Students are expected to follow Disability Services accommodation policies, as well as Â鶹´«Ã½ policies, at all times.
To determine reasonable accommodations, students must provide documentation that clearly demonstrates how their condition results in specific functional limitations in an academic or campus environment. General statements or diagnoses alone are not sufficient for determining appropriate accommodations.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a disability is defined as:
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
The term “substantially limits†refers to significant restrictions in the way an individual performs a major life activity (such as learning, reading, concentrating, walking, or seeing) compared to most people in the general population.
Whether a condition qualifies as a disability and warrants accommodations is determined by qualified professionals who assess multiple sources of information, including documentation and observed or reported functional impacts.
All documentation must be:
If the original documentation is in another language, the student is responsible for providing an accurate translated version.
Note: While documentation may establish that a student has a disability, this does not automatically guarantee approval of specific accommodations. The determination of appropriate accommodations is made separately and based on an individualized assessment of the student’s needs and course requirements.
Â鶹´«Ã½ provides accommodations for a wide range of disabilities. Each condition type has specific documentation guidelines based on best practices and legal requirements.
What Is a Neurodevelopmental Disability?
Neurodevelopmental disabilities are lifelong conditions that begin in childhood and affect how the brain develops. They can impact learning, attention, communication, behavior, and social skills. The effects vary widely and may change over time.
Examples of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Learning Disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)
Intellectual Disability
Communication Disorders
Developmental Coordination Disorder
What Are Psychological/Psychiatric Disabilities?
Psychological and psychiatric disabilities are mental health conditions that significantly affect a person’s emotional well-being, thinking, behavior, and ability to function in daily life. These conditions may be temporary or chronic and can impact academic performance, concentration, motivation, stress management, and interpersonal relationships.
Examples of Psychological and Psychiatric Disabilities:
Major Depressive Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Bipolar Disorder (Type I and II)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Panic Disorder
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Eating Disorders (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa)
What Is a Neurological Disability?
Neurological disabilities involve conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system. These may impact mobility, cognition, communication, sensation, or stamina, and can vary in severity and progression.
Examples of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities:
What Is a Chronic Medical / Health Condition?
Chronic health conditions are long-term medical issues that may be stable or fluctuate. These can affect physical health, stamina, focus, and attendance, and often require ongoing management.
Examples of Chronic Medical / Health Conditions:
What Is a Sensory Disability?
This category includes conditions that affect one or more of the senses, most commonly vision and hearing. These impairments can be partial or total and may be present from birth or acquired later in life.
Examples of Sensory Disabilities:
Visual Impairments:
Blindness
Low vision
Retinopathy of prematurity
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Cataracts (if significantly impairing function)
Hearing Impairments:
Deafness
Hard of hearing
Auditory processing disorder (when it significantly limits functional hearing)
Tinnitus (if it substantially affects listening and concentration)
What Is a Temporary Disability?
Temporary conditions are short-term impairments that result from injury, surgery, or acute medical conditions. While not permanent, they may significantly affect academic performance for a limited time.
Examples of Temporary Disabilities:
What Is a Other Health Impairment?
This category includes a range of physical or mental health conditions that may impact alertness, stamina, focus, and academic performance but do not always fit neatly into other diagnostic categories.
Examples of Other Health Impairment (OHI):