What Makes Higher Education Access Different from K-12 Access?

Access in K-12 versus Access in Higher Ed.

There are a variety of differences and similarities between Accessibility within the K-12 educational environment and the Higher Education educational environment. The examples below are not comprehensive and if you have any questions you can contact the Accessibility Services Center utilizing the contact information located on the ASC Home Page.

  • K-12 under the IDEA ensures that eligible children and youth with disabilities from birth to age 21 receive free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. It could be tailored to the students needs and ensured that they are able to learn alongside their peers without disabilities.
  • Higher Education is regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504/508, and depending on State and Local Government there could be additional regulations.

  • In the K-12 environment the child's family members and support network were the main advocates for ensuring that services were provided and appropriate while in school. 
  • In Higher Education once a student begins courses/enrolls at Solano College, the advocacy switches to the student's side and the student becomes the one advocating for needing academic accommodations in college/university. Yes, parents do have the option to continue to participate but consent from the college student is required before the parent(s) can communicate with the department or sit in on any meetings.
  • This essentially means that the student drives the interactive process; the student contacts the ASC to inquire about services, then they complete the necessary paperwork to join the program, then the student meets with an ASC counselor to perform an intake appointment where a discussion is had about their past learning experiences and what they may have used in K-12.
  • The students are the ones that work on developing time management and self-advocacy skills while in college/university.

  • In the K-12 environment heavy emphasis is placed on ensuring that the student is able to succeed in the educational environment through collaborative efforts by the educational team and the family members/student.
  • In Higher Education the structure and core components change. Taking classes in Higher Education is viewed as optional unlike K-12 education where attending school is mandatory for students, therefore the requirements are implemented differently. 
  • Higher Education places the responsibility of success on the student and instead focuses on ensuring that the student can Access the educational environment and educational materials. This is done by offering Academic Accommodations which can help to lessen or potentially eliminate the barriers an individual can encounter due to their disability.

  • In K-12 students will receive an Individualized Education Plan that will guide their accommodations in the K-12 educational environment. 
  • In Higher Education, students will when meeting with a DSPS (ASC) counselor create an Academic Accommodation Plan in collaboration with the counselor. This plan details their barriers and what Academic Accommodations the student has access to during their academic journey at that particular institution.

If you wish to learn more about the differences and comparisons between Higher Education and K-12 Accessibility below are some additional resources that may be useful. Please note that this list of websites and phone numbers is for your examination; it is not necessarily comprehensive and is not an endorsement of any of the information offered/described.