from high school, but self-advocacy is a skill you can learn and it serves you for life.
Plan ahead & use supports
Register with Disability Services before classes start so accommodations are ready on day one.
Learn the assistive tech and connect with tutoring, advising, and counseling early.
Keep your documentation current and renew accommodations each term as needed.
In college, there are no IEPs — self-advocacy is your tool
The biggest change is who's in charge: in college, you are. Register with Disability Services before classes start, share your approved accommodations with professors, and ask for what you need. The supports are real and the law protects you — but you have to step forward to use them.
In Arizona: each college disability office, Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-ETS and SAT/ACT request deadlines in one place: Disability support for college and work.