Disability Services
Parent and Family Guide

Disability Services is available to speak with you and your student about the important differences between high school and college with respect to services for students with disabilities. Understanding these differences will help to ensure a smooth transition period for both you and your student.
 
Below, we have provided a summary that highlights these differences. We have also included information that is specific to our program for students with disabilities.
 
In high school, teachers or other school personnel identified students who were in need of services, provided free assessments, and developed Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) based on these assessments. These plans may have included a modified curriculum, specialized instruction, tutoring, academic accommodations and services of a personal nature.

In contrast, post-secondary education requires students with disabilities to be much more self-directed about gaining access to the key accommodations they need. While K-12’s emphasis is on ensuring students’ success, post-secondary disability services is focused upon "leveling the playing field" for students with disabilities so that they have equal opportunity and equal access. With these important distinctions in mind, the following represent key features of Disability Services:

  • Students must self-identify with Disability Services in order to request accommodations.
  • Students also must provide documentation that meets Disability Services guidelines of their condition/disability. Colleges are not responsible for assessing or determining students’ disability status or related needs.
  • Higher education institutions, including Columbia, review students’ documentation and determine their disability-related needs for academic adjustments and reasonable accommodations. Eligibility for specific accommodations may differ from high school to college.
  • Reasonable accommodations coordinated by Disability Services for eligible students may include extended time on exams, note-taking services, textbooks and other materials in an alternate format, as well as sign-language interpreting, CART and C-Print services. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis according to documentation, academic and program requirements.
  • Additionally, services of a personal nature, including tutoring are not considered reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the two laws which govern the provision of accommodations at the college level.
  • Students are expected to follow the established procedures for receiving reasonable accommodations in order to maintain their eligibility for such accommodations.

Disability Services looks forward to working with your student as she/he becomes a part of the vibrant Columbia community. We are here to support your student by providing appropriate, reasonable accommodations that facilitate academic and physical access to Columbia’s programs and activities. If you have any questions, please contact Disability Services.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Families

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