Guidelines for Documentation of Health & Physical Disabilities

Students who are seeking support services from Clark College on the basis of a health or physical disability may be required to submit documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation of disability and related information will be kept in a separate file in the Disability Access Center Office. The cost and responsibility for providing this documentation shall be borne by the student.

Health and physical disabilities include but are not limited to: mobility impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries, cancer, AIDS, Muscular Dystrophy, and Spina Bifida. Any health or physical disability is considered to be in the medical domain and require the diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. Information describing the certification, licensure, and/or the professional training of individuals conducting the evaluation must be provided.

Documentation should show current impact of the disability. The following guidelines are provided in the interest of assuring that the evaluation and report are appropriate for documenting eligibility and identifying appropriate academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids. The documentation should include:

  1. a clear statement of the medical diagnosis of the physical disability or systemic illness
  2. how the disability limits a major life activity, including but not limited to walking, breathing, seeing, hearing, performing manual tasks, caring for one's self, learning, or working
  3. a description of the type and severity of current symptoms and functional impact of the disability
  4. medical information relating to the student's needs to include the existing side effects of medication on the student's ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment (physical, perceptual, behavioral, or cognitive)
  5. a description of treatments, medications, assistive devices/services currently prescribed or in use, including the possible effectiveness of these devices or services in an educational setting
  6. a description of the expected progression or stability of the disability over time

Suggestions of academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids with supporting evidence may be included. The final determination for providing appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids rests with Clark College's Disability Access Center Office.