Documentation Guidelines

Documentation Requirements for Accommodations

To receive academic accommodations through the Student Accessibility and Support Office (SASO) at TSU, students must provide current documentation from a qualified professional that verifies the presence of a disability, outlines functional limitations in an academic setting, and supports the specific accommodations requested. Current Documentation means documentation of a diagnosed physical or mental impairment that is dated within 5-7 years. Adult norms must be used for all testing provided as documentation.

SASO reviews all documentation on a case-by-case basis and evaluates eligibility and reasonable accommodations based on federal disability law, institutional policy, and the documentation provided.

Important Note: High school IEPs and 504 Plans do not automatically transfer to the college setting. Colleges operate under different legal standards, and documentation must specifically address the student’s current needs in a postsecondary academic environment.

General Documentation Guidelines

All documentation submitted to SASO must meet the following baseline criteria:

• • Be typed on official letterhead, signed and dated by a certified and/or licensed professional qualified to diagnose and treat the condition.
  • Include the provider’s credentials, contact information, and license number (if applicable).
  • Clearly state:
    • • A diagnostic statement identifying the condition, including the date of diagnosis.
      • The current severity and impact of the disability (e.g., mild, moderate, severe).
      • An assessment of major life activities affected by the condition (e.g., learning, reading, concentrating, attending class, walking, social interaction).
      • Specific recommendations for accommodations, with rationale connecting them to the documented limitations.

SASO can provide a Disability Verification Form to assist providers in meeting these requirements. Alternatively, providers may submit a letter that includes all required elements. To request the form, please contact our office.

Disability-Specific Documentation Requirements

Physical Disabilities

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A current diagnosis from a certified or licensed professional (e.g., physician, ophthalmologist, audiologist, psychologist, or neuropsychologist).
  • A description of the functional limitations and how they impact access to the physical or academic environment.
  • Any assistive devices used and relevant accommodation recommendations.

Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia)

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation conducted by a qualified professional (e.g., psychologist, school psychologist, neuropsychologist, or educational diagnostician).
  • Standardized test scores (achievement and cognitive measures), presented with interpretation (e.g., standard scores, percentiles).
  • An explanation of how the results demonstrate functional limitations in an academic setting.
  • Evaluative notes connecting the data to specific accommodation needs.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A diagnosis made by a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or neuropsychologist experienced in diagnosing ADHD.
  • A description of the assessment methods used (e.g., interviews, rating scales, behavioral observation).
  • A summary of current symptoms and their academic impact.
  • Clear accommodation recommendations supported by the identified limitations.

Psychiatric Disabilities (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder)

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, or school psychologist.
  • A description of symptoms, frequency, and severity.
  • The condition’s impact on academic performance (e.g., focus, motivation, class participation).
  • Relevant treatment history and recommended accommodations based on the student’s current presentation.

Chronic Health Conditions/Medical Disabilities

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider (e.g., MD, DO, or specialist).
  • Current symptoms and their effects on academic tasks (e.g., stamina, attendance, concentration).
  • Medication side effects that may affect academic performance.
  • Clear, specific accommodation recommendations.

Sensory Disabilities (Blind/Low Vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing)

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A diagnosis from a qualified specialist (e.g., ophthalmologist or audiologist).
  • The degree and type of sensory impairment.
  • Academic impact and barriers (e.g., access to lectures, classroom participation).
  • Recommended accommodations (e.g., alternative formats, captioning, interpreters).

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)/Concussions

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A diagnosis from a licensed medical provider or neuropsychologist.
  • Description of cognitive, physical, and/or emotional limitations caused by the injury.
  • Duration of symptoms and anticipated recovery (if applicable).
  • Functional limitations in academic tasks and specific accommodations recommended.
    

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Acceptable documentation must include:

• • A diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental specialist.
  • A description of social, behavioral, sensory, or executive functioning challenges that affect learning.
  • The method used to make the diagnosis (e.g., testing, interviews, observation).
  • Clear recommendations for accommodations based on current functional impact.