In this week’s episode of the After the IEP podcast—part of our 12-week summer college transition series—we’re diving into a critical conversation: what really happens when students with disabilities choose not to request college accommodations?

Whether your student is hesitant, unsure, or planning to "wait and see" how college goes before applying for support, this episode outlines the Top 5 Consequences of not requesting accommodations—based on real cases I’ve seen in over 15 years on college campuses.

Here’s what we cover:

Why students lose access to necessary academic supports
How delaying accommodations impacts GPA and stress levels
The hidden connection between untreated needs and mental health struggles
What “wait and see” really costs students long term
How this one decision can affect major choice—or lead to dropout

These consequences are preventable, and this episode gives you the insight to help your student make an informed decision before the semester starts.

Want to go further?
✔️ Download the free College Accommodations Checklist
✔️ Grab the book Self-Advocacy for Higher Education to help your student speak up with confidence.

This episode is perfect for:

• Parents of college-bound students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions

• School counselors and transition specialists

• High school seniors preparing for college life

• Students nervous about requesting accommodations

Is your student heading to college with an IEP or 504 Plan? Then this episode is a must-listen. While your student may have had supports all through K-12, college operates under a different set of laws—and that means disability accommodations aren't automatic.

In this episode of After the IEP, we break down how to get disability accommodations in college, what documentation is required, and how parents can help their students advocate effectively without stepping over boundaries. Understanding this process now is essential for a smooth and successful college transition.

• Why colleges aren’t required to follow IEPs or 504 Plans—and what that means for your student

• The exact steps your student must take to request accommodations

• The type of documentation colleges will ask for (hint: it’s not always the IEP)

• How the process differs from high school—and what to expect from disability services offices

• Common pitfalls students and parents make when requesting support

• The parent’s role in the process—and how to balance support with student independence

This episode is packed with actionable steps and insights to help your student start college prepared, not scrambling to catch up without the support they need.

My Book:

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

FREE

College Accommodations Checklist

Your 12 Week Guide to Summer College Transition Planning starts right here!

In this kickoff episode, I’m breaking down five essential steps to prepare your student for college—especially if they have a disability, ADHD, or mental health condition. This sets the foundation for the next 11 weeks of transition support. Be sure to download the College Accommodations Checklist and grab your copy of Self-Advocacy for Higher Education. Click the links below to grab your essentials and have everything you need!

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

FREE

College Accommodations Checklist