College Resources for Students with Disabilities

Disability Services

Disability Services serves students with permanent and temporary disabilities attending Central on the Ellensburg campus, online or at any of our eight University Centers. Our mission is to make university life accessible to students with disabilities.

Guaranteed admissions partner: One of eight colleges and universities that partner with Tacoma Public Schools to guaranteed admission for qualifying students. 

Accessible Technology

Accessible technology includes electronic documents, websites, videos, software applications, and hardware devices that can be used effectively by everyone, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The EWU community is collectively responsible for assuring the technologies we choose, use, and create are fully accessible.

Guaranteed admissions partner: One of eight colleges and universities that partner with Tacoma Public Schools to guaranteed admission for qualifying students. 

Access Services for Students with Disabilities

Evergreen will work with admitted Evergreen students to ensure equitable access to academic programs and services. Whether transitioning from high school, community college or another university, it’s important to be aware of the process to request accommodations and/or auxiliary aids due to a disability or temporary health condition.

Guaranteed admissions partner: One of eight colleges and universities that partner with Tacoma Public Schools to guaranteed admission for qualifying students. 

Access Services

Tacoma Community College's Access Services provides reasonable accommodations and support services for students with disabilities in accordance with the A.D.A. (as amended) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Access Services supports the social and identity models of disability, celebrating disability as an integral part of diversity on our campus.

Guaranteed admissions partner: One of eight colleges and universities that partner with Tacoma Public Schools to guaranteed admission for qualifying students. 

DO-IT Scholars with the University of Washington

DO-IT Scholars prepares Washington State high school students with disabilities for success in college and careers. Scholars attend Summer Study sessions, held during three consecutive summers at the University of Washington campus. This allows students to experience college life and work on self advocacy skills. Throughout the school year, Scholars connect with program staff, DO-IT Mentors, and each other using email and e-lists. They also meet in-person at DO-IT events, complete individual and group projects, and receive valuable information and support for the transition to college. 

Accessibility = All of Us

Welcome to the University of Washington’s centralized accessibility website, the “digital front door” to accessibility. This website gathers information from across the University to provide students, faculty, staff, visitors, patients, and the community with a single-entry point for relevant information about access to UW programs, services, and activities. Use these webpages to explore all that is available to you.

Disability and Access Services Office Contacts

Each Washington community and technical college has a disability support services office. Contact the disability office staff by phone or email to discuss your educational goals. 

WSU ROAR

WSU ROAR (Responsibility Opportunity Advocacy and Respect) is a two-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The program provides individualized programs of study in education, social skills, and vocational training through person-centered planning. 

Access at WSU

Guaranteed admissions partner: One of eight colleges and universities that partner with Tacoma Public Schools to guaranteed admission for qualifying students. 

Disability Outreach Center

The Disability Outreach Center (DOC) is a resource for disabled students and allies. The DOC connects students with community resources, raises awareness, and advocates for disabled students’ human and civil rights.

Disability Access Center

Guaranteed admissions partner: One of eight colleges and universities that partner with Tacoma Public Schools to guaranteed admission for qualifying students. 

Transitioning from high school to college

Students who successfully gain acceptance into college may be surprised to find that the accommodations they received in high school are not automatically granted in college. For students with learning disabilities (LD) making a successful transition to college is a multi-year process and a team effort that requires input from the student, parents, school personnel, and other professionals.

Transitioning to life after high school

Find resources and support for students or young adults with a disability. Learn about education after high school, work, independent living, accessibility and more.

Think College is dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving research and practice in inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability.

College Search

A one-of-a-kind database of postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disability with numerous filters to customize your search, and the ability to download or email the findings. Frequently Asked Questions and a guide to using the search are also featured on this page.

Student Corner

This section of our website is specifically for students with intellectual disability who are interested in, or already attending, college.

Family Resources

Families can find information on every aspect related to inclusive higher education: Is my child ready? What’s the difference between high school and college? What kind of IEP goals should they have? How do we pick a college? How does my child apply for financial aid?

Laws: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply differently in high school and college. There are no IEPs or 504 plans in college, h

owever, colleges are required to follow federal civil rights laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws protect students from discrimination and ensure equal access for people with disabilities.

Process: The process for requesting and receiving accommodations in college is different from high school. Colleges may have different documentation requirements, and students need to seek out the support they need. 

Accommodations: Colleges are required to provide accommodations under Section 504, but they may not use the term "504 plan". Common accommodations include extra time on tests, quiet testing locations, and access to a note taker. 

Types of support: Colleges offer different types of support, including structured programs, coordinated services, and services. Structured programs are comprehensive and may have additional costs. Coordinated services are used as needed and have less structure. Services are the least comprehensive and are for students who need minimum accommodations. 

Students can also get a transition service plan from a local VR agency. VR agencies are located in every state and offer services that can help with college, work, and independent living.