What is documentation?
Documentation is any information that describes your disability and/or health condition and how it affects your educational experience.
Why does DAS need documentation?
Documentation helps DAS understand your diagnoses, potential barriers, and any accommodations that may have worked in the past. Documentation helps us determine which accommodations will work best for you.
What if I don’t have documentation?
If you don’t have documentation, don’t worry—you can still apply for services. Any student experiencing a disability, health condition, suspected disability, or accessibility barrier can apply for services. You can start the process without documentation or a formal diagnosis.
What should ideal documentation include?
- Description of the disability and/or health condition, including the diagnosis, history, significance, and expected duration when applicable.
- The current or anticipated impacts of the disability in an educational setting.
- Past use and effectiveness of accommodations.
- Recommendations that are related to the impact of the disability.
- Dates of any evaluations/assessments.
Types of documentation that may be helpful:
Medical Reports or Letters
- From a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or other medical doctors
- Includes diagnosis, treatment history, and impact on functioning
Psychological or Neuropsychological Evaluations
- Detailed testing results and clinical impressions from licensed psychologists or neuropsychologists
- Often used for learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health conditions
Educational Evaluations
- Psychoeducational assessments conducted by school psychologists or educational diagnosticians
- Reports on learning disabilities or processing disorders
Therapist or Counselor Letters
- Statements from licensed clinical social workers, counselors, or therapists
- May describe mental health diagnoses and functional impact
Vision or Hearing Reports
- Documentation from optometrists, ophthalmologists, audiologists, or ENT specialists
- Includes details of sensory impairments
Physical or Occupational Therapy Evaluations
- Reports detailing physical disabilities, mobility limitations, or chronic health conditions
Neurological Evaluations
- Assessments by neurologists for conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury
Diagnosis Information from Healthcare Charts or Portals
- Relevant excerpts or summaries from your medical records or patient portals
Assessments from Agencies
- Documentation from agencies such as the Veterans Affairs (VA), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Division of Services for the Blind (DSB), or Labor & Industries (L&I)
Documents Reflecting Accommodation History
- Individual Education Program (IEP) from high school
- 504 Plan
- Accommodation plan from another college or university
- Workplace accommodation plan
Important Notes:
- Disability Access Services may ask the student to provide additional information if necessary.
- Documentation must come from a qualified practitioner who is not a family member of the student.
- Students should keep a copy of the documentation for their personal records. Disability Access Services may destroy/delete documentation and other disability-related information seven years after a student leaves the college.
- Documentation accepted by Spokane Community College might not be accepted by other institutions, agencies, and/or programs (e.g., other colleges and universities, testing agencies, licensure exams, and certification programs). Please check with the specific organizations and/or programs to determine their documentation requirements.
- Documentation may include previous or suggested accommodations, but Disability Access Services will make the final determination of reasonable accommodations for Spokane Community College.