The Office of Student Access and Disabilities (OSA) works with each student on an individual basis to find the services and accommodations appropriate for the student at a post-secondary level. To determine if a specific accommodation applies to you, you must go through the process. All requests for accommodation should be consistent with the individual student’s Academic Advisory Plan.
When to Apply for Disability Services
To insure that your request for disability services is processed and approved in a timely manner, it is important to apply for services as soon as possible as accommodations cannot be retroactive. You are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Access and Disabilities during the admissions process—the best way to contact the OSA is through email.
Application Process
The Office of Student Access and Disabilities will require appropriate documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. The amount and type of documentation will vary depending on both the nature of your disability and the service or services you are requesting. You might also be required to sign a Release of Confidential Information form so that the OSA can obtain records as deemed necessary by both you and the OSA. All information submitted to the Office of Student Access and Disabilities is held in the strictest confidence. When you have the necessary documentation please also complete: Client Information Form and Application.
General Documentation Guidelines
Here are some general guidelines for the amount and type of documentation that the Disability Services Office will require. The diagnosing professional may provide suggestions for appropriate accommodations in an academic setting if they would like.
Although many diagnoses are considered life-long, the impact they have on current functioning may change over time. Therefore, documentation needs to reflect the current status of the individual’s functional limitations, severity, and explain the nexus between disability and accommodations requested. A diagnosis does not necessarily equate to a disability (specifics concerning functional limitations and how they substantially limit one or more of the major life activities.). *It is paramount to have current documentation that reflects statement of disability, current functioning, and functional limitations.
- Visual Impairment:
- Copy of your most recent eye exam, which should include diagnosis, visual acuity, functional limitations.
- Copy of your most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP), if available.
- For more information, see Verification of Physical Disability, Hearing Impairment or Visual Impairment PDF.
- Mobility Impairment:
- Diagnosis of mobility impairment, description of functional limitations.
- Record of medications used, prescribed dosage and any side effects experienced.
- For more information, see Verification of Physical Disability, Hearing Impairment or Visual Impairment PDF.
- Hearing Impairment:
- Copy of your most recent audiological exam, which should include a diagnosis with etiology, degree, type, functional limitations and configuration of loss.
- Copy of recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if available.
- For more information, see Verification of Physical Disability, Hearing Impairment or Visual Impairment PDF.
- Psychiatric Disability:
- DSM-V diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist stating the diagnosis, characteristics of the disability, functional limitations, projected duration and medication.
- For more information, see Verification of Psychiatric Disability PDF
- DSM-V diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist stating the diagnosis, characteristics of the disability, functional limitations, projected duration and medication.
- Learning Disability:
- Copy of a comprehensive psycho-educational test battery administered within the last three years with a definitive statement of the diagnosis and type of learning disability, all test scores including sub-test scores, a description of the academic limitations resulting from the disability.
- Copy of your last Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if available.
- For more information, see Verification of Specific Learning Disabilities PDF.
- Chronic Illness:
- Diagnosis from your physician stating the diagnosis and impact of the disability, including functional limitations and medication.
- For more information, see Verification of Chronic Medical Conditions PDF.
- Diagnosis from your physician stating the diagnosis and impact of the disability, including functional limitations and medication.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
- Copy of a recent diagnostic report, which states the DSM diagnosis, symptoms and functional limitations, instruments and procedures used to make the diagnosis, and dosage, type and frequency of your medication.
- For more information, see Verification of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) PDF.
- Copy of a recent diagnostic report, which states the DSM diagnosis, symptoms and functional limitations, instruments and procedures used to make the diagnosis, and dosage, type and frequency of your medication.
- Other:
- For other disabilities, please consult the OSA for proper documentation guidelines.
Other Housing Accommodations
Emotional Support Animals
- This has to be renewed with new documentation YEARLY, as this is a housing request, all housing accommodations are renewed each school year
- For more information, see Emotional Support Animals >
- This has to be renewed with new documentation YEARLY, as this is a housing request, all housing accommodations are renewed each school year
Air Conditioning
- Documentation on physician letterhead signed by the physician, includes your NAME, DOB, and lists DISABILITY (diagnosis may also be included) that require the necessity of air conditioning.
- For more information, see Housing Accommmodations >
- Documentation on physician letterhead signed by the physician, includes your NAME, DOB, and lists DISABILITY (diagnosis may also be included) that require the necessity of air conditioning.
Housing-Only Requests
If you have a housing-only request for one of the conditions listed above, please see documentation requirements above and compete the necessary paperwork as described AND fill out the Client Information Form and Application (i.e., de-lofted bed for mobility issues, mobility impairment-requires handicapped accessible room, etc.).
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