How far will colleges go to accomodate a student with an IEP?

Question

I have a just turned 17 year old with an IEP. He'll be going to college in a couple of years. One of the accomodations on his IEP is for the teacher to explain concepts in multiple ways. That's so my son doesn't get too confused. Could this kind of accomodation be worked out at the college level? The state university that he plans to attend are supposedly accomodating to students with disabilities but would an accomodation like this be a problem?

Answer 1

That accommodation really will not be honored in college.  Tutoring may be offered but it's usually done by a student who passed with an 'A' in the last semester or two.  Good for being helpful, but not teacher quality.

Typically, the only college level accommodations (outside of physical needs) reserve a seat at the front of the classroom,  a note-taker  (rare), extra time on tests, and testing in a separate room to lessen distractions.  

They can accept him knowing he is a special needs student, but he will be on his own to pass.  You may want to look into more of a hands-on program for him if auditory processing is really an issue.

Edit 1 - Many of my professors specifically state they are not available for tutoring, but are available for specific course questions.  I would not plan on relying upon them.  I would ask for a full evaluation for **transition planning purposes.*** If you ask for college purposes, schools are not required to the updated IQ tests, etc.  that a college will need before permitting accomodations.  These updated numbers will also help you make a determinination if a four year or community college would be the best initial place for your son to attend.

Answer 2

My daughter went to college with an IEP.  They don't have to give you all of the accommodations on your IEP, but they will do things that they can reasonably be expected to do, short of sending someone to class with you.  My daughter gets copies of notes (the professor tells the students on the first day that someone needs a copy of the notes and a volunteer gives them to the professor.  My daughter picks them up from him.), books on tape, except for math, science and foreign language - her subjects; extended time on tests; take tests in the disabilities office in private; and she gets to register first in order to get the classes she needs.  All students have access to the professors and access to tutoring sessions. writing and math centers, etc.  This is where the concepts could be explained in multiple ways.

Answer 3

Some colleges are better then others. You have to find one that has a students with disabilities program.