DISABILITY DOCUMENTATION GENERAL GUIDELINES

To ensure the provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations, a student requesting services must submit current documentation of a disability. Documentation must validate the presence of a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act and provide sufficient information for the provision of reasonable accommodations and services based upon the impact of the student's disability on academic performance. All documentation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and approved by the DRC staff. Documentation submitted to the DRC must provide the following information:

The credentials of the evaluator(s) - documentation is to be provided by a licensed or otherwise qualified professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience and expertise in the area for which accommodations are being requested, and has no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated.
A diagnostic statement identifying the disability - information that describes how the condition was diagnosed, notes the functional impact, and details the typical progression or prognosis of the condition. Diagnostic codes from the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) or the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) are helpful.
A description of the diagnostic methodology used - information on the evaluation methods, procedures, tests, dates of administration, as well as clinical narratives, observations and specific results.
A description of the current functional limitations - information on how the disabling condition currently impacts the individual in the environment for which accommodations are recommended. Information is to be thorough enough to demonstrate whether and how a major life activity is substantially limited by providing a clear sense of the severity, frequency, and pervasiveness of the condition.
A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability - information on expected changes in the functional impact of the disability over time and context. Information on the cyclical or episodic nature of the disability and known or suspected environmental triggers to episodes provides opportunities to anticipate and plan for varying functional impacts.
A description of current and past accommodations, services and/or medications - information on both current and past medications including side effects, auxiliary aids, assistive devices, support services, and accommodations, including their effectiveness in ameliorating functional impacts of the disability.
Recommendations for accommodations, adaptive devices, assistive services, compensatory strategies, and/or collateral support services - information on the recommended accommodations and how they are related to the impact of the individual's functional limitations in the environment for which accommodations are recommended.

Along with the above information, transfer students are encouraged to provide written verification from their previously attended school, which includes the dates served and the accommodations used.

FORMS

See below for a list of Disability Resource Center forms and instructions. If you can't find the form you are looking for or need a different format, please call 910.962.7555 or email DRC@uncw.edu for assistance.