2 main laws protect students with disabilities, including those with ADHD.

• The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997, also known as IDEA, is a special education law that guarantees a free and appropriate education in the lease restrictive environment possible.
  • Used to inform Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students that qualify for special education services
  • IEP is a written document with specific goals, supports, and services for the individual child
  • What is an IEP? From Understood.org »
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities receiving federal funding including public schools and institutions of higher education.
  • Used to inform 504 Plans for students that do not qualify for special education services, but still some support
  • 504 Plans typically allow for accommodations to help a student learn but do not provide changes to the material learned
  • What are 504 Plans? From Understood.org »
• The Difference Between IEP and 504 Plan from Understood.org »

Students often have difficulty obtaining the supports needed to succeed at school. Here are several resources that may be helpful in this situation.

• Learning Disabilities Association of America »
• Center for Parent Information and Resources »
• Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center »
• Sandra Rief Educational Resource Specialists »
• US Department of Education »
• California Department of Education »
• Negotiating the Special Education Maze: A Guide for Parents and Teachers by Winifred Anderson, Stephen Chitwood, Deidre Hayden, and Cherie Takemoto
• The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child by Lawrence Siegel

Children with ADHD often have more difficulty learning in school than those without ADHD. Modifications to the material being taught and accommodations in how the material is presented can make a large impact in the success of children with ADHD.

• What’s the Difference Between Accommodations and Modifications? From Understood.org »
• Classroom Modifications for Children with ADHD or Concentration Issues from Brain Balance Centers » - Discusses strategies on how to reduce distraction, impulsivity, and fidgeting in school
• 6 Classroom Modifications to Help Students with ADHD from ADDitude » - Brief list of modifications for children with ADHD
• In the Classroom: Ideas and Strategies for Kids with ADD and Learning Disabilities from the Child Development Institute » - List of ideas, strategies, and suggested classroom accommodations
• Helping the Student with ADHD in the Classroom: Strategies for Teachers » - Descriptions of modifications frequently used by teachers when working with children with ADHD

The transition from high school to college can be a daunting task for those with ADHD. It is important to be aware of the accommodations available for those with ADHD when preparing for college. College students with ADHD can access accommodations and resources through their college or university Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) office.

• College accommodations for students with ADHD from the Attention Deficit Disorder Association » - Excellent information on transitioning to college
• Secrets to Success: Accommodations in college from ADDitude Magazine » - Tips for college
• Choosing a College When You Have ADHD from Verywellmind » - Helpful information when deciding on a college
• Section 504- Accommodations for College Students from WrightsLaw » – Suggestions on how to find accommodations in college
• Making the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities from National Center for Learning Disabilities » - Excellent comparison of High School and College services