Documentation Guidelines

 

Documentation establishes the obstacles a student may face and the accommodations the student needs to focus on learning.

Documentation must be:

 

• Recent. For most disabilities, not older than five years; for psychological and/or emotional health issues, not older than one year.
• From a licensed professional in an appropriate field. Acceptable professionals include, but are not limited to the following:
  
  • Psychologist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Medical Doctor
  • Ophthalmologist 
  • Optometrist
  •  Audiologist
  •  Speech Pathologist
• Comprehensive. While IEPs, 504 plans, SOPs and similar documentation can be helpful, they may not establish appropriate services. The documentation should include information on the following:
  • The credentials of the evaluators
  • A statement indicating the diagnosis
  • The methodology used to clinically evaluate the student, including test scores if applicable
  • Any functional limitations of the student
  • The expected progression of the disability
  • Any current and past treatments and accommodations, including prescribed medications, educational and occupational accommodations, and other supportive services
• Suggestions for services and accommodations, including assistive technology and assistive services.

 

Due to the individual nature of disabilities, exceptions may be made to the documentation requirements. Decisions on accommodations are always made in collaboration with students, and students are encouraged to register for services even if the available documentation does not meet the above guidelines. If the documentation is found to be insufficient, the student will be asked to provide additional documentation.