To determine reasonable accommodations, documentation ofÌýthe specific functional limitations that result from the individual’s disability is required. General statements about the disability do not help determine appropriate accommodations.
An individual must demonstrate that their condition meets the definition of a disability under the Rehabilitation Act, 1973 and/or the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), 1990. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Substantially limits under ADA refer to significant restrictions as to the condition, manner, or duration under which an individual can perform a particular major life activity as compared to most people. Whether a condition is substantially limiting to support an accommodation request is a decision made by qualified professional(s) based upon multiple sources of information.
A clinical diagnosis is not synonymous with a disability.ÌýEvidence that these symptoms are associated with substantial impairment in a major life activity is required for provision of accommodations. A detailed description of current substantial limitation in the academic and living environment is essential to identify appropriate accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. Specific requests for accommodations need to be linked to the student's current functional limitations, and the rationale for each recommendation clearly stated.
The following is a list of disabling conditions swagÍâÁ÷ accommodates and the specific guidelines for documenting that condition: