Accommodations for College Students with Psychiatric Disabilities

Students with a 504 Plan in high school for psychiatric disabilities, such as those related to ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, OCD, learning disorders, or others, might not always realize they are eligible for accommodations in college. Having specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry and college mental health for over 15 years (first in New York City, and now in Ann Arbor), I've assisted many students in transitioning from high school to college and have written numerous psychoeducational recommendations. In this post, I'll explain common accommodations colleges offer for students with disabilities, focusing on mental health-related disabilities, and outline the steps to ensure you receive the necessary support in college.

Transitioning from High School to College

A 504 Plan does not automatically transfer from high school to college, requiring students to take additional steps:

1. Self-Advocacy: In college, students must advocate for themselves. Unlike in high school, where the school sets up a 504 Plan, college students must proactively seek and request accommodations. However, in some cases, the cause of their disability, such as social anxiety or autism, may be an obstacle in seeking such accommodations. In these cases, it is important that students designate a representative to communicate with their college on their behalf.

2. Documentation: Colleges typically require recent and thorough documentation of a student’s disability. While a high school 504 Plan can be part of this, colleges usually have their own procedures and forms. Students might need to provide updated evaluations or letters from medical professionals.

3. Office of Disability Services: Most colleges have an office or center for students with disabilities, or a similar department that handles accommodation requests. To ensure you start your college journey on the right foot, it's crucial to contact this office early and initiate the process. This proactive step will help you feel more prepared and in control.

4. Types of Accommodations: College accommodations might differ from those in high school, but various options are available to support your unique needs. Common college accommodations include extended time on tests, note-taking services, alternative textbook formats, and accessible housing.

5. Legal Framework: The legal framework for accommodations in college differs from high school. In high school, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) apply. In college, the primary laws are Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Common College Accommodations

Colleges offer various accommodations to support students with disabilities, including those who had 504 Plans in high school. Standard accommodations provided by college disability services include:

• Extended Time on Tests and Exams: Additional time to complete tests to accommodate processing speed or other disabilities.

• Note-Taking Assistance: Providing lecture notes, access to note-taking services, or permission to record lectures.

• Alternative Testing Locations: Quieter, less distracting environments for exams.

• Assistive Technology: Access to screen readers, speech-to-text software, and other assistive devices.

• Alternative Formats for Course Materials: Textbooks and materials in large print, Braille, or digital text for screen readers. 

• Support with Writing: Increasingly, colleges have writing centers that assist students with course-related writing assignments.

• Priority Registration: Early class registration to ensure necessary accommodations and accessible classrooms.

• Reduced Course Load: Fewer credits per semester while maintaining full-time status.

• Flexible Attendance Policies: Flexibility in attendance for students who may need to miss classes due to their disability.

• Housing Accommodations: Accessible dorm rooms, single rooms, or rooms with specific features to accommodate disabilities.

• Emotional support animals: Some colleges allow emotional support animals in dorms.

• Modified Assignments: Adjustments to coursework or deadlines to suit the student's needs.

• Counseling and Support Services: Access to mental health counseling, support groups, and other resources.

• Physical Accessibility: Ensuring classrooms, labs, and other facilities are accessible.

• Interpreting Services: Sign language interpreters or real-time captioning for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

• Personal Aides or Assistants: Guidance and support in finding personal aides, though typically arranged by the students.

• Classroom Accommodations: Preferential seating, use of computers for note-taking, or adjustments to lighting and sound.

Each college has its own process for determining and implementing accommodations. If applicable, a student with a disability associated with ANY psychiatric diagnosis may request MOST of the accommodations listed above. It's crucial for students to contact their institution’s disability services to discuss their needs and required documentation. The goal is to provide an equitable learning environment for students with disabilities.

Steps to Ensure College Accommodations

Students with a 504 Plan in high school should follow these steps to ensure they receive accommodations in college:

1. Contact the College’s Office of Disability Services: Do this as early as possible, preferably before the semester begins.

2. Provide Documentation: Submit required documentation, including the 504 Plan and any additional medical or psychological evaluations.

3. Meet with a Disability Services Coordinator: Discuss your needs and the accommodations you received in high school to determine what can be provided in college.

4. Follow-up: Ensure accommodations are implemented effectively and communicate any issues or needs for adjustments to the Office of Disability Services.

By taking these steps, students can secure the support they need for their college education.

Addendum:

Applying for Accommodations at the University of Michigan

Students with disabilities need to follow specific procedures to apply for special accommodations at the University of Michigan:

1. Register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD): You can contact the SSD office through the SSD website, which has registration forms and contact information. 

2. Provide Documentation: Submit recent documentation of your disability, typically within the last three years, including a detailed history, current status, and impact on academic performance from a qualified professional.

3. Request Accommodations: After registration, discuss specific needs with an SSD coordinator. The SSD office will work with the student to determine reasonable accommodations.

4. Communicate with Professors: Once accommodations are approved, inform professors about your needs. The SSD office can provide letters or notifications to ensure professors make the necessary adjustments.

For detailed instructions and resources, visit the University of Michigan's Services for Students with Disabilities website (https://ssd.umich.edu/).

Applying for Accommodations at Michigan State University

1. Register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD): Visit the RCPD website, which will guide you through the registration process.

2. Provide Documentation: Submit recent documentation of your disability, typically within the last three years, including a detailed history, current status, and impact on academic performance from a qualified professional.

3. Request Accommodations: After registration, discuss specific needs with an RCPD coordinator. The RCPD office will work with the student to determine reasonable accommodations and issue an Accommodation Letter, which will typically last throughout your time at MSU.

4. Communicate with Professors: At the beginning of each semester, share a copy of your Accommodation Letter with each instructor.

For detailed instructions and resources, visit the Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities’ website: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/accommodations/student-accommodations

Applying for Accommodations at Wayne State University

1. Register with Student Disability Services: You can contact the SDS office via its website or email at studentdisability@wayne.edu.

2. Provide Documentation: Submit recent documentation of your disability, typically within the last three years, including a detailed history, current status, and impact on academic performance from a qualified professional.

3. Request Accommodations: After registration, discuss specific needs with an SDS coordinator. The SDS office will work with the student to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis and can be revisited as needed.

4. Communicate with Professors: Work closely with the Student Disability Services staff to communicate your accommodation plan to your instructors.

For detailed instructions and resources, visit the Wayne State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities’ website: https://studentdisability.wayne.edu/accommodations

If you have questions, you can contact me at contact@greatlakespsychiatryandpsychotherapy.com

Jacek Debiec, M.D., Ph.D., D.Phil., updated January 31st, 2026.

Further reading:

1. Blasey, J et al., Accommodation Use and Academic Outcomes for College Students With Disabilities; Psychological Reports, Volume 126, Issue 4, August 2023, Pages 1891-1909.

2. Gin, LE et al., Is Active Learning Accessible? Exploring the Process of Providing Accommodations to Students with Disabilities; CBE—Life Sciences Education Vol. 19, No. 4; December 01, 2020.

3. Mamboleo, G. et al., Accommodation experience: Challenges and facilitators of requesting and implementing accommodations among college students with disabilities; Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 43-54, 2020.

4. Hadley, W., The Necessity of Academic Accommodations for First-Year College Students with Learning Disabilities; Journal of College Admission, n195 p9-13 Spr 2007.