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Documentation of Disability & Eligibility

Appropriate documentation is required by a written report prepared by an appropriate licensed professional that clearly diagnoses a disability and/or records showing the history of the disability. Medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and school psychologists are among the professionals who routinely evaluate, diagnose, and treat disabilities. This list is not intended to be exhaustive or to restrict assessment in other pertinent areas. The following guidelines are provided to assure that evaluation reports are appropriate to document eligibility:

• Hearing and speech disabilities. Qualified personnel may include ear, nose, and throat specialist, audiologist, speech therapist, psychologist, family physician, or other qualified medical specialist.
• Learning Disability and Attention Deficit Disorder. Qualified personnel may include licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, family physician, or other qualified licensed personnel.
• Mental or Psychological Disabilities. Qualified personnel include psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed counselor, family physician, or other mental health professional.
• Mobility, Coordination, Traumatic Brain Injury, HIV and AIDS, and Physical Health Disabilities. Qualified personnel may include family physician, orthopedist, neurologist, cardiologist, rehabilitation specialist, or other medical professionals. Medical records must clearly document, diagnose, and discuss the condition.
• Visual Disabilities. Qualified personnel may include ophthalmologist, optometrist, family physician, or other medical specialist.

In the case where the diagnosing professional is a relative, appropriate documentation must include a second opinion. The information must be mailed to 3201 West 16^th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301 with Attention: ADA Counselor, prior to accommodation being implemented.  A student can also bring the information to the office if the documentation is in a sealed company envelope with the professional’s signature across the seal. 

ADDITIONAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Evaluations must be current, generally within the past three years. Under certain circumstances the ADA Counselor may request an updated or more extensive evaluation.
• The written report must include a specific diagnosis, clear and specific evidence and identification of a disability. For example, terms such as “learning styles,” “learning problems,” and “academic difficulties” do not constitute a learning disability.
• Diagnostic reports must include the names and titles of the diagnostician, the test utilized in diagnosing as well as the date(s) of testing. Reports must be typed and otherwise legible.
• New students are encouraged to establish documentation two weeks prior to the first class period.

 If you have any questions, please call the ADA Counselor at 530-5800 extension 398.