{"id":14688,"date":"2026-02-20T13:25:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T18:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/?page_id=14688"},"modified":"2026-03-31T23:34:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T03:34:03","slug":"p4","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/started\/webinar\/p4\/","title":{"rendered":"DAI Information Session for 2026-2027 (4)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Key Differences: High School vs. College<\/h1>

Students as Leaders and Decision-Makers<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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Apply site-wide<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n

The transition from high school to college brings important changes. The most significant differences involve legal protections, student and family roles, and academic expectations<\/strong> in a university environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal Protections: Success vs. Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In high school, students are protected under IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws require schools to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)<\/strong> in the least restrictive environment. Schools develop structured plans, such as IEPs and 504 plans, that support student success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n