University of Northern Iowa

Student Disability Services

Disability Documentation Guidelines

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are guaranteed certain protections and rights to equal access to programs and services.  In order to access these rights, an individual must present documentation indicating that the disability substantially limits some major life activity.  

Generally speaking, Student Disability Services (SDS) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) requires that submitted documentation be within three years old; however, SDS utlizes common sense and discretion in accepting older documentation of conditions that are permanent or nonvarying. Likewise, changing conditions and/or changes in how the condition impacts the individual brought on by growth and development may warrant more frequent updates in order to provide an accurate picture. Therefore, SDS reserves the right to request additional information in order to determine eligibility.

In some cases, students with certain disabilities (e.g., psychiatric, TBI, etc.) may be required to sumbit updated documentation from their provider on a continued basis in order to remain eligible for services.

The following documentation requirements are provided in the interest of assuring that documentation for students with disabilities is appropriate to verify eligibility and to support requests for accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids.  

Requirements for documentation are presented as seven essential elements:

1. the credentials of the evaluator;
2. a diagnostic statement identifying the disability;
3. a description of the diagnostic methodology used;
4. a description of the current functional limitations;
5. a description of the expected progression or stability of the disability;
6. a description of current and past accommodations, services, and/or medications;
7. recommendations for accommodations, adaptive devices, assistive services, compensatory strategies, and/or collateral support services.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: DO YOU HAVE A SAR FORM?

The following are documentation guidelines (in PDF format) specifically related to various disabilities. Prospective SDS clients should submit documentation, relevant to their disability, along with a SAR Form, if available.

GUIDELINES:

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Head Injury or Traumatic Brain Injury

Hearing Disabilities

Learning Disabilities

Physical Disabilities or Chronic Health Conditions

Psychiatric Disabilities

Rehabilitated Drug Addiction or Alcoholism

Visual Disabilities

Temporary Disability

GO BACK:

SDS Text Only Current Client Page

SDS Text Only Prospective Client Page

SDS Text Only Classroom Accommodation Page

SDS Text Only Exam Accommodation Page

SDS Text Only Accommodations and Services Page

SDS Text Only Home Page

SDS Default Style Home Page