TRANSITION GUIDE

A TRANSITION GUIDE TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES
Choosing the Right College
College is a big investment in time, money, and effort; and, therefore, it is important to research and
understand the types of schools, tuition and costs, programs available, student enrollment, and a variety
of other important factors when choosing the right school. Please see the college reference guide to help
choose the right college at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools.
When researching potential college programs, students and their families are advised to work closely
with the disability support services (DSS) office on campus to discuss disability-related concerns and
needs, and the disability support services available to students at that postsecondary school. Many DSS
offices empower, support, and advocate for students with disabilities to achieve their goals by providing
access to education and other programs through the coordination of appropriate accommodations and
academic adjustments, assistive technology, alternative formats, and other support. Disability support
services, including academic adjustments and auxiliary aids, are provided in compliance with Section 504
and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Title II). Information about the DSS office may be
found at the postsecondary school’s website. The U.S Department of Education publication “College
Scorecard” (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov) also provides data on outcomes and affordability to help
select the right college.
Rights and Responsibilities in Postsecondary Education and Training
Students with disabilities are encouraged to be well informed about their rights and responsibilities, as
well as the responsibilities of postsecondary schools. Being informed about their rights and
responsibilities will help ensure that students have full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the
postsecondary education experience without disruption or delay.
A postsecondary student with a disability is not entitled to the same services and supports that the
student received in high school. While students with disabilities are entitled to comprehensive supports
under the FAPE requirements of IDEA or Section 504, if applicable, while in high school, they are no
longer entitled to FAPE under IDEA or Section 504 if they graduate with a regular high school diploma.
At the postsecondary level, Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of
Federal financial assistance, and Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public
entities, regardless of receipt of Federal funds. 17 Note that if the postsecondary institution is a private
college or university that is not a religious entity, it would be covered by Title III of the ADA (Title III). The
Department of Education does not enforce the Title III rights of postsecondary students with disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Justice enforces Title III.
Section 504 and Title II require that the postsecondary educational institution provide students with
disabilities with accommodations, including appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and
services, that are necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in
a school’s program. 18 19 25