91ԭ

Eligibility

In determining eligibility for accommodations under and the , the student must demonstrate that a qualified professional has established a formal diagnosis of a disability. A qualified professional must not be a relative or a family friend.

The diagnosis alone is not enough to establish eligibility for accommodations under the ADA. There must also be evidence of a substantial limitation in one or more major life activities. These guidelines are provided to help the evaluating professional document his/her findings in a manner that meets requirements of the ADA and supports the request for accommodations.

The professional conducting the evaluation and making the diagnosis must be qualified to make the diagnosis and to recommend appropriate academic accommodations. Professionals typically qualified to make a diagnosis include:
Clinical Psychologists
Neuro-Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Relevantly Trained MDs
Educational Specialists
Learning Disabilities Specialists
Licensed Professional Counselors
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Speech and Hearing Specialists
Vision Specialists
Physician

Documentation

The documentation must include the name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator, as well as licensure number and specialization. All evaluation reports must be typed on letterhead, signed, and dated by the diagnostician. The report must also include the following:
The diagnoses in which accommodations are being requested
Previous history of the condition and prognosis
Description of current functional limitations. Description must include an explanation of how the diagnosis substantially limits a major life activity
Address the severity of the condition and the impact it has in the learning environment where accommodations are being requested
Recommendations–specific recommendations for accommodations as well as rationale for why each accommodation is recommended. However, the final determination of appropriate accommodations lies with 91ԭs Office of Disability Services.

Recommendations from professionals with a working knowledge of the individuals history will provide valuable information for the review process. When recommendations go beyond services provided by the University, referrals to local area service providers outside of the University will be recommended.

Other documents that will be accepted to request accommodations:
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
504 Plan
Psycho-educational Testing
Medical Letter of Impact
Audiogram
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Documentation

It is the students responsibility to:
Obtain appropriate documentation.
Present a copy of disability documentation from a qualified professional to the Office of Disability Services upon acceptance letter from the Admissions Office and decision to attend 91ԭ.
Obtain additional information when requested.

It is the Office of Disability Services responsibility to:
Review documentation in a timely manner.
Notify student of documentation status.
Provide services/accommodations for students with disabilities.

Confidentiality

The Office of Disability Services adheres to the laws governing confidentiality. Once registered, all documentation and information becomes confidential and is maintained in a secure location. Documentation of a disability is never part of a student’s academic record.

91ԭ provides equal access to education without regard to disability.