Office of Disability Services

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General Policies Regarding Documentation of Disabilities

checkmarkStudents with disabilities who plan to request accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services must submit appropriate documentation verifying eligibility according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This documentation must include a clear diagnosis, as well as the extent, duration, and current functional impact of the disability. The diagnosis and recommended accommodations must be clearly linked to the test data. The diagnostician must be a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who 1.) is qualified/ certified to evaluate and diagnose the disability, 2.) is familiar with the challenges and functional requirements of a college environment, and 3.) is an impartial evaluator or diagnostician who is not  a family member norin a dual relationship with the student.

checkmarkThe documentation must be detailed, comprehensive, and include the following components as appropriate to the area of disability being disclosed:



overview
  • checkmarkNarrative report format
  • checkmarkDescription of the diagnostic methodology used, test data results including scores (when applicable), and appropriate analysis and discussion;
  • checkmarkClearly stated diagnosis (DSM  IV, if appropriate)identifying the disability
  • checkmarkHistory of disorder including age of onset, past treatment(s)
  • checkmarkDescription of the level of severity, expected progression or stability of the disability, and a statement of the current, significant, functional impact (critical factors in the determination of chronic or progressive conditions)
  • checkmarkDescription of current/ past accommodations, services and/or medications
  • checkmarkMitigating factors (medication, stress, etc.)
  • checkmarkRecommendations for reasonable accommodations, adaptive devices, assistive services, as appropriate for college-level
  • checkmarkThe credentials of the evaluator(s)

checkmarkEach case is evaluated and considered individually. Documentation of a disability must be thorough and reveal results that support the specific accommodation(s) requested. Requests for accommodations without supporting evidence will require further evaluation or documentation prior to a determination of disability status being made. Prior accommodations may not be deemed reasonable in the college environment nor does the diagnosis of a disability imply the need for accommodations.

See requirements for documenting specific disability conditions below:

Attention Deficit Disorder/ADHD
Blind/Visually Impaired
Deaf/Hearing Impaired
Learning Disabilities
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Physical and Chronic Health Related Disabilities
Psychiatric/Behavioral/Mental Health Disabilities

For further information, contact the Office of Disability Services at 484-664-3825