Documentation Guidelines

Documentation Guidelines

Students requesting reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 must provide documentation from a qualified healthcare provider. This documentation helps the Office of Disability Access (ODA) determine eligibility for accommodations.

Supporting Documentation Requirements

To ensure smooth review process, documentation should:

  • Be on official office letterhead and include the signature and credentials of the qualified professional.
  • Provide a specific diagnosis for each physical or mental impairment, using DSM-5 (for psychological conditions) or ICD-10 (for medical conditions) codes when applicable.
  • Indicate whether the condition is permanent or temporary—if temporary, include the expected duration.
  • Describe how the impairment affects major life activities (e.g., walking, hearing, seeing, learning, communicating, breathing).
  • Explain the impact on the classroom and learning environment.
  • Outline whether the condition is managed with medications, treatments, assistive devices, or coping mechanisms and how these affect daily functioning.
  • If applicable, list medication side effects that may impact academic performance.
  • Provide specific accommodation recommendations (e.g., note-taking assistance, extended testing time, sign language interpreter). Note: Recommended accommodations will be considered but are not guaranteed.