Documentation Guidelines

"Documentation of your disability" is a document written by your diagnostician that clearly establishes:

• Your diagnosis (examples: dyslexia, paraplegia, deaf, bipolar, amputee, etc.).
• The methods or tests used to diagnose (examples: WAIS-R, MRI, Audiogram, WJ-Cognitive, etc.).
• Status of the diagnosis (temporary, permanent, remission, etc.) and its duration if applicable.
• The date of the diagnosis.
• If there is a previous history of the diagnosis.
• The cognitive or physical effect of prescribed medication or therapies.

Your diagnostician is the physical or mental health care provider who determined your diagnosis. She or he must have the expertise, certification, credentials or license to practice and diagnose the type of disability you are diagnosed with. Documentation cannot be accepted from a diagnostician who is a family member.

During the "Needs Assessment" your documentation is reviewed by disAbility Resources for Students to ensure it meets the following criteria:

• A clear and defined diagnosis is established.
• The diagnosis and tests used are current and relevant to university activities.
• The diagnosis meets the definition of disability according to State and Federal laws.
• If prescribed medication or therapies may adversely affect cognitive or physical performance during university activities.
• A direct correlation between your disability and the accommodation(s) you are requesting.

Current Individualized Education Plans (IEP) that include post-secondary transition information may be accepted in lieu of the above-mentioned documentation at the discretion of the Director of disAbility Resources for Students (DRS).

If you are sending your documentation to us, please be sure to include your name and WWU student identification number on the documentation. Ask your diagnostician to include your full name and birth date or WWU student identification number on any materials that he or she submits to DRS. Be sure to make a Needs Assessment appointment with DRS as soon as possible if you plan to request accommodations or services.

Your documentation and related records are kept confidential.

If you or your diagnostician are uncertain about what to include in your documentation, please feel free to contact disAbility Resources for Students.