High school (IDEA) versus College (Section 504/ADA)

High School (IDEA)	College (Section 504/ADA)
Every child is entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the “least restrictive environment” possible.	Students compete for admission and must be “otherwise qualified” to enter college, without consideration of disability. Students participate in the general curriculum of the college. No continuum of placement exists.
Child Find requires all school districts to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities.	The student is responsible for self-identifying as having a disability and advocating for their needs.
Focused on creation of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan that will help the student participate in the general curriculum as much as possible.	Few colleges have “plans” for students with disabilities. Most outline accommodations without regard to goals or progress.
Requires yearly meeting of general education teachers, special education teachers, and auxiliary service personnel to discuss progress and set goals.	The student is responsible for meeting with disability services and with instructors to discuss needs and concerns.
Often involves significant modification of the curriculum and of assessments.	Instructors are not required nor encouraged to fundamentally alter the course content or goals, though they may be required to make changes that do not affect essential course objectives.
Classroom teachers receive a copy of the IEP and should have a thorough understanding of the disability and the plan.	Instructors receive a list of student accommodations. They are not given information about disabilities or diagnoses unless provided by the student.
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