- Documentation must come from a
licensed professional (unrelated to the individual being evaluated)
and trained in the appropriate
specialty area. There must be a good match between the credentials of
the individual making the diagnosis, and the condition being reported
(e.g., an orthopedic limitation might be documented by a physician, but
not a licensed psychologist.) Documentation that presents any question as
to authenticity will be followed up with a consultation to verify information
(e.g., hand-written letters.) Documentation
must be dated, on letterhead, and signed by the evaluator.
Documentation on prescription pads will not be accepted.
- Documentation
must include a description of the
diagnostic criteria or the diagnostic tests used. This description
should include the specific results of the diagnostic procedures,
diagnostic tests utilized and dates administered. When available both
summary data and specific test scores should be reported. Diagnostic
methods used should be congruent with current professional diagnostic
practices within the field. Informal or non-standardized evaluations
should be described in enough detail that a professional colleague could
understand their role and significance in the diagnostic process.
- Documentation
must include both a clear
diagnostic statement and an explanation of the current manifestations or
functional limitations of the condition, especially as they relate to
academic performance. Conditions diagnosed according to DSM
standards should note the appropriate DSM code. The statement of diagnosis and
explanation of functional limitations should be thorough enough to
demonstrate whether or not a major life activity is substantially limited.
- The
evaluator must include specific
recommendations for reasonable academic accommodations and a detailed
explanation of the rationale for each recommendation as it relates to
the specific functional limitations.
- Documentation must be current,
usually less than 3 years old. However, discretion may be used in
accepting documentation of conditions that are permanent or non-varying
(e.g., a sensory disability). Likewise, some chronic and/or changing
conditions will warrant more current documentation and/or more frequent
updates in order to provide an accurate picture of functioning.
- Documentation should include
information regarding the impact of the disability condition on major life
activities (i.e., walking, talking, learning, working, seeing,
hearing) including the impact of
medications, other treatments, and the concomitant side effects.
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