General Guidelines for Documentation of a Disability
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities have certain rights and may be eligible for reasonable accommodations at colleges and universities. To evaluate each request for specific accommodations at UTB/TSC, the University requires documentation of a disabling condition.
The following general guidelines help to assure that the documentation is adequate and appropriate to verify eligibility and that requests for accommodations are supported by the documentation.
AS APPROPRIATE TO THE DISABILITY,
BEST QUALITY DOCUMENTATION INCLUDES:
1) The credentials of the evaluating professional(s)
2) A diagnostic statement identifying the disability and the date of the current diagnostic
evaluation
3) A description of the diagnostic methodology used
4) A description of the current functional limitations
5) A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability
6) A description of current and past accommodations, services and/or medications
7) Recommendations for accommodations, adaptive devices, assistive services,
compensatory strategies and/or collateral support services
Important Notes about Recommendations for Accommodations
Recommendations for accommodations can be helpful and will be given due consideration. However, the ultimate responsibility for determining appropriate and reasonable accommodations rests with UTB/TSC through its Disability Services office.
Requests for accommodations may be denied if a student fails to provide the required documentation. UTB/TSC reserves the right to request clarification and/or further documentation of a disability in order to evaluate a request for accommodations. With some disabilities the impact of the disability can change substantially over time. In these cases, UTB/TSC may periodically require updated documentation in order to continue or change the accommodations.
For further information, contact: Steve Wilder, Counselor/Coordinator, Disability Services, Lightner Center, 956 882-7374 (fax 956-882-7861) or e-mail steve.wilder@utb.edu. TTY users call Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989.
Which statement describes your situation?
"I have a disability and will need help with accommodations."
If you have a disability and will need help with accommodations, the above guidelines will assist you in working with your evaluating professional(s) to prepare the information needed to evaluate your request. If, after reading these guidelines, you have any questions, please call the Counselor/Coordinator of Disability Services at 956-882-7374 or write steve.wilder@utb.edu. TTY users call Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989.
"I have a disability, but I don't need accommodations."
If you have a disability and are not requesting accommodations, we do not require you to register with Disability Services. However, the extra attention and guidance you receive from the counselor may be helpful to you, and if you ever do need accommodations, you will already be registered with the office. Please contact the Disability Services Counselor/Coordinator for further information.
"I think I have a disability, but I don't have any documentation."
If you think you have a disability but have no documentation and would like a referral to an appropriate professional, contact Disability Services for possible assistance.
Where can you get your documentation?
If you have recently received services from the public school system, the requested documentation is most likely contained in a Full and Individual Evaluation. The Full and Individual Evaluation is usually available from the school district's Special Services office. Some students’ disability-related information may be contained in an IEP, 504 Plan, or Transition Plan. Disability Services will consider these documents as evidence of a special need, but such documents may be used only to establish temporary accommodations, for one semester only.
If you are now or have recently received services from the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services or another state rehabilitation agency, much of the requested information will be contained in your most recent psychological assessment and/or your vocational plan.
If you are transferring from another college, you may need to request information related to your disability from that college and/or other sources. Note that UTB/TSC's documentation requirements may not be the same as those of your previous college.
We can assist you in obtaining the necessary records from your high school, agency, or college.
Documentation Guidelines handout 6-15-06