Documentation Guidelines for Physical Disabilities and Systemic Illnesses

(Includes but is not limited to: Mobility Impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Chemical Sensitivities, Spinal Cord injuries, Cancer, AIDS, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida)

Any physical disability and/or systemic illness is considered to be in the medical domain and require the expertise of a physician, including a neurologist, psychiatrist or other medical specialist with experience and expertise in the area for which accommodations are being requested. The diagnostician must be an impartial individual who is not a family member of the student.

The following documentation requirements will assist the service provider in collaborating with each student to determine appropriate accommodations. Documentation serves as a foundation that supports a student's request for appropriate accommodations. Recommended documentation includes all of the following:

1. A clear statement of the medical diagnosis of the physical disability or systemic illness;
   
   
2. Documentation for eligibility must reflect the current impact of the physical disability or systemic illness on the student's functioning, (the age of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, the student’s request for accommodations, and the current status of the student. Therefore, disabilities that are sporadic or degenerative may require more frequent evaluation);
   
   
3. If applicable, a summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis, including evaluation results and standardized scores if applicable;
   
   
4. A description of presenting symptoms that meet the criteria for diagnosis;
   
   
5. Medical information relating to the student’s needs must include the impact of medication on the student's ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment;
   
   
6. A statement of the functional impact of limitation of the disability on learning or other           major life activity and the degree to which it impacts the individual in the learning context for which accommodations are being requested.

Further assessment by an appropriate professional may be required if co-existing learning disabilities or other disabling conditions are indicated. The student and the Disability Access Services staff at Aims Community College will collaborate regarding accommodations with the final decision made by the disability specialist.