Accommodations in Early College Courses

Taking early college courses is a great opportunity to explore college-level learning while still in high school. Whether your course is on-campus, online, or taught at your school, you are considered a college student—and that comes with new responsibilities and systems to navigate.

One key area to understand is accommodations for students with disabilities. The rules and processes for receiving accommodations in college are different from those in high school. In high school, services are guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504, Subpart D. In college, they follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, Subpart E.

This page focuses on accommodations in early college courses—some of which are taught inside secondary schools. The goal is to help you get the support you need and become familiar with the college process while you have full support from your high school, family, and college staff.

Key Differences Between High School and College Accommodations

Parents are involved in planning and decisions. Schools communicate freely with parents.Students must advocate for themselves. College staff can only speak with parents if the student gives written permission.

Parents are involved in planning and decisions. Schools communicate freely with parents.Students must advocate for themselves. College staff can only speak with parents if the student gives written permission.

 

 High School College
The IEP/504 plan is required and followed. IEPs/504 plans end at graduation; colleges do not use IEPs or 504 plans.
Schools may modify curriculum and provide instructional supports. Colleges provide accommodations for access but do not modify course content or academic expectations.
Parents are involved in planning and decisions. Schools communicate freely with parents. Students must advocate for themselves. College staff can only speak with parents if they students give written permission.
Individual supports (like Ed Techs) may be provided. Students must advocate for themselves. College staff can only speak with parents if the student gives written permission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you are in a college course – even if it is taught inside your high school or CTE – you can only use the accommodations in the college Accessibility Office letter.

These changes can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. Here’s how to get started:

Your Next Steps

  1. Explore Your College and Course Options Use OnCourse and individual community college websites to search for courses. Make sure the course aligns with your IEP or learning plan.
  2. Connect with the Accessibility Office As soon as you register for a course, reach out to the college’s Accessibility Office. Each college has its own process, and accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. It’s your responsibility to initiate this contact.
  3. Gather Your Documentation & Meet with the College Colleges require documentation of a diagnosed disability. Make sure you have access to all current evaluations of your diagnosed disability and keep them in a safe place for future use—even after high school. Schedule your intake meeting with the college once you have that documentation.
  4. Start Your Course and Use Support Services Share your accommodations letter with your instructor if needed. You’ll also be introduced to tutoring centers, learning labs, and other student support services.

Contact Accessibility Offices at Maine’s Community College:

Frequently Asked Accessibility Questions

How does Accessibility Services work at the college level?
Accessibility Services in college are student-driven. Unlike in high school, neither your school nor your parents/guardians can initiate contact with the college’s Accessibility Office on your behalf. You should request accommodations before your course begins—even if it’s taught at your high school. Accommodations can not be retroactive, and the application process can take a couple of weeks.

The Accessibility Office will review your documentation and meet with you to determine appropriate accommodations. These meetings can be virtual, on-campus, or sometimes even at your high school.

Does my IEP or 504 Plan automatically transfer to college?
No. Your high school IEP or 504 Plan does not transfer to college. Colleges follow different laws and regulations, including the ADA and Section 504, Subpart E. Each college has resources explaining these differences on their Accessibility Services webpage.
How do I request accommodations in college?
You must self-identify and submit documentation to the Accessibility Office. After registering for your course, you’ll attend an intake appointment with an Accessibility Counselor to discuss your needs. Together, you’ll develop a plan for reasonable accommodations based on your documentation and the nature of your course.

Note: Some courses or programs may have limitations on certain accommodations. Final decisions are made after your intake meeting.

What if I’m nervous about asking for accommodations?
That’s completely normal—and you’re not alone. One benefit of taking early college courses is that you still have support from your high school counselor, IEP team, and family. They can help you gather documentation, understand the process, and navigate any challenges.

Also, our Accessibility Counselors are here because they care about helping students succeed. Your intake meeting is a great way to get to know them and feel more comfortable.

Can I get help with time management or study skills?
Yes! Colleges offer tutoring, learning labs, and workshops to help all students build skills like time management, note-taking, and studying. These supports are available to everyone—not just students with accommodations. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your instructor or visit the college’s Learning Lab.
Are there accommodations that are not provided in college?
Yes. Colleges do not provide accommodations that:

  • Fundamentally change course content or program requirements
  • Waive attendance or classroom policies
  • Provide aides to attend class or assist during exams
  • Modify grading standards or timelines
  • Alter academic expectations
How will my instructors know I’ve been approved for accommodations?
You’ll receive an accommodations letter from the Accessibility Office. It’s your responsibility to share this letter with each instructor. The letter does not include details about your disability—only the approved accommodations. You may choose to share more with your instructor, but it’s entirely up to you.
Will my parents/guardians be informed about how I’m doing in college classes?
No. College staff and faculty are legally prohibited from sharing information about your attendance, grades, or accommodations without your written permission. This is due to FERPA, ADA, and other privacy laws—even if you’re still in high school.

You can choose to sign a FERPA release to allow certain information to be shared with your parents.

I’m a parent/guardian—how can I support my student’s transition to college?
We understand that many parents have been strong advocates for their children in high school. College is a chance for students to build independence and self-advocacy skills.

You can support your student by encouraging open communication, helping them gather documentation, and guiding them through the process—but let them take the lead. Accessibility Services is here to support students when challenges arise.

How can I learn more about Accessibility Services?
Each Maine community college has a dedicated Accessibility Services webpage with resources about the transition from high school to college. You’ll find contact information, documentation requirements, and more.