Documentation Requirements
Disability Documentation Guidelines:
Disability documentation must be provided by a physician, psychologist, audiologist or other licensed professional appropriately qualified to diagnose the specific disability of the individual. If documentation is older than four years, students may be asked to obtain updated diagnosis documentation. Evaluators are encouraged to include appropriate medical reports, relevant medical history, test scores where applicable (especially for individuals with cognitive and learning disabilities) and any other medical or educational data that would be useful in determining and providing appropriate accommodations and services. Please note a 504 or IEP is beneficial but is not a substitute for a psychological or psycho-educational evaluation.
Documentation must include:
- The particular diagnosis, including when the diagnosis was made and the likely duration of the disability
- Details of the student’s functional limitations created by the disability(s)
- Accommodations recommended for the student (if known), along with explanations of why these accommodations would be useful.
- Be on official letterhead of the licensed medical provider and include their signature and date signed.
Documentation FAQ
Students must provide documentation, upon request, that they have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity, and supports the need for an academic adjustment. Documentation should identify how a student's ability to function is limited because of their disability. The primary purpose of documentation is to establish a disability and help the University of Idaho work interactively with the student to identify appropriate services.
Each student is considered individually. Complete a CDAR Application to identify concerns and barriers you experience accessing your education. Then call 208-885-6307 to schedule a meeting with one of our Access Consultants who can help guide you through the process.
Generally no. Although an IEP or Section 504 plan may help identify services that have been used in the past, they are generally not sufficient documentation to support the existence of a current disability and need for academic accommodations at a postsecondary institution.
Disability documentation should be current and relevant, but not necessarily recent. Some disabilities are lifelong conditions. If you are uncertain if you need updated documentation, complete a CDAR Application then call 208-885-6307 to schedule a meeting with one of our Access Consultants to discuss educational barriers and determine appropriate documentation.