Applying for Accommodations at the College Level: Documentation

The young adult applying for services will need to provide documentation of how their disability impacts Major Life Activities including concentrating, managing internal and external distractions, managing stress, meeting deadlines, learning, thinking, interacting with others, reading, writing, and social interactions to list just a few.

Most Colleges/ Universities have specific forms that need to be completed by a licensed professional such as a Psychologist, Medical Doctor or a mental health specialist (forms can be found on the University website). That specialist will document the history of symptoms and previous treatments, including medication history.  For some Disabilities, such as a Learning Disability, standardized testing may be required.  The student must be prepared to share how their disability affects their learning or academic performance with the professional who completes the Disability Documentation Forms. Think about any physical challenges or health issues that might impact the ability to easily get around campus or regularly attend class. The licensed professional, working with the young adult, makes recommendations for accommodations based on the student’s documented disability.

If the student is currently being treated by several licensed medical professionals, ask those specialists to complete documentation forms too. 

In summary here is the process for obtaining accommodations:

• Get in touch with Accessibility Services as you are applying to college.
• Explain your situation and ask what they need for documentation.
• Go to the website of the University and print any forms that need to be completed by a licensed medical professional.
• Bring previous evaluations and the University’s forms to the appointment with the professional who is helping you document your need for accommodations. 
• When you enter the University as a student, have an extra copy of all the forms/documents that were submitted.  Sometimes documents get lost.  

Now you are on your way!!