Documentation Guidelines for Physical, Mobility, and Chronic Health-Related Disabilities
Muhlenberg College students with diagnosed disabilities are eligible for protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) (revised in 2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended). The ADA Amendments Act 2008 retains the definition of a "disability" as (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual; (b) a record of such an impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such an impairment.
Students requesting accommodations based on a qualifying diagnosis must submit current, detailed documentation from an appropriately qualified or licensed healthcare professional who is:
- qualified to diagnose the condition and is currently or recently associated with the student in a healthcare professional/patient relationship
- familiar with the challenges and functional limitations of the condition and possible impact on access to the college environment
- an impartial evaluator or diagnostician who is not a family member nor in a dual relationship with the student
- qualified to verify the presence of a condition that rises to the level of a disability and confirms the need for reasonable accommodations based on the diagnosed condition.
The evaluation prepared by the diagnosing medical professional should include:
- Submission on professional letterhead with the date of the evaluation/report (within twelve months of entering college), signature, title, and professional credentials
- Information regarding the nature and cause of the condition, including age/time of onset
- A clear diagnostic statement including a summary of assessment procedures, evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis, and a summary of present conditions
- The expected duration, stability, or progression of the condition
- The current impact of (or limitations imposed by) the condition
- A statement of the significant impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and the degree to which it impacts the individual in the post secondary environment
- Treatments medications, devices, and services currently prescribed or used to minimize the impact of the condition
- A statement of the level of need for the requested accommodation and a clear connection between the diagnosis, the impact of the condition, and the recommended accommodation
