Prospective Students and Families
Disability & Accessibility Services (DAS) works with prospective Berea College students to explore environmental barriers and determine appropriate accommodations.
The transition from high school to college involves a major legal and cultural shift. In college, students are their own primary advocates. We consider parents, guardians, and families to be vital supportive partners in this journey as students learn to navigate these new systems.
The Legal Shift: High School vs. College
In higher education, the rules of the game change. The legal framework shifts from ensuring success (K-12) to ensuring equal access (College).
| High School (IEP or 504 Plan) | College (ADA & Section 504) | |
| Primary Goal | Success: Modifying requirements or curriculum to ensure the student passes and succeeds. | Equal Access: Leveling the playing field. Academic standards and graduation requirements cannot be lowered or altered. |
| Who Drives It? | The School: The school district is legally required to identify disabilities and design plans. | The Student: The student must self-identify, formally apply, and request accommodations directly from DAS. |
| Do Plans Transfer? | Automatically: The K-12 plan dictates exactly what the school must modify for the student. | Does Not Transfer: K-12 plans offer helpful historical context, but do not guarantee college accommodations. |
| Role of Families | Primary Advocate: Parents are part of the decision-making team and have direct access to records. | Supportive Partner: The student is their own advocate. Under federal law (FERPA), DAS works directly with the student. |
Cultivating College Readiness
To prepare for postsecondary success at Berea, we encourage prospective students to practice these self-advocacy skills before arriving on campus:
Helpful External Transition Resources
For families and students looking for deeper guidance on the K-12 to higher education transition, we recommend exploring these national and regional resources: