College Planning for Students with Disabilities: What Parents Should Know

College planning is never one-size-fits-all. For families with students who have disabilities, including physical, learning, sensory, or neurodivergent profiles, there’s a different layer of research and advocacy involved. The good news is that many colleges offer robust support services, but the quality and accessibility of those services vary widely.

Disabilities can include mobility impairments, chronic health conditions, visual or hearing impairments, ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, processing disorders, and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Some students may have formal diagnoses and IEPs or 504 plans, while others may have never received accommodations but still benefit from support.

As you help your child build their college list, here are seven key resources to look for when evaluating how well a college supports students with disabilities:

1. Disability Services Office (DSO) 

   Look for a clearly defined office with a dedicated staff. Additionally, review their website for details on accommodation procedures, documentation requirements, and examples of services provided.

   
   

2. Academic Support Services 

   Check for tutoring centers, writing labs, executive functioning coaching, and assistive technology. Some colleges also offer peer mentoring and specialized programs for students who are neurodivergent.

   
   

3. Housing Accommodations 

   Ask about accessible dorms, single-room options, and proximity to dining halls or classrooms. Some schools allow emotional support animals (that can live in the dorm with your child) and offer quiet housing communities.

   
   

4. Testing and Classroom Accommodations 

   Find out how the college handles extended testing time, distraction-reduced environments, note-taking support, and alternative formats for assignments and exams.

   
   

5. Mental Health and Wellness Resources 

   Explore the availability of counseling services, therapy groups, crisis support, and wellness programming. Some colleges have embedded therapists within residence halls or academic departments. Pet therapy is also becoming quite common on campuses. (Sometimes petting a sweet pup makes the day better 😊.)

   
   

6. Faculty Training and Culture 

   Ask how faculty are trained to support students with disabilities. Are accommodations respected without stigma? Do professors understand invisible disabilities?

   
   

7. Transition and Advocacy Programs 

   Some colleges offer bridge programs, orientation tracks, and first-year seminars designed for students with disabilities. These can ease the transition and build self-advocacy skills.

   
   

When visiting campuses or attending virtual info sessions, here are five questions parents can ask:

• What documentation is required to receive accommodations, and how long does the approval process take?

• Are accommodations handled centrally, or does each professor decide how to implement them?

• How does the college support students who struggle with executive functioning or time management?

• What happens if a student experiences a mental health crisis during the semester?

• Can you share examples of how students with disabilities have been supported academically and socially?

As you gather this information, consider using our college list planning template to track each school’s disability support offerings alongside other variables like cost, location, and major availability. It’s a simple way to keep everything in one place and make apples-to-apples comparisons.

And if you’re just starting this journey, our 4-year college planning roadmap offers a comprehensive guide to help you support your child through every stage of high school. It’s designed for parents who want to guide and support their kids’ college prep journey without micromanaging it.

Every student deserves a college experience that’s empowering, inclusive, and tailored to their strengths. With the right tools and questions, you can help your child find a school that sees them fully and supports them accordingly.