In order to receive consideration
for auxiliary aids, services, academic accommodations or a housing exemption
based on a disability, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) must have information
documenting the disability. The professional documentation is kept at all
times in a locked, confidential file at the DRC. To protect privacy and
confidentiality, direct access to this documentation is by written consent
only. No professional report would ever be sent out from the DRC without
your signature on a form titled, "Release of Information." Your
Program Coordinator will work with you to determine what information needs
to be shared with University staff and faculty, on an "as needed basis,"
in order to assess and/or facilitate academic accommodations or other services.
Occasionally the DRC will need clarification and will request additional
information. Below are general guidelines for the contents of the documentation.
1. The Professional Who Provides the Documentation
Documentation must be provided by a professional who specializes in
the area of disability. For example, an allergist must document an allergy,
a psychologist, psychiatrist or social work must verify a psychological
disability; a learning disabilities specialist must verify a learning disability;
an audiologist must verify hearing impairment. Documentation from a family
member or family friend is not acceptable. If there is a question about
the choice of professional to provide the documentation, the student should
contact a staff member at the DRC.
2. Contents of the Documentation
a. Specific diagnosis and description of the disability, including an
indication of the duration of the disability.
b. Names of any tests that were given to determine the disability.
c. Description of any treatment that the student is undergoing or has
undergone related to the disability.
d. Description of the probable impact of the disability in a university
setting. It is not necessary to make recommendations about a specific accommodation.
e. For the diagnosis of a specific learning disability, objective evidence
of a substantial limitation to learning must be provided. At a minimum,
the evaluation must address areas including aptitude, achievement, and
information processing.
The documentation must be written on the professional's official letterhead,
with the professional's license number.
Information provided by the professional in the letter of documentation
will be considered when making decisions about the student's request. Final
accommodation decisions rest with the University.
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