Disability Documentation Guidelines

Students in higher education self-disclose their disabilities to formally request services. This includes submitting appropriate diagnostic documentation of these disabilities. Diagnostic documentation must come from a licensed practitioner eligible to diagnose and treat this condition.

This information, in addition to conversation with students, assists SAS staff to identify reasonable and appropriate accommodations. SAS staff may use discretion and professional judgement when confirming accommodations.

Diagnostic documentation of a disability should include, on letterhead:

• Name and qualifications of the treating professional
• Names of any diagnostic tests or tools administered
• Test results and summary report, diagnosis, and prognosis
• Statement of how the disability impacts the student’s academic performance (strongly recommended)

Diagnosis or other disability information presented on a prescription pad is not considered appropriate documentation.

Veterans with disabilities

Rating letters that include a diagnosis will be considered.

Common diagnostic documentation includes, but is not limited to:

• Audiological Reports – deaf, hard of hearing
• ENT Reports – hearing loss, tinnitus, Meniere’s disease
• Ophthalmological Reports – blind, visually impaired
• Psychological or Neuropsychological Reports – traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, mental health disorders, intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Psychiatric Reports – ADHD, mental health disorders
• Special Education Testing (to determine IEP/504 eligibility) – See Psychological or Neuropsychological Reports; must include the most recent Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) or comprehensive individual assessment conducted by the professional or specialist in that disability area.
• Medical Specialist Reports – as appropriate for the disability

Professional Judgment Statement

When complete documentation is not available, SAS staff may utilize student self-report and exercise professional judgment to determine a student’s eligibility for services and assign provisional accommodations.