What happens to my IEP after high school? Navigating disability services in college

If you’re a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in high school, you may be wondering what happens to all that support once you graduate. The short answer? The IEP itself doesn’t follow you to college — but that doesn’t have to mean you’re on your own.

Whether you're heading to a university, community college, career college or trade school, there are still services available to support your learning. But the system works differently after high school, and knowing how to navigate those differences can make a big impact on your success.

IEPs end when high school ends

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that guarantees K–12 students with disabilities the right to an IEP. It requires public schools to identify students with disabilities, provide appropriate accommodations, and ensure access to the general education curriculum.

But IDEA only applies through high school. Once you graduate, either with a diploma or certificate of completion, your IEP ends. Postsecondary institutions are not required to follow IEPs or provide the same services you may have received in high school.

This can feel like a big shift — but there’s still a path forward.

In college, support comes under a different law

In college, disability support is governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws protect students from discrimination and require schools to provide “reasonable accommodations” to ensure access to education.

However, unlike in high school, the college is not responsible for identifying your disability or creating a personalized plan. You, the student, are responsible for disclosing your disability, requesting accommodations, and advocating for what you need.

This is a big transition — one that requires more independence and self-advocacy.

How to get support in college

Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure you continue receiving support in college:

1. Ask about a disability services office

Most colleges, including career and technical schools, have a disability services office or designated staff member who coordinates accommodations. It’s best to contact them early — ideally before classes begin. Some schools even let you start the process during the application or enrollment phase.

You’ll likely need to provide documentation of your disability, which may include:

• A copy of your most recent IEP or 504 plan
• A psychological or educational evaluation
• Medical records or a note from a qualified professional

Your IEP can be a helpful reference, even if it’s not used formally. It shows your history of accommodations and can guide the new plan.

2. Request accommodations

Once you’ve registered with disability services, you’ll meet with someone to discuss your needs. Accommodations might include:

• Extended time on tests
• A quiet testing environment
• Note-taking assistance
• Use of assistive technology
• Permission to record lectures

It’s important to know that accommodations are not automatic. You will need to request them each semester and follow the school’s procedures. Also, colleges are not required to change academic standards or modify course content — they must provide equal access, but can’t guarantee the outcome.

3. Practice self-advocacy

In high school, your teachers, counselors and parents were probably involved in your IEP meetings and helped monitor your progress. In college, you’ll be expected to take the lead.

That means:

• Telling instructors about your accommodations (often through a formal letter from disability services)
• Asking for help when you need it
• Following up if accommodations aren’t being implemented properly
• Knowing your rights and responsibilities

This can feel intimidating at first, but advocating for yourself is a skill that will serve you for the rest of your life.

Choosing a college or university

Many students with IEPs choose career or technical colleges because of their structured, hands-on programs and smaller class sizes. These schools must still comply with ADA and Section 504, but the process for requesting support can vary.

Some career colleges have dedicated disability support staff, while others may handle accommodations through student services or academic advisors. Either way, the same principles apply: self-disclosure, documentation, and a willingness to speak up for your needs.

The good news is that career colleges are often more flexible and responsive due to their smaller size and real-world focus. They want you to succeed and will usually work with you to make reasonable adjustments that fit the program.

Tips for a smooth transition

Here are a few things students and their families can do to prepare for the shift from high school to college:

• Start early. Begin talking about transition plans during your junior or senior year of high school.
• Get organized. Keep copies of your IEP, evaluations and any other relevant documents in a folder.
• Practice independence. Start managing your own schedule, communicating with teachers and taking responsibility for your learning.
• Research potential schools. Ask about disability services, accommodations and how they support students with learning differences.
• Know your rights. You still have legal protections — you just have to use them differently.

Leaving high school the structure of an IEP can feel scary, but it’s also an opportunity to grow into your independence. With the right support, students with disabilities can thrive in college, build confidence and prepare for meaningful careers. Understanding what changes — and what stays the same — is the first step toward building a future that works for you.

From high school to career: Building a transition plan with your IEP team

High school doesn’t last forever, but the support you receive there can lay the foundation for a successful future, especially if you have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). One of the most important parts of your IEP during your later high school years is called the transition plan. It helps you start thinking about life after graduation — college, work, independent living, and more.

For students who learn differently or have other educational needs, planning that next step can feel overwhelming. But with the right team and a clear plan, you can move forward with your life and education with confidence.

One often-overlooked but powerful path for after high school? Career colleges. These schools offer a hands-on, skills-focused path that can be a smart and supportive alternative to traditional four-year universities.

Let’s explore what an IEP transition plan is, how to make it work for you, and why a career college might be the perfect fit.

What is a transition plan?

Starting by age 16 (sometimes earlier, depending on the laws in your state), your IEP must include a transition plan. This part of the plan focuses on:

• Your goals for after high school (college, job, or both)
• The steps you’ll take to reach those goals
• The services and supports you’ll need along the way

The goal is to help you move smoothly from high school into adult life.

This planning should be centered on you, your interests, your strengths, and your hopes for the future. It’s not just about choosing a school or career path, but about figuring out what kind of life you want and how to build it.

Your IEP team (which includes you, your parents or guardians, teachers, and sometimes a counselor or transition coordinator) should take time to explore what you’re good at and what excites you. At this point, you’ll probably start to talk about career options or even visit local training programs.

Ask yourself:

• Do I learn best by doing rather than listening?
• Do I enjoy working with my hands, helping people, or using technology?
• Do I want to start working sooner rather than later?
• Do I like structure and clear expectations?

If you answered yes to some of these questions, a career college might be worth a closer look.