Office of Accessibility : Student Information

Guidelines for Documentation for Psychiatric/Psychological Disabilities

Psychiatric/Psychological Disabilities include but are not limited to: Depressive Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorders, and Disassociative Disorders. Any psychiatric/psychological disability is considered to be in the mental health domain and requires the expertise of a licensed mental health professional including: licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists or other medical specialists with experience and expertise in the area for which accommodations are being requested. The diagnostician should be an impartial individual who is not a family member of the student.

Students who are seeking assistance from the Office of Accessibility on the basis of a psychiatric/psychological disability are required to submit documentation to verify the disability. The purpose of the documentation is to determine eligibility for academic accommodations, and the type of accommodations to be received. Eligibility to receive accommodations under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 is based upon the existence of a disorder that currently substantially limits some major life activity, including learning.

The following guidelines are provided in the interest of assuring that documentation is appropriate to verify eligibility, and adequately support requests for reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids. The Director is available to consult with the diagnostician regarding any of these guidelines.

TYPES OF INFORMATION

• A clear statement of the disability, including a multi-axial DSM IV diagnosis and a summary of present symptoms.
• The name, title and professional credentials must be provided. All reports must be on letterhead and must be typed, dated and signed.
• Documentation must be recent. A diagnostic evaluation must have been completed within the past three years. It must address the individuals current level of functioning and need for accommodations.
• Suggestions of reasonable accommodations that might be appropriate at the post secondary level are encouraged, however, these suggestions must be supported by the diagnosis.
• Further assessment by an appropriate professional may be required if co-existing learning disabilities or other disabling conditions are indicated.

Academic Implications of Psychiatric/Psychological Diagnosis Form

Ms Word Format