(The 'Documentation of Disability Form' is used to verify a disability. If you are looking for forms regarding assistance animals in on-campus housing, please visit the 'Non-Service Support Animals in University Housing' tab.)
Documentation of Disability Form
Documentation Information
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination and are entitled to services. To qualify under the ADA, documentation must show that a disability currently exists and significantly limits a major life activity, such as learning.
In most cases, an IEP, 504 Plan, or a brief note from a doctor does not provide the detailed information needed and is not enough to serve as documentation.
All documentation submitted to the Office of Disability Services is kept private, only shared with necessary parties, and will be handled with care.
Documentation of Disability Requirements
To provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, the Office of Disability Services requires documentation from a licensed medical or professional expert related to the student’s disability. However, students with certain disabilities, like blindness, deafness or wheelchair use, are not required to provide this documentation.
When documentation is needed, your provider can either complete the SDSU Disability Services Documentation of Disability Form or provide the required information on their own letterhead. If using their letterhead, the documentation should include:
- A clear diagnosis of the disability, including diagnostic codes (like DSM-V or ICD for mental health).
- A detailed explanation of how the diagnosis was made, including diagnostic criteria, evaluation methods, tests used and results.
- The date of diagnosis and last contact with the student.
- Documentation should be recent, typically dated within 1-5 years of the request.
- Information on how the disability currently affects the student, especially in the learning or housing environment.
- Enough detail to show how the condition substantially limits a major life activity, such as learning, based on severity, frequency and impact.
- Information on past and current accommodations, support services, medications, and assistive devices, and how they helped the student manage their condition.
- Details on any side effects from current treatments that might affect physical, perceptual, behavioral or cognitive performance.
- Recommendations for accommodations or support services, though SDSU is not required to provide the same accommodations previously offered by other institutions.
- Credentials of the evaluator, who must be a licensed professional with appropriate training, experience and no personal connection to the student.
If you have any questions, please email the Office of Disability Services or call 605-688-4504.