---
title: Types of college accommodations and services
description: Colleges don’t always offer the same accommodations and services as high schools. Use this checklist to compare supports different schools provide.
slug: types-of-college-accommodations-and-services
author: Victoria Scanlan Stefanakos
reviewer: Elizabeth C. Hamblet, MAT, MSEd
published: '2019-08-05T15:04:05.342Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/1IOiDckfVZEt1UkuNk6FuQ/07bbcaf12fa3472dd7afd9c0a60ec1b9/G1171161116.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-college-accommodations-and-services
lang: en
---

# Types of college accommodations and services

All colleges are required by law to provide certain supports and [services to students with learning disabilities](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-things-to-know-about-college-disability-services). But some provide more than the bare minimum. Refer to this list as you compare the [accommodations](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/accommodations-what-they-are-and-how-they-work) and services at different schools.

## Commonly available accommodations

- Extended time on exams (not the same as “untimed” tests, which are not typically available)
- Use of laptops for tests and exams
- Use of calculators for tests and exams
- Permission to make audio recordings of classes (some schools may loan out smart pens for this purpose)
- Reduced course load — but [financial aid](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/financial-aid-and-scholarships-for-students-with-learning-and-thinking-differences) may be reduced as a result
- Priority registration for courses
- Copies of notes from a classmate
- Access to [audiobooks](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/free-audiobooks-and-digital-text-to-speech-books-for-your-child)
- Access to voice recognition software
- Access to [text-to-speech](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/text-to-speech-technology-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) programs

## Accommodations that may be more difficult to get

- Extended time on papers and projects (typically not given on an ongoing basis but rather as situations arise — such as for students with acute medical or psychological episodes)
- Course waivers and substitutions (colleges may choose to give these but are not required to)
- Alternative exam formats, such as oral rather than written exams (colleges typically do not grant this)

## Other services that may be available

- Training in adaptive technology
- Help with study skills and time management
- Learning specialists (may cost extra)
- Mentoring programs
- Student support groups

Learn more about [how to work with your child to choose a college](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-choose-a-college-for-students-with-learning-disabilities). See a list of [college programs for kids with learning and thinking differences](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/15-college-programs-for-kids-with-learning-and-thinking-differences). And find out how [self-advocacy helped a college student access her accommodations in college](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-self-advocacy-helped-me-fight-for-my-rights-in-college).

---

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