K-12 vs. College Accessibility Services

Kettering’s rigorous curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge. Our hands-on learning, dedicated faculty, and supportive community can help you succeed.

Transitioning from high school to college can bring about new challenges, especially when it comes to accommodations. In high school, accessibility support is often provided automatically, but in college, students gain greater independence—and along with it, the responsibility for advocating for their own needs. The Wellness Center Accessibility Services team is here to make that transition smoother by helping you understand the differences and guiding you every step of the way.

From High School support (IEPs/504 Plans) to College Accommodations

Once you graduate from high school, your IEP or 504 Plan ends through IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). In college, accommodations align with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring access rather than guaranteed success. This shift may mean that college accommodations differ from those you previously received, and our accessibility services coordinators can explain what accommodations are available to you.

Preparing for College Accommodations at Kettering University

Prior to your arrival on campus, it is beneficial to begin conversations with the Wellness Center Accessibility Services staff. This will allow greater clarity on what is required throughout the process. Key components of the process include:

Self-Identification: Notify the Wellness Center that you are a student that qualifies for accommodations.
Provide Documentation: provide professional documentation on how the disability impacts access to the University programs and services. Licensed professionals from whom documentation may be accepted include: clinical or educational psychologist, neuropsychologist, medical doctor, educational diagnostician, or other qualified professional. Documentation should be current within the last 3 years.
Meet with Accessibility Services: Schedule a meeting with the Wellness Center to review your documentation and set up your accommodation plan.
Inform Faculty: Self-advocate and share your accommodation plan with professors to discuss specific arrangements for reasonable accommodations within each class.
Review Regularly: Stay in touch with the Wellness Center to adjust accommodations as needed. Students must request accommodations prior to the beginning of every academic term that accommodations will be needed. Request forms are available on the WC website.

Self-Advocacy at Kettering University

Managing your accommodations at Kettering involves proactive steps:

Engage with Professors: Once you receive your accommodation letter from the Wellness Center, plan to meet with each professor to clarify how your accommodations will be applied in their course.
Develop Advocacy Skills: Accessibility Services offers guidance to help you communicate your needs with clarity and confidence.
Utilize Your Accommodation Letter: This document specifies your approved accommodations, providing professors with the information needed to support your academic work effectively.

Taking these steps ensures your accommodations are implemented smoothly and supports your success at Kettering.

Key Differences Between High School and College Accessibility Services

Area	High School	College
Identification	Schools handle or pay for testing and accommodations based on set guidelines through IDEA	Students self-identify and register with Accessibility Services, providing required documentation themselves.
Privacy	Information is often shared with parents or guardians.	FERPA (The Family Right to Privacy Act) protects student privacy. Information is only shared with consent from the student.
Documentation	IEPs/504 Plans determine eligibility.	Documentation requirements vary by institution. Check the Wellness Center Accessibility Services Handbook for specific needs.
Testing Costs	Schools cover diagnostic testing.	Students are responsible for their own diagnostic testing expenses.
Advocacy and Support	Parents and teachers actively support student needs as primary advocates.	Students advocate for their own accommodations and meet with Accessibility Services staff and professors to discuss needs.
Course Adjustments	Classes and programs are modified to fit individual needs.	Students complete standard courses, with accommodations but no fundamental program changes.
Testing Modifications	Includes options like unlimited time and flexible test formats.	Accommodations may include extended time or a reduced-distraction setting. *Disability Specific
Homework Modifications	Assignments can be adapted or shortened.	Professors have discretion over extended deadlines; assignment lengths remain standard.
Academic Resources	Dedicated resource rooms and support professionals.	Students access academic support through various campus resources like the Academic Success Center.
Reminders	Teachers and parents help manage deadlines.	Students track assignments and exam dates via course syllabi and online portals.
Personal Aides	Aides provided for classroom and personal support.	Personal aides are not available; students arrange their own support if needed.
Alternative Textbooks	Schools often provide alternative textbook formats at no cost.	Students purchase or rent books and may request alternative formats on their own accord via the bookstore.