Differences Between IDEA for P-12 and ADA for Higher Education

The rights and requirements for students with disabilities differ in the P-12 and higher education settings. In P-12 rights and responsibilities are based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and in higher education rights and responsibilities stem from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  In this post, I will outline these differences.

Under IDEA, in P-12 all students are guaranteed by law a free appropriate public education. In higher education,  ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.  While IDEA covers every child from P-12, ADA only cover students who are "otherwise qualified" meaning only students able to meet specified academic qualifications.  In P-12, school districts must identify students with disabilities, evaluate them, and cover all costs while colleges do not have any of those obligations. In college, students must self-identify and provide documentation of their disability.  Under IDEA in P-12, schools must develop IEP plans for students and modify curriculum if necessary whereas in college, under ADA, reasonable accommodations must be requested by the student. Colleges must make adjustments to equalize opportunities for participation  but they are not under obligation to modify the curriculum or lower standards. In P-12, personal devices and services are provided by the district but colleges do not have this requirement. In P-12, parents must be included in decision making while in college students over 18 are considered adults so parents are not involved. Finally, under IDEA, students have a right to due process described in the law.  In higher education, under ADA, students must follow the college grievance procedure and then file a complaint with the US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

Dell, A., Newton, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom. Boston:  
       MA: Pearson.