Do I Qualify for Disability Services?

Documentation of Disability

All students must meet the academic requirements and standards considered essential to the integrity of each college course, program or college policy. Students with disabilities are expected to provide documentation of your disability in order to receive disability support services. If your documentation is more than three years old, you may be required to provide a current verification of disability. Documentation is a diagnostic report from a qualified professional person (physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, speech/hearing specialist, etc.). As the Oregon Transition Guide notes for recent high school graduates, "IEPs may be helpful but generally won't qualify as documentation."

Documentation is particularly important if the disability is not readily apparent as in the case of a hearing condition, a back injury or a learning disability.

It is always a good idea to meet with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities before the start of a term so you can discuss any area where you perceive you might need accommodations. When accommodations are approved, they are listed in a letter sent to you to share with your instructors.  The SSD Coordinator can also work with you to develop success strategies. Even when your documentation does not support a request for accommodation you may still benefit from such strategies. The SSD Office can also refer you to professionals in the community who might be able to evaluate your needs and provide documentation.

It is wise to introduce yourself to all new instructors early in the term and let them know who you are. Bringing a copy of your SSD letter is a good way to "break the ice" with a new instructor. Instructors are willing to assist students once they know that accommodations are reasonable and are based on documented disabilities. In addition, the Coordinator of SSD is available to confer with the instructor and/or student regarding any questions about accommodations being provided.

Please note that some accommodations are expensive and time consuming to arrange, and that some may require consultation with outside service agencies.

Refusal to provide information will not subject a student to any adverse treatment; however, in order to receive certain services, it is necessary to document the true need. Information cannot and will not be released to individuals outside the SSD office unless written student permission is granted.

Click here to download the Documentation Guidelines

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