Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504

K-12 IDEA '04 K-12 504 PLAN COLLEGE
Student records are accessible to student and parents Student records are accessible to student and parents Any enrolled college student's records are only accessible to the student. Information cannot be released to anyone, including the parent, without a written release by the student
Special consideration for behavior problems Students must follow high school behavior code Students are held to the Student Code of Conduct; No special consideration
District identifies disability Parent provides documentation of disability Student is responsible to provide documentation of disability and need for reasonable accommodations
Success is more of a right No guarantee for student success There is no guarantee for student academic success; student is responsible for own academic success
Special education classes are provided Regular class curriculum with modification No special education classes; disability support office's role is to accommodate student in college level classes
Free evaluation of disability Parent is responsible for providing evaluation of disability Student is responsible for disability evaluation
District develops Individual Education Plan (IEP) Services determined by 504 Plan Student initiates request for reasonable accommodations. There are no IEPs or 504s in postsecondary education
District ensures that the IEP is implemented District/parent/student responsible Student is responsible for own academic progress
Entitled services identified on the IEP Services determined by 504 Plan Providing reasonable accommodations is not an automatic process; each college determines eligibility and what reasonable accommodations will be provided based on the disability documentation provided
Fundamental modifications to program of study permitted as identified on IEP Fundamental modifications to program of study permitted as identified in 504 Plan No fundamental modifications allowed: Accommodations may not result in a fundamental alteration to a course or academic program; nor impose an undue burden on an institution
Teacher can advocate for student Parent/student advocate Student advocates for self
Personal services: e.g., transportation, personal attendant, nurse, in class aide No personal services provided No personal services provided