What are the differences between the rights and requirements of IDEA in the P-12 world and the rights and responsibilities under ADA in higher education?

The amount of students with disabilities attending college has grown rapidly since the start of the 1990’s. There are many challenges that these students face in their coursework including assignments that require organization and clear expression of thought. While IDEA required accommodations in the p-12 setting, students in college fall under the protection of ADA whose stipulations are different. Here are some examples of the differences.

• Students must meet the qualifications for entry into a college.
• A college does not have to modify the contents of an exam.
• Colleges do not have to offer more robust tutoring.
• A college does not identify disabilities.
• Colleges do not need to substantially modify curriculum and standards.
• Colleges do not need to provide devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.