Documentation

Documentation

The student is responsible for obtaining adequate documentation and presenting a copy to the Disability Services Office. The student is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining the reports, examinations, testing, etc. The student may submit documents from more than one source in an effort to provide complete documentation. If more documentation is needed, the student will be informed and is responsible for obtaining additional information or testing as needed. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain additional information or clarification as requested.

The DSO makes the final determination of eligibility and reasonable accommodation by reviewing the documentation, interviewing the student, and contacting the diagnostician, if needed.

A prior history of accommodations does not automatically qualify the student for accommodations or services. In addition, receiving services and accommodations at another college or university does not necessarily qualify a student for the same services and accommodations at Western Carolina University. There must be a demonstrated current need specific to our academic environment that is supported by complete documentation. (The bulk of the preceding statment was composed by the North Carolina State University Disability Services Office. Permission to use it was granted by the Director, Dr. Cheryl Branker)

In order to be eligible for services, a student must provide documentation typed on letterhead that is signed by an appropriate professional which includes the following:

A diagnostic statement, (DSM code when appropriate)
Date of diagnosis/examination reasonably reflecting current level of functioning
Method of evaluation/examination, including results and interpretation of testing
Description of substantial limitation as they relate to meeting the various demands of University Life
Medication related to this disability

Additional information that does not constitute adequate documentation on its own but would be helpful in determining and designing services are:

Recent Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) or 504 Plans
Recommendations for accommodations from diagnosing professionals

Documentation will be kept for 4 years after one leaves school, and then properly destroyed.

A copy may be faxed, mailed, or personally delivered to Disability Services.

If you mail or fax documentation, please include current contact information so you may be contacted for an appointment. If you are planning on personally delivering it, you can make an appointment for a needs assessment (discussed in the accessing services section on the previous page) and deliver the documentation at that time.