Documentation Guidelines

Documentation should include a description of the disability, including the diagnosis, history, significance, and expected duration when applicable. Documentation should also include the current impact of the disability in an educational setting, past use and effectiveness of accommodations, and recommendations for accommodations that are logically related to the impact of the disability. Please keep in mind, however, that Lafayette College will make the final determination of reasonable accommodations.

The age of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disability. While older documentation for conditions that are permanent or do not vary may be appropriate, changing conditions and/or changes in how the condition impacts the individual over time may warrant more current documentation.

Please contact Accessibility Services at resourcehub@lafayette.edu for guidance on individual situations.

Types of documentation may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Educational, psychological, or medical records
Reports and assessments created by healthcare providers, psychologists, or the educational system (e.g., a psychoeducational evaluation)
Documents that reflect education and accommodation history, such as an Individual Education Program (IEP), Summary of Performance (SOP), and teacher observation

Accessibility Services offers the following forms to assist in gathering documentation:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Disability Accommodation Form
Health-Related Disability Accommodation Form
Mental Health Related Disability Accommodation Form
Emotional Support Animal Request Form
Forms are also available on the Forms page

Please note the following information:

Disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, seeing, hearing, walking, standing, lifting, speaking, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
The Student Intake Form and disability documentation should be submitted to Accessibility Services to review the request and implement reasonable accommodations and services in a timely manner.
Accessibility Services may ask the student to provide additional information if the submitted documentation is incomplete or does not support the student’s request for accommodations.
Generally, evaluations and documentation must be completed by a qualified practitioner who is not a family member of the student.
Students who do not have documentation are encouraged to meet with an Accessibility Services staff member to explore options for support.
Students should keep a copy of submitted documentation for their personal records.
Documentation accepted by Lafayette College might not be accepted by other institutions, agencies, and/or programs (e.g., testing agencies, licensure exams, and certification programs). Please check with the specific organizations and/or programs to determine their documentation requirements.

Please submit all information and documentation to resourcehub@lafayette.edu