Documentation Guidelines
While documentation alone may be sufficient to establish that a student has a disability, that determination is separate and distinct from the determination of the need for a requested accommodation. When necessary, Center for Disability Services may ask for additional documentation concerning your disability and/or the need for accommodations. When such documentation is necessary, it will be limited to the need for the specific accommodation requested.
These general guidelines were developed to assist you and those in your support network to prepare this information so we can evaluate your request and make recommendations. If you have questions, please contact us at 843.953.1431 or SNAP@cofc.edu.
The following guidelines are provided to assist students in identifying the type of information and documentation that will inform the process of determining reasonable and appropriate accommodations. Documentation from a current treating provider should be on letterhead, be signed and dated, and should include the following information:
- The credentials of the evaluator(s);
- A diagnostic statement identifying the disability;
- A description of the diagnostic methodology used;
- A description of the current functional limitations;
- A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability.
Additionally, CDS offers the following recommendations regarding documentation:
- Psychoeducational evaluations are most helpful when available. IEPs, 504 Plans, and letters from doctors/providers are also beneficial for review.
- Documentation is most beneficial when it provides specific insight into how a disability impacts various academic experiences (testing, reading, etc.). When the recommendations are for support to enhance success or are considered outside the scope of what is necessary for equal access, the student will be referred to other resources and or given options that may be able to address the specific need.
- Below are our disability-specific documentation guidelines. If you are seeking information regarding certain specialized accommodations, please review the documentation guidelines for the appropriate area and/or concern:
Housing Accommodation Request
Emotional Support Animal Request - Please note that you should not delay meeting with us if you are concerned about not having the right documentation. A CDS staff member will discuss specific third-party documentation needs during a Welcome Meeting and steps you can take after the meeting. Our priority is meeting with you, not reviewing the documentation. Insufficient documentation will not delay the initial meeting but may delay the consideration and possible approval of certain accommodations.