Guidelines for Documenting Disability

General Guidelines for Required Documentation of Disability

All students must provide proof of the disability and the need for accommodations before services can be provided. Third-party documentation should be provided by a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has appropriate and comprehensive training, relevant experience, and no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated.

Essential Components:

• Written or printed document on official letterhead which includes the address, telephone number, name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator.
• Signed by Certified/Licensed Professional qualified to make the diagnosis.
• Clearly stated diagnosis.
• Description of functional limitations.
• Current, depending on the diagnosis, as within a timeframe of or near 16 years of age to determine current impact. NOTE: Currency does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature.
• Include educational, developmental, and medical history relevant to the disability and accommodations requested.
• Include a list of all test instruments used in evaluation report and relevant subtest scores used to document the stated disability. NOTE: Test instruments may not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature.
• Recommend specific accommodations requested.
• Provide support for requested accommodations.