Documentation Standards
The purpose of requesting documentation of one’s disability is to consider each person individually, to understand how the individual is impacted, and to help make an informed decision about the need for reasonable accommodations. The more information you share with us, the more it will help us support you. Accessibility Services relies on three sources of information:
- The student self-report (gathered through the completion of the Accommodation Application)
- Documentation from a licensed provider who has an established relationship with the student and can verify a diagnosis and the impact.
- The meeting notes and observations of Accessibility Services staff.
Acceptable Documentation
- Care Provider Documentation Form – Completed in Full
- A letter on official letterhead from a licensed provider. This letter must include the elements listed on our Documentation Standards. Click here to view our Documentation Standards and a list of acceptable providers.
- Both the completed Care Provider Documentation Form and a letter on official letterhead.
A student may provide Accessibility Services with:
- An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan
- An accommodation letter from a previous college or university
- Please note: a high school or previous college will not send documentation on your behalf. You will need to contact the school to receive a copy
Submitting evidence of a diagnosis alone may not be sufficient to warrant accommodations. If any of the suggested elements are missing from documentation, Accessibility Services may request additional documentation. Please note that you should not delay meeting with us if you are concerned about not having the right documentation. Accessibility Services can discuss specific third-party documentation needs and steps you can take to acquire documentation.
Documentation Not Accepted
The following are examples of documentation that will not be considered:
- Screenshots from online patient portals
- Photos of medication bottles
- Letters without official letterhead
- Doctor/Hospital visit summaries
- Documentation written by a family member or friend
- HEIC files (please submit PDFs or JPGs)