Did you use accommodations in high school and are transferring to Fairmont State University? Learn more below about what may be similar and different.
Did you use accommodations in high school and are transferring to Fairmont State University? Learn more below about what may be similar and different.
Students seeking accommodations at Fairmont State University sometimes previously received accommodations in their K-12 education through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. These plans are supported by their respective educational laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Subpart D. They can include services and modifications, in addition to accommodations, and are typically created to ensure successful graduation.
While these documents can offer some historical disability and accommodation information, the listed accommodations will not automatically apply at Fairmont State University or another higher education setting.
Higher education is governed by different laws than K-12 education. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Subpart E outline the university’s equal access responsibilities. Generally, institutions of higher education provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that students have equal access to their education compared to their nondisabled peers, rather than ensuring academic success. The responsibility for learning and successfully meeting academic requirements falls on the student with or without accommodations.
Please see the below document for more information on the differences between high school and college accommodations. The U.S. Department of Education also provides helpful information on their website:
Preparing for Postsecondary Education Accommodation Process Differences
All students transitioning from high school to college will find themselves confronting new and sometimes unexpected circumstances.
These are likely to include:
Many students find this combination challenging, and struggle with issues of time management and focus. Students with disabilities may expect to have these challenges magnified — and at the same time will also find themselves operating in a very different legal and practical arena than they have experienced before.
Abby Franks, M.S., CRC (She/her/hers)
Accessibility Services Coordinator
303-O Turley Center
Abigail.Franks@fairmontstate.edu
Access@fairmontstate.edu
Phone: (304) 367-4543
Fax: (304) 367-4584
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs