Disability Services

To document a physical disability, a student must submit a current written report based on a comprehensive evaluation performed by an appropriate professional relating the current impact of the condition to the requested accommodation.  Documentation must include the following:

• A clear statement of diagnosis
• Definitive language in the diagnosis of a physical disability, avoiding such speculative language as "suggests," "have problems with", or "could have problems."
• Description of current functional limitations in the academic and employment environments.  If the diagnosis interferes with other settings, i.e. housing, a discussion of those functional limitations should also be included. 
• Description of the degree to which the current functional limitations restrict the condition, manner, or duration under which the individual can perform a major life activity as compared to the average person in the general population.
• Relevant information regarding any medications that may impact the academic environment. Given that many individuals benefit from prescribed medications and therapies, a positive response to medication in and of itself does not confirm a diagnosis, nor does the use of medication in and of itself either support or negate the need for accommodations.
• Relevant information regarding current treatment for this or any other conditions, and the degree of impact on academia.
• A rationale for each accommodation requested. The clinician must describe the degree of impact of the disorder on a specific major life activity, as well as the degree of impact on the individual.
• A link must be established between the requested accommodations and the functional limitations of the individual that are pertinent to the anticipated testing situation. ETS encourages clinicians to be highly specific with the disability-accommodation link.