How can i increase my chances of getting an IEP in college?

Question

As i have previously posted ( about my school not doing a realli good job of my 504 plan) and I want to know how i can increase my chances of gettint an IEP in college. Is it the same as a 504 plan?

Answer 1

The federal laws that apply to college are section 504 and the American's with Disabilities Law. The IDEA, where IEP come from, is only applicable through high school.

You can and should have your high school send a copy of your most recent IEP to the college. Some, but not all, of those accommodations can be met under section 504 and the ADA. For instance, you can be provided with someone to write your notes, books on tape, and taking tests in a separate area, but you can not be provided with a one-on-one aide/paraproffesional. You will need to discuss this with your college's Disabilities Services office.

In addition, having a neuropsychological evaluation, having your diagnoses provided via any medical professional, and providing any written documentation of your disability/diabilisties will all be helpful.

If you have more questions, see the "Special Education Plans" message board on ivillage.com

Answer 2

I'm in college and I have accommodations for my classes. If you have a documented disability your college will give you accommodations. If you are not diagnosed, the college can have you tested, I'm not sure who pays. You can go to Vocation Rehabilitation and tell them you want to refer yourself for their services because you have a disability. They will test you for free. After the testing they will explain  their finding and what disabilities you have and discuss an education plan. As long as Vocational Rehabilitation says you have a disability they will pay100% for your books, fees, and tuition. They'll also buy you products to help you succeed at school. You can not be employed or presently in school when applying for their services because you can do it by yourself. Because of this program I'm a successful student, with 3 learning disabilities, with a GPA of 3.5 and not putting a financial burden on my family.Accommodations are necessary for all disabled people I am just 1 example. You should call the college's disabled student representative and ask what you need to do to get accommodations.

Answer 3

In our state, your testing can't be older than 3 years from your date of application or admission. Check the requirements of the colleges you want to attend.

My daughter had to be retested her senior year. At her meeting, very specific accommodations were described in a 504 Plan to assist her, with an eye for what would help her best in college. She then made an appointment to meet with someone from the disability office the day she visited for freshman orientation. They told her ahead of time what information to bring and were very helpful.

An IEP is for students who meet specific criteria for a disability, like Specific Learning Impairment (LD). If you have a 504, it would be very hard to get that changed to an IEP, which is more complex.

You can't get an IEP or an 504 at your university. They do not do testing. If you believe that you actually should have had an IEP, you and your parents need to contact your high school and soon.

A 504 is for a student who does not qualify for an IEP, but still needs assistance with some aspect of their education. It describes accommodations needed, such as extended test time, early selection of classes, teacher notes, etc.

My daughter gets to register early for classes (a big advantage), is allowed to use a university-supplied laptop in class for notetaking, may ask for a copy of the teacher notes/ syllabi,  and can get tutoring if she needs it.

As you are learning, you will need to advocate for yourself, because often no one else will. Good luck!

Answer 4

I do not know where you plan on attending college but I would like to tell you of a remarkable college in Vermont called Landmark College. It is specifically for people who learn differently. It may be an option for you. Good luck.

Answer 5

You can NOT get an IEP plan in college. You might can get 504 plan, though I;m not sure.

504 and IEP are NOT the same.

Colleges might offer special help, ask for a copy of their policy about this.

IEP plans are ONLY for children ages 5-21 IF they are in public school, NOT college.

GO to www.wrightslaw.com to find out about this

IEP plans are to help a child LEARN how to read, write, what ever their problem is.

504 do NOT do this, they only help the child to COPE with what they can't do.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, you cannot get an IEP in college. 504 is not the same thing, though it can be honored, but it is up to you to make sure to show the college this information. Although you cannot get an IEP in college, it is important to show them the last IEP that you received in HS (most colleges will want one from senior year including a reevaluation). By showing your IEP and/or 504, you can be eligible for a lot of different services that the college or university offers through their academic building. For instance, a girl in one of my classes had ADD. She had trouble taking notes and paying attention in class. Since notes were important, she would focus on those and not understand the information later on. So, she had a service that she received where a student in her class could take notes on this special carbon paper. The student ripped off a piece of paper from the back at the end of each class and gave it to her. The notes were on this paper and the student from her class got paid to do this. That is just one of many, many services that are available though. Be proactive and advocate for yourself because once you get into college, it is all up to you. You can do it though! :)

Answer 7

It is not the same, although it is similar.  Colleges will require testing done in the last 5 years only.  ARD meetings do not count, only the original testing/evaluation.  

First:  Contact your former high school, and have them fax your records to the College's disability services office, normally located within the counseling department.  If your college needs additional information, they will either do the testing themselves, or give you a referral list of people in town that can make the diagnosis (and therefore create the paperwork necessary).

Second: The school should contact you within a couple days.  You will come in for an appointment, and discuss what accommodations you need.  If you feel you need more accommodations (perhaps some you were offered in high school under 504), you can request to have additional testing done.

Answer 8

Most colleges don't honor IEP's or 504's.  If you are on a 504 it's up to you to tell the college and you may get tutoring privileges or extra time on assignments, but that's about it.