Documentation Guidelines
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, SDS provides equal access to educational programs and safeguards against discrimination for qualified students with disabilities as defined by the ADA. The ADA defines a person with a disability as any person who
- Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
- Has a record of such an impairment
- Is regarded as having such an impairment
In order for SDS to determine if a student's condition meets the standard defined by the law, the disability documentation submitted by the student must contain all of the elements detailed below.
- A licensed or credentialed examiner
- A diagnostic statement identifying the disability (note that a condition does not automatically qualify as a disability)
- A description of of the diagnostic methodology
- A description of the current functional limitations
- A description of the expected duration and progression of the condition
- A rationale and justification for all requested accommodations
Detailed Guidelines
SDS has established guidelines for documenting conditions that qualify for disability services. These guidelines help provide comprehensive and current information regarding the functional limitations caused by the condition as well as any appropriate and reasonable modifications in an academic setting.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning Disabilities
- Physical, Medical and Sensory Disabilities (includes visual and hearing impairments)
- Psychological Disabilities
- Temporary Disabilities
Please note that there is currently no place on the Cornell campus where one can receive a comprehensive evaluation for learning disabilities or ADHD. Anyone wishing to pursue such an evaluation will need to be referred to an off-campus evaluator. Please contact SDS at 607-254-4545 to arrange to meet with an SDS counselor to discuss the referral process.