How does a student with low support needs get accommodations in college?

There are no IEPs or 504 Plans in college, so the student must be the one to ask for accommodations. Colleges and universities are required to provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to enable students with disabilities to participate in school programs, which include not only academics but everything from housing to library services to recreational activities. Accommodations may include modifications or adjustments to school rules or policies, or specific supports and services provided to students.

To make the request, students should contact their school’s student disability services office. (These offices sometimes go by other names, such as office of accessibility services or accessibility resource center.) The student may be required to fill out a form describing their disability and what accommodations they are seeking. They will likely be asked to provide documentation of their disability as well. (More on the types of documentation below.) They may also be asked to attend meetings with disability services staff or other staff.

For example accommodations and other details, see our full article College Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.