Disability Services

Application of Accommodations

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Documentation Guidelines

For students requesting services, the Disability Services (DS) office requires documentation from a qualified professional that describes the disability and its functional impact on the student’s academic experiences. Documentation of disability and related information will be kept in a separate file in the Disability Services Office.

Although many different types of disability-related documentation may be acceptable (see below), for your convenience you may ask your medical provider to complete our Disability Verification Form.  The physician/therapist must be an impartial third party, not related by blood or marriage.

Examples of Different types of Disability-related Documentation:

  • Educational records, such as a high school accommodation plan (IEP, 504 plan, etc.)
  • Medical Records
  • Letter from a qualified healthcare professional, on letterhead which confirms a diagnosis/impact of the disability
  • Neuropsychological or educational evaluation
  • Audiology report
  • Vision assessment
  • Proof of accommodations used on standardized exams (SAT, ACT, etc.)

The student is responsible for providing this documentation and any associated costs.

Documentation should show current* impact of the disability and serves three purposes:

  1. Establish that the student can be considered a person with a disability, and therefore eligible for protection against discrimination on the basis of disability.
  2. To supplement self-reported information provided by the student with respect to the functional impact of their disability.
  3. Inform the development of reasonable accommodation (auxiliary aids and services) designed to facilitate equal access to campus environments on a case-by-case basis.

*The evaluation will be considered current if it can provide accurate information about the student's abilities and needs as related to the presenting request for accommodation. The student's individual development, the typical progression of the disability, and changes in the student's environment are all factors in this determination.

Documentation should include:

  • A diagnosis or otherwise verifies the nature of a disability
  • Discussion of the current functional impact of the disability, especially as it relates to educational access.
  • Information on any medications being used and their side effects, if applicable.
  • A discussion of whether the disability is permanent or temporary
    • If temporary, please provide information on the expected duration of the disability and timeline for re-evaluation

Documentation needs be from a qualified diagnostician* and include:

  • Date
  • Contact information
  • License number
  • Signature or electronic signature

* A “qualified diagnostician” is one whose credentials demonstrate expertise in the type of disability evaluation provided.

Students with no documentation

DS can work with students who have never been formally diagnosed with a disability or cannot afford to get documentation. We recommend these schedule an information session with the Director to discuss their specific situation, explore options for support, and identify options to move forward with obtaining documentation.