Documenting a Psychological Impairment
Students, faculty, staff, and campus guests wishing to request accommodations due to a psychological condition can refer to the links below. Currency of Documentation addresses the need for the documentation to discuss the current impact of the condition for the individual. Documentation Requirements includes the content of the documentation necessary for determining eligibility for accommodations and services at Drexel University.
Documenting a Psychological Impairment
Accommodations and services are determined on a case-by-case basis. When the nature and impact of a psychological impairment varies, it will be necessary to provide current documentation each term or period of accommodation. The Office of Disability Services (ODS) may require documentation more frequently if there is a substantial change in the functional limitation of the condition and there are additional accommodations being requested. ODS will determine currency based on the most current impact known, prognosis, and mitigating measures. ODS needs to have current documentation to support auxiliary aid, accommodation, and service requests which are reasonable, appropriate, and supported by the documentation provided by the psychologist, psychiatrist, or other professional who is experienced in diagnosing and treating individuals with psychological impairments.
Documentation Requirements for Psychological Impairments
A diagnosis is required by a licensed mental health professional including licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or neurologists, and must include the license number. Practitioners need to adhere to their profession's professional code of ethics as it relates to qualifications, dual relationships, and conflicts of interest.
The following requirements are provided to assist the Office of Disability
Services (ODS) staff at Drexel University in collaborating with each individual
to determine appropriate accommodations while attending or working at Drexel.
Documentation serves as the foundation that legitimizes an individual's request
for appropriate accommodations. Recommended documentation includes:
1. A clear statement of the disability, including DSM-IV diagnosis.
2. A description of present symptoms meeting the criteria for diagnosis, and any fluctuating
conditions in relation to the diagnosis.
3. Explanation of how the symptoms cause significant limitations for this individual, within the
postsecondary environment or work setting.
4. Medical information relating to the individual's needs, including the impact of medication on
the individual's ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment or work setting.
5. The American's with Disabilities Act (1990) defines a disability as a physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
6. Documentation for eligibility should be current. The age of acceptable documentation is
dependent upon the disabling condition, the current status of the individual, and the
individual's request for accommodation.
7. A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis
and a summary of evaluation results, including standardized or percentile scores, as appropriate.
8. All medical documentation needs to be submitted to the ODS in English.
Further assessment by an appropriate professional may be required if co-existing disabling conditions are indicated.
All documentation is confidential and should be submitted to:
Office of Disability Services, Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street, 81-210
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215.895.1401 TTY: 215.895.2299 Fax: 215.895.1402