Southern Methodist University’s Learning Enhancement Center has created a website that addresses many of the ways in which college students need to alter their expectations as they move from high school to college:
| Special Education in High School: | Disability Services in College: |
| The relevant disability law is the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). | The relevant disability laws are Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). |
| Schools must make available to all eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs. | Colleges are prohibited from discriminating against qualified students because of a disability. |
| Behavior can be viewed as a manifestation of the disability and accommodated within limits. | You must meet the essential standards (educational, behavioral, and others) established by the college or university. |
| Guiding principle: The environment is fit to the student | Guiding principle: The student fits the environment |
College Planning Guide For Students with Learning Disabilities