Students with disabilities need to understand their rights in college. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 establish disabled students' rights to accommodations at the higher education level. Accommodations include necessary assistance, like having a test read to a visually impaired student. In college, students must self-identify and document their need for specific accommodations and services. Undergoing evaluations that prove the disability are generally the student's responsibility. All modifications and accommodations revolve around the student's disability plan.
Selecting the best college requires preparation. "U.S. News and World Report" recommends locating replacements for "disability-difficult" courses -- those that are especially difficult for disabled students -- and starting to prepare early by putting the student in charge. All special education eligibility determinations and evaluations need to be current. When applying, emphasize the strengths of the student. Lastly, consider paying for extra help, such as a tutor or life coach.
Colleges need to provide or direct students to the correct tools for success. Students with a learning disability, other impairments such as attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. or ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, are less likely to complete college than other students. "U.S. News and World Report" recommends familiarity with assistive technology, like talking calculators for the blind. The Edge Foundation recommends a life coach to help students with ADHD achieve success in college. The College Autism Spectrum recommends a college autism spectrum consultant to help students successfully navigate their college careers. Those with visual impairment need specialized services, such as orientation and mobility training and blind-friendly websites and online courses. The National Association of the Deaf recommends sign interpreters and assistive listeners. Students with physical disabilities should consider attending colleges that focus on removing physical barriers.
In 2010, the "Huffington Post" listed the best colleges for students learning disabilities. These included Landmark College, University of Arizona, Beacon College, Curry College, Northeastern University, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Augsburg College, University of Connecticut, University of Iowa and American University. Students with ADHD might consider colleges that provide or locate life coaches, such as Beacon College. In 2012, CBS News listed several colleges supportive of students with ASD. These included the University of Connecticut, Western Kentucky University, Marshall University, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Rutgers University. Disability Friendly Colleges website lists several colleges that go above and beyond minimum requirements for helping students with disabilities, such as the University of Texas, which equips its shuttle buses with wheelchair lifts.