Documentation serves two primary purposes. First, it establishes that the individual has a disability, and therefore is protected from discrimination. Second, documentation must describe the current functional impact of the disability so that potential accommodations can be identified.

All documentation of disability should consist of evaluation by an appropriate professional that is not older than three years from the date of the first accommodation request. Included must be a clear statement of the diagnosis, the basis for the diagnosis, and the current impact of the disability as it relates to the accommodation request. All documentation of disability is considered confidential and will not be released without a student’s prior written consent.

Beyond the more objective determination of a disability and its impact provided by external documentation, the College recognizes that input from the individual with a disability is also a rich and important source of information on the impact of disability and on the effectiveness of accommodations. Accommodation decisions are made on a case by case basis, considering the impact of a particular student's disability within the specific context of a college-level academic environment.

Documentation of Medical Disability
In general, medical documentation should not be older than three years from the date of the first accommodation request and should include the following:

• A diagnostic statement identifying the disability, the date of the most current diagnostic evaluation, and the date of the original diagnosis.
• A description of the diagnostic tests, methods, and/or criteria used.
• A description of the current functional impact of the disability which includes specific test results and the examiner’s narrative interpretation.
• Treatments, medications, or assistive devices/services currently prescribed or in use.
• A description of the expected progression or stability of the impact of the disability over time, particularly the next five years.
• The credentials of the diagnosing professional if not clear from the letterhead or other forms.
• The diagnosing professional may not be a family member.

Documentation of Cognitive Impairment
Documentation of cognitive impairment such as specific learning disability, attention deficit disorder, or physical, medical, and psychological disorders affecting learning must include a comprehensive report of psycho-educational or neuropsychological assessment meeting specified criteria.