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Guidelines for Documenting an Academic Accommodation

Dickinson approaches requests for accommodations with the belief that each student's circumstances are unique and that a flexible approach is the right way to determine appropriate accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADA-AA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a disability diagnosis by itself does not establish a need or an entitlement to accommodations. Instead, documentation must clearly establish a connection between the disability and the necessity of the specific accommodation(s) being recommended.


What Type of Documentation Should I Submit?
Type of Disability What Documentation to Provide
If you have a Learning Disability
(including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Disorder of Written Expression, Receptive or Expressive Language Disorder, Cognitive Disorder, etc.)
  • Your most recent Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological Evaluation Report
  • If relevant, your most recent accommodation plan (IEP, 504, etc.)

If you have any of the following:

  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Blindness or Low Vision
  • Chronic Health Condition
  • Deafness or a Hearing-Related Disability
  • Physical (Mobility or Dexterity) Disabilities
  • Psychiatric/Psychological Disability
  • Tic Disorder, including Tourette's
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

 

  • Please provide the documentation listed above, if you have that.
  • If you do not, have your care provider complete our fillable Documentation Form for Academic Accommodations found at www.dickinson.edu/ADS-form.

ADS will review and consider all submitted documentation, including:

  • Evaluation and diagnostic reports
  • High school accommodation plans (IEP or 504 Plan)
  • Medical records and patient portal diagnostic summaries
  • Accommodations letter(s) from standardized testing organizations (e.g., SAT, ACT)
  • Letters from a qualified healthcare professional on official letterhead

Sometimes, a combination of these documents may be necessary.


What Information Must Be Included in My Documentation?

Documentation should address the areas covered by the Academic Accommodations Documentation Form and include:

  1. Diagnosis of the disabling condition(s), date of diagnosis, and most recent evaluation date
  2. Observed symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for the disability (referencing DSM or ICD criteria)
  3. Limitations in academic functioning resulting from the disability
  4. Student’s history of the disability, including past accommodations
  5. Clear connection between the disability and the necessity of reasonable accommodations
  6. Recommended academic accommodations
  7. If applicable, severity and/or expected progression of the disability
  8. If applicable, medications and their side effects
  9. Signature and credentials of a qualified professional

Is My IEP or 504 Plan Sufficient?

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan is helpful but often does not provide enough detail to meet documentation guidelines. You should also submit the original evaluation report(s) referenced in the IEP or 504 Plan as the basis for the accommodations granted.


Will Dickinson Consider My Self-Reported Barriers

Yes! Your self-reported experiences are an important part of the process. Be sure to include any relevant information in your Disability Disclosure and Accommodation Request Form. You may also submit additional testimonials via letter, email, or, if necessary, communicate them verbally.


How Recent Should My Documentation Be?
  • Documentation should reflect current functional limitations on learning or other major life activities.
  • Evaluations should generally be conducted within the last three (3) years.
  • If your disability is long-standing and stable, older documentation may still be useful.
  • If you’re unsure whether your documentation meets requirements, contact ADS for guidance.

When Should I Submit My Documentation?

To have accommodations in place by the start of the semester:

  • Fall Semester: Submit by the end of June.
  • Spring Semester: Submit by the end of November.
  • For the Summer Semester: by the end of April
  • Mid-Semester Requests: Submit as soon as possible.

What Happens After I Submit My Documentation?
  1. You will receive a confirmation that your documentation has been received.
  2. ADS will review your documentation, which may take up to six (6) weeks.
  3. An ADS staff member will contact you to schedule a meeting.
  4. During the meeting, we will discuss:
    • The impact of your disability in an academic setting
    • Any history of accommodations used
    • Accommodations for which you may be eligible
    • The Access Plan process for setting up accommodations

If you do not receive a confirmation email after submission, contact access@dickinson.edu.


How Long Does the Accommodation Process Take?

The process may take up to six (6) weeks, depending on factors such as:

  • Time of year and volume of requests
  • Number, complexity, and type of accommodations requested
  • Need for follow-up with evaluators or previous accommodation providers

ADS will carefully review all requests and documentation to ensure accommodations are appropriate and effective.


Does Dickinson Offer Diagnostic Testing or Evaluations?

No, Dickinson does not provide diagnostic testing or evaluations for disabilities. However, ADS can refer students to testing providers in the Carlisle area. Students are responsible for the cost of evaluations. If cost is a concern, ADS has a confidential Request for Disability-Related Financial Assistance form available for students with financial constraints.


What if I need other accommodations such as housing or dietary?

For information about accommodations in other areas, visit:

For any questions, contact access@dickinson.edu or call 717-245-1734. We’re here to help!