College Disability Rights: More Than Just Extended Time

Congruence Law, P.C. Advocates for Equal Access in Higher Education for Students with Disabilities

Disability accommodations in college are not a favor—they’re a civil right. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, colleges and universities must provide equal access to programs, services, and opportunities for students with disabilities. That includes not only extended time on tests, but accommodations in housing, dining, internships, class formats, and more.

Yet many institutions make it unnecessarily difficult for students to secure meaningful support. At Congruence Law, P.C., we help students assert their disability rights in higher education—whether they’re facing denial, delay, or outright discrimination.

Who Is Protected?

Students with any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity are entitled to protections. This includes, but is not limited to:

• ADHD and learning disabilities

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD

• Chronic illnesses like Crohn’s, lupus, or diabetes

• Mobility or sensory impairments

• Traumatic brain injury

• Long COVID

Unlike in K–12, students must self-identify and request accommodations through the college’s disability services office.

Accommodations Go Beyond the Classroom

Higher education institutions must ensure access to all aspects of the student experience, including:

➤ Academic AccommodationsExtended time, notetaking assistance, alternative testing formats, modified attendance policies, or course substitutions

➤ Housing AccommodationsSingle rooms, emotional support animals, or proximity to medical facilities

➤ Internships and FieldworkReasonable modifications to schedules, duties, or evaluation methods in off-campus placements

➤ Dining and Campus LifeAllergy-safe meals, dietary modifications, accessible facilities, and inclusive extracurricular access

➤ Technology and CommunicationCaptioning, interpreters, screen readers, or alternative formats for course content

Common Violations We See

• Unreasonable documentation requirements or excessive delays in the approval process

• Blanket denials of certain accommodations (“we don’t allow modified attendance here”)

• Failure to implement approved accommodations, especially by individual professors

• Denial of housing or clinical accommodations based on risk assumptions

• Retaliation or subtle academic penalties for requesting support

Remember: accommodations must be individualized—not one-size-fits-all.

What We Do at Congruence Law, P.C.

We represent students who have been denied accommodations or treated unfairly because of a disability. Our legal services include:

• Securing and enforcing accommodations in class, housing, clinical placements, and extracurriculars

• Challenging unlawful denials or barriers through college grievance procedures

• Filing OCR complaints or ADA claims with the U.S. Department of Education or Department of Justice

• Appealing disciplinary actions or academic penalties tied to untreated disability needs

• Negotiating reinstatement or tuition refunds where accommodations were denied or mishandled

We also help students navigate transitions—from high school IEPs to college-level disability plans—so that they’re supported from day one.

What Colleges Say—and Why It May Be Illegal

“We don’t do that here.”→ Under the ADA, each request must be considered individually. Blanket denials are unlawful.

“You’re doing fine without accommodations.”→ Success doesn’t waive your rights. Accommodations support equal access, not just remedial help.

“The professor doesn’t allow that.”→ Faculty must implement approved accommodations. Personal preference is not a defense.

“Your condition isn’t severe enough.”→ If it substantially limits a major life activity, it qualifies. Severity isn’t the standard—function is.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying disclosure. Request accommodations early—ideally before classes begin or as soon as you need support.

• Failing to follow up. Once approved, ensure instructors implement accommodations consistently.

• Assuming college disability services are like K–12 IEP teams. They’re not—you must advocate for yourself and provide documentation.

• Letting denial discourage you. Appeal. Revise. Seek counsel. You may still be entitled to accommodations under the law.

Why Choose Congruence Law, P.C.

We believe students with disabilities shouldn’t have to fight just to access their education. We step in when schools erect barriers, delay support, or ignore their legal obligations. Our job is to help you get what the law already promises: equal opportunity to learn, succeed, and graduate.

If your disability accommodations have been denied, delayed, or ignored, contact us today:

education@congruencelaw.com or at 202-630-8141

Let us help you turn your documentation into action—and your campus into a place where you belong.