A common misconception about Section 504 is that a 504 plan “follows” students to colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. While Section 504 is applicable in higher ed, the responsibilities of school districts and postsecondary institutions are significantly different.
No 504 committee at the postsecondary level
One of the main differences that students encounter at a postsecondary institution is the absence of a 504 committee advocating on their behalf. Public schools are required to regularly assemble a group of knowledgeable people to determine eligibility status and, as appropriate, develop an individualized accommodation plan. At the postsecondary level, students must advocate for themselves by seeking out the institution’s disabilities service office, disclosing their disability status, and requesting academic adjustments.
The burden of proof shifts to the student
Another important difference that students enrolling in postsecondary institutions realize is the burden of proof. In K-12 public schools, Section 504 committees are required to seek and secure, at district expense, sufficient data to establish student eligibility for Section 504 protections and to develop an appropriate individualized accommodation plan. With no 504 committee required at the postsecondary level, institutions set standards for required documentation, and students must obtain sufficient documentation to meet those standards, even when it incurs a cost.
Resources for the transition
The Office for Civil Rights has resources to support both students and higher ed institutions in preparing for the transition from K-12 to postsecondary:
