DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES
PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES
Students requesting accommodations on the basis of a psychiatric disability must provide documentation from a licensed clinical psychologist (Ph.D.), psychiatrist (M.D.), licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor. Documentation must be current – because of the variable nature of psychiatric disabilities, students registering for the first time must submit documentation from an assessment conducted no more than six months prior to the date of registration with ODS. Frequent updates may need to be provided depending on the nature of the academic adjustments requested. A school report such as an IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan is insufficient documentation. Documentation must include, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Diagnosis
The report must address a specific, current psychiatric diagnosis as per the
DSM-IV-TR (including diagnostic codes) which indicates the nature, frequency
and severity of the symptoms upon which the diagnosis was predicated. A diagnosis
without an explicit listing of current symptoms is not sufficient. Primary and
secondary Axis I and Axis II diagnoses are required.
2. Medications
Prescribed medications, dosages, schedules and side effects which may influence
the type of accommodations provided should be addressed. Medication cannot be
used to imply a diagnosis.
3. Clinical summary
This section of the report must address:
(a) The substantial limitations to major life activities posed by the psychiatric
disability.
(b) The extent to which these limitations would impact the academic context
for which accommodations are being requested.
(c) Suggestions as to how the specific effects of the psychiatric disability
may be accommodated.
(d) The rationale behind the suggested accommodations. *
4. Additional Requirements
All reports must be in narrative form, typed, and signed by the appropriate
clinician. Chart or clinic notes are not acceptable forms of documentation.
* A history of accommodations does not in itself warrant the provision of similar accommodations at UA. The final determination of appropriate and reasonable accommodation rests with the University of Alabama.
Please forward all documentation to:
Office of Disability Services
University of Alabama
133B Martha Parham East
Box 870185
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0185
This document will be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the Office of Disability Services, (205) 348-4285 (Voice) or (205) 348-3081 (TTY) for assistance.
Revised, 6/2004
