Higher Education Rights

for Delaware Transition-Age Youth and Their Families

 

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Introduction

The transition from childhood to adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. There are many things to keep in mind as you (or your child) approach adulthood. While it is never too late to plan for the future, we recommend that you start thinking about and preparing for the transition to adulthood early in the teenage years.

There are many ways in which people with disabilities can pursue education after high school. Whether you are a student or the parent of a student, there are many things that you should think about if you are interested in exploring education after high school – which is often called “higher education.” The world of higher education will present challenges that are very different from the trials of high school.

This guide provides information to help you learn to advocate for yourself. There are fewer protections that are required by law for college-level students with disabilities, as compared to those protections provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Thus, learning how to advocate for yourself will be very important for you to navigate and succeed in higher education.

This guide provides an overview of common issues and questions that you will likely face about higher education.  While this guide does not cover every topic related to higher education that you might encounter, it is here to offer you some insight into some common issues.  Each individual’s situation is unique and this guide is not intended to constitute legal advice on your specific circumstances.

Please use this table of contents to navigate to sections of this guide that are of interest to you:

Table of Contents

Options for Education After High School

  1. Two-Year Colleges

  2. Community Colleges

  3. Four-Year Colleges and Universities

  4. Life Skills and Other Programs

Prepare to Apply

  1. For More Information

  2. The Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

  3. Delaware’s Pathways to Employment Program

Understanding the Admissions Process

  1. Standardized Tests

    • SAT
    • ACT
    • Other Standardized Tests
    • Test Prep Courses

  2. Disclosure of Your Disability

  3. Discrimination

Financing Higher Education

  1. The Basics

  2. Sources of Funding and Assistance

    • Grants and Scholarships
    • Federal Government Grants
    • Scholarships
    • State Government Grants and Scholarships
    • SEED Program
    • Loans
    • Work-Study
    • Ticket to Work Program
    • Other

  3. For More Information

    • …On Financial Aid
    • …On Planning Your Finances for Higher Education

  4. Financial Aid Complaints Process

Rights and Legal Protections of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education

  1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

  3. The Higher Education Opportunity Act

  4. Delaware Equal Accommodations Law

  5. Other Laws

Accommodations

  1. Classroom or Learning Accommodations

  2. Housing and Transportation

  3. Technology and Accessibility

  4. Filing a Complaint

    • Disability Coordinator
    • Grievances
    • Academic Appeals
    • Office for Civil Rights

Voting

Helpful Resources

SAMPLE: Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter

Community Legal Aid Society Contact Information

Category: Subject Areas