DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES

QUALIFYING PROFESSIONAL

The diagnostician must be an impartial individual who is not a family member of the student. He/she must be a medical doctor, licensed clinical social worker, or a licensed psychologist. He/she must be qualified to diagnose under the DSM/ICD guidelines and have training and relevant expertise in the specific area of disability in which he/she is providing the diagnosis.

DOCUMENTATION

Diagnoses are primarily derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) version IV, Revised or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) version 10. Eligibility under ADA requires that a person have a diagnosed impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities. Current case law defines major life activities as walking, sitting, standing, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, reading, writing, working, performing mathematical calculations, and caring for oneself. Both the impairment and the limitation of a major life activity must be established to be eligible under ADA.

WRITTEN REPORT

The report submitted by the qualifying professional should be typed and must be on professional letterhead with a date and signature. Documentation must include the name, title, and credentials of the qualified professional writing the report. We welcome recommendations for accommodations, supported by documentation. These recommendations will be evaluated in relation to the course requirements.

The report should also contain the following:

1. The individual’s history of the disabling condition.

2. The diagnosis, referring to the DSM or ICD where appropriate.

3. The prognosis and treatment plan/recommendation, including medications being prescribed which may affect a major life activity.

4. A description of the limitations and supporting documents, including tests.

DOCUMENTATION SHOULD BE CURRENT

As a general rule, disability documentation should be less than three years old. If the diagnosis indicates a medical condition, which is permanent or unchanging, it is not necessary to update documentation every three years. If the prognosis indicates rapid change in the condition or limitations, documentation may need to be updated ore often. Check with the Disability Resource Center Advisor if you have questions about when documentation needs to be renewed.