How do Students Qualify for Services?

Student Disability Services is committed to serving all students with disabilities as defined by federal regulations.

The federal legal definition of a disability includes a person who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity,
• Has a record of such impairment,
• Is regarded as having such impairment.

A qualified person with a disability is:  an individual who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.

Students must provide documentation of their disability and their need for accommodation before receiving services. In the case of a medical, physical, or psychological disability, students should submit documentation from a qualified professional stating 1) the nature and severity of the disability, 2) current functional impact, 3) the diagnostic procedures used, and 4) recommendations for assistance. Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder must submit documentation of an adult evaluation from one of two sources.

• Students diagnosed prior to graduation from an accredited high school may submit the psychoeducational evaluation (done at approximate age 15 years old) on file at the respective high school.
• Students diagnosed after the completion of high school must submit a psychoeducational evaluation performed by an appropriately qualified professional.