Postsecondary Accommodations Guide: College and Training Programs, Ages 14 to 21

This postsecondary accommodations guide helps transition students and families understand how accommodations at college and training programs differ from an IEP or 504 plan, which accommodations are common, how to contact disability services, and how to plan the first semester.

Why I made this: Every spring I talk with families who assume the IEP follows their student to college. It does not, and the first semester is a hard place to find that out. This guide lays out what changes in plain language and gives the student a plan they can act on themselves.

What's included:

• Cover

• Teacher and family how to page

• High school vs. after high school: what changes

• Common accommodations in plain language (12 terms)

• Comparing my supports: high school vs. campus (write on chart)

• Contacting disability services: a 10 step checklist

• Documentation basics

• My first semester accommodation plan

• Other campus supports open to most students

• Family tip page: support without taking over

How I use it: Start it in the junior year if you can, so there is time to gather documents. Do the what changes page and the terms page together, then let the student fill in the comparison chart and the first semester plan. Send the family page home. Every school sets its own process, so check with the disability services office the student plans to use.

How it fits with my other products:

• This guide is about college, career and technical programs, and apprenticeships. My Behavior Accommodations Checklist for IEP & 504 Plans | 96 Supports is for IEP and 504 planning in high school.

• My Self Advocacy Scripts for Work & College | Boss, Job Coach, Disability Office has practice lines for talking with a disability office. This guide covers the steps and the plan around that conversation.

Also from The Transition Cliff:

• Self Advocacy Scripts for Work & College | Boss, Job Coach, Disability Office

• Disability Disclosure Decision Guide | Work + College

• Summary of Performance Template

• The Student Led IEP + Self Advocacy bundle (coming soon)

What you download: one printable PDF, 10 pages, US Letter.

Rules and processes vary by state, school, and employer. This is general information, not legal advice. Always follow your district policies.

Part of the Student Led IEP + Self Advocacy series (Student Led IEP Meeting Slides; Disability Disclosure Decision Guide; Postsecondary Accommodations Guide; Summary of Performance Template).

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.