In order to ensure that you have the same opportunity to succeed as any other student, colleges use academic adjustments and auxiliary aids commonly known as accommodations to help you participate in general activities, programs and classes offered by the college. It is important to keep in mind that as a college student you drive the process of requesting accommodations for a disability, including when or if to disclose your disability, by Applying to DSPS.
There is no Special Education at the college level and instead of being guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), colleges must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Civil Rights Restoration Act. That means that if you choose to disclose your disability by applying to DSPS, you are not placed into easier courses and continue to be held to the same academic and behavioral standards as all students. At the same time, you are assured that your information is not shared with others without your consent and your instructors or other student services staff are only notified by DSPS in specific circumstances that you are entitled to certain accommodations.
For more information on how to meet the requirements at the college level visit our Student Rights and Responsibilities page.