Documentation Requirements

While disabilities are often permanent and ongoing, the severity of the condition and/or how it is impacts an individual in different settings may change over time. The purpose for requesting documentation is to consider each person individually and to understand if and how the individual is impacted by their disability in a higher education environment. This information is needed to make an informed decision about the need for
accommodations and services.

Documentation must be provided by a clinician with relevant expertise who is not related to the student.

In order to determine if a specific accommodation(s) is reasonable and appropriate, the following factors will be considered:

• The disability and its impact as documented
• Information obtained during the initial meeting with the Office of Accessibility
• Previous accommodations received
• Accommodations requested
• Individualized characteristics of course, clinical, lab, and/or employment or other setting

Accommodation decisions typically are not made until an initial meeting has been conducted.

For Learning Disabilities, conditions or incidents impacting the brain, Attention Deficit Disorder, Asperger’s and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, the University requires:

• A comprehensive neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation that includes aptitude and achievement (preferably one with measures normed for an adult) is needed in order to determine current functional impact and to support accommodations requests
• Standardized scales of symptoms related to Autism (Asperger’s and PDD)
• Language learning related scales and interpretation (if student is requesting accommodations related to second language learning)

NDMU will accept an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan from the student’s senior year of high school, although not required under the ADA. However, please note that accommodations provided during K-12 will not automatically transfer over.

• For All Disabilities (except for Learning Disabilities): A completed Documentation Form or signed letter from an appropriate professional is needed. The letter should include:
• An office fax header
• History of the disability
• Description of the current impact and functional limitations as it relates to:  Meeting the various demands of higher education and residential living (academically, socially, emotionally, physically, etc.)
• Expected progression or stability
• Recommendations for accommodations or services
• Implications of existing co-morbid conditions
• Additional observations and/or recommendations
• Medical Provider’s License Number