Documentation Guidelines

In order to be recognized for services and accommodations through the University's Office of Student Disability Services, a student (full-time or part-time) with a disability/chronic medical condition should provide documentation on letterhead and signed by the appropriate licensed educational, mental health, or medical professional who is: not related to the student and who is licensed/certified in the area for which the diagnosis is made.

Documentation requirements vary by situation. An SDS representative will talk to the student about documentation during the initial conversation. No student should delay meeting with the Student Disability Services out of concern for not having appropriate paperwork.

Generally, documentation should provide the following information:

1. Date of evaluation
2. Specific diagnosis
3. Method of evaluation/examination
4. Specific limitation(s) with respect to the current impact of the disability in the University and related educational environments as it relates to the accommodations requested
5. Medication – the expectation of how the use of specific, prescribed medications will impact the functioning of the individual.

Documentation by Disability

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

Documentation must include, evidence of early impairment, evidence of current impairment, description of current functional limitations pertaining to an educational setting that is probably a direct result of problems of attention. Documentation from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist is highly recommended.

Blind or Visually Impaired

An ophthalmologic or optometric report indicating current visual acuity, near and distant vision (left/right, both eyes), and visual fields, with or without corrective lenses. The documentation must also include a specific diagnosis from a professionally licensed Ophthalmologist.

Chronic Medical/Systemic Conditions

Documentation must explain the current functional limitations imposed by the medical/systemic condition. If applicable, it should also list medications and their possible side effects and give any other pertinent information that may assist in determining reasonable accommodations. The documentation must be provided by a licensed physician.

Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing

Documentation must include an audiological report indicating current hearing levels, speech reception levels, with or without hearing aids and/or assistive listening devices, and a specific diagnosis by a professionally licensed or certified Speech Pathologist and/or Audiologist.

Learning Disabilities

Documentation must include, results of a diagnostic interview, background information, behavioral observations, a comprehensive cognitive assessment, test scores, related discussion, and a specific diagnosis. Documentation must be provided by a licensed/certified Educational Diagnostician, Educational Psychologist, or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Physical/Mobility Impairments

Documentation must include current functional limitations, with or without mobility devices, and whether the condition is permanent or temporary. If the condition is temporary, the documentation must include the expected length of time for recovery. The documentation must be provided by a licensed physician specializing in the area of the diagnosis.

Psychological Disorders

Documentation must include a specific diagnosis, a description of current functional limitations in the academic environment as well as across other settings, relevant information regarding medications and their possible effects, and must include any other pertinent information that may assist in determining reasonable accommodations. Documentation must be provided by a licensed Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Professional Counselor, or Social Worker.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Documentation must explain current functional limitations imposed by the condition. If applicable, it should also list medications and their possible effects and give any other pertinent information that may assist in determining reasonable accommodations. Documentation must be provided by a Neurologist or other related Physician.