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  • Home
  • About
  • Types of Service Dogs
    • Service Dog Definitions >
      • Tasks: Guide Dogs
      • Tasks: Hearing Dogs
      • Tasks: Service Dogs
      • Tasks: Psychiatric Service Dogs
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • History of Service Dogs
    • Infographic: Service Dog Types
  • Laws
    • ADA >
      • ADA FAQ
      • ADA Title I & V
      • ADA Title IV
      • Additional Resources >
        • A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment
        • ADA: Know Your Rights -- Returning Service Members with Disabilities
        • ADA Questions and Answers
        • A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
        • Q&A: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Persons with HIV/AIDS
        • Ten Employment Myths
    • ACAA >
      • Tips for Flying With Your Service Dog
      • TSA Info
    • DOT
    • EEOC >
      • Reasonable Accommodation - Employment
      • Information for Employers
    • FHA >
      • Guide for Landlords
      • Reasonable Accommodation Request - Housing
    • Sec 504 >
      • Reasonable Accommodation Request - Education
    • State Laws Pertaining to Service Dogs
  • Topics of Interest
    • Advocacy
    • Breed Bans
    • Churches
    • First Responders: EMS >
      • Local Law Enforcement
    • Healthcare Settings >
      • Animals in Healthcare Facilities: Recommendations to Minimize Potential Risks
      • Dental Offices
    • Lodging
    • Military
    • National Parks
    • Protection
    • Restaurants
    • Schools >
      • Colleges
    • Travel: Hawaii >
      • Flying Tips
    • Volunteering
  • Contact
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What Are a Public or Private College/University's Responsibilities to Students with Disabilities?


Both public and private colleges and universities must provide equal access to postsecondary education for students with disabilities. Title II of the ADA covers publicly-funded universities, community colleges and vocational schools. Title III of the ADA covers privately-funded schools.  All public or private schools that receive federal funding are required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to make their programs accessible to students with disabilities.

All the programs of postsecondary institutions, including extracurricular activities, must be accessible to students with disabilities. The schools can do this in several ways: by providing architectural access to buildings, including residential facilities; by providing aids and services necessary for effective communication, like sign language interpreters, Braille or electronic formats and assistive listening devices; and by modifying policies, practices and procedures, such as testing accommodations and access to school facilities for service animals.  Accommodations and program modifications should be individually designed to meet the needs of the student with a disability.

Accommodations and modifications of policies and practices are not required when it would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity or give rise to an undue financial or administrative burden.

Postsecondary institutions often have an office that coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities.  The student should notify the appropriate institutional office well in advance of the needed modification or accommodation.  Technical guidance is available through the ADA National Network at 1-800-949-4232. For more information please visit:

  • Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html
  • Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/auxaids.html
All SDIQ articles and trainings are written by long term professionals in the Service Dog industry and are meant to provide the reader with accurate, current information that will enhance the reader’s relationship with their Service Dog and the public, or a relationship with a Service Dog Team, as well as the reader’s knowledge of Service Dog applicable laws and best practices in Service Dog stewardship, handling, management, and problem solving. The information in the articles and trainings do not constitute legal training, nor legal advice.

© Service Dog IQ 2015