Welcome to the University of North Texas! As students begin their journey here, they will notice that disability services at the college level are different from what they may have experienced in K-12.

The biggest change is the shift in responsibility: in high school, the school is responsible for students’ success (under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – IDEA). In college, our office is responsible for providing students with equal access (under the Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA), and students are responsible for their own success. This guide highlights the key differences to help students make a smooth transition.

 

Applicable Laws
HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) ADAAA (Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act)
Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The law focuses on SUCCESS. The law focuses on ACCESS.

 

Documentation
HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan is used. Documentation may be submitted in, but is not limited to, one of the following formats: Qualified provider’s professional letterhead, Official visit summary, Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, etc.
The school provides and pays for evaluations. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own evaluations.
Documentation is used to determine eligibility for services under IDEA categories. Documentation must clearly show students’ functional limitations and support the need for the specific accommodation they are requesting.

 

Student’s Role: Self-Advocacy
HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE
School staff and teachers often identify students who need support. Students are responsible for self-identifying and registering with the Office of Disability Access (ODA).
The school takes the lead in arranging students’ accommodation. Students take the primary responsibility for arranging and requesting their accommodation each semester.
Teachers might reach out to students if they think they are struggling. Professors are happy to help, but they expect students to initiate contact and ask for assistance.

 

Parental/Support Person Role
HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE
Parents typically have access to student records and participate in accommodation planning. Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents cannot access students’ records without their written consent.
Parents often act as students’ primary advocates. Students are expected to be their own primary advocate.

 

Instruction & Assignments
HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE
Teachers may modify the curriculum or change the pace of assignments. Professors are not required to change the fundamental design of their course, modify the curriculum, or alter assignment deadlines.
Short assignments are often discussed and re-taught in class Students will be assigned large amounts of reading and writing that may not be covered in detail during class.
Teachers often remind students of incomplete work and upcoming due dates Professors expect students to follow the course syllabus, which outlines all assignments, due dates, and grading policies.
Teachers usually provide notes or information students miss. Students are responsible for getting missed notes from a classmate.

 

Grades and Tests
HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE
An IEP or 504 plan might include changes to test formats (e.g., fewer questions) or grading. Changes to the test format (e.g., multiple choice vs. essay) are generally not available. Accommodation relates to how students take the test (e.g., extended time, reduced- distraction environment).
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material. Tests are less frequent but are often cumulative, covering a large amount of material.
Makeup tests are often available. Makeup tests are rare and must be requested and approved by the professor.
Teachers often run review sessions highlighting key concepts. Professors sometimes offer review sessions. If they do, they expect students to come prepared with their own questions.
Good homework grades can often balance poor test grades. Students’ final grade is usually based on just a few major assignments, like midterms and final exams.

 

Study Responsibilities
HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE
Tutoring might be included as part of students’ IEP or 504 plan. Tutoring is not an accommodation provided by the ODA. All students can use UNT's campus tutoring resources.
Students’ time is often structured by parents and teachers. Students are solely responsible for managing your own time and completing their work independently.
Students might study 0-2 hours per week, often just before a test. A good rule of thumb: plan to study 2-3 hours outside of class for every 1 hour in class.
Students are not responsible for tracking graduation requirements. Students are responsible for knowing their degree requirements and tracking their own progress toward graduation.

 

For More Information

University of North Texas Office of Disability Access (ODA)