Documentation Guidelines for Rehabilitated Drug Addiction/Alcoholism
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 diagnosis the disability 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.
Documentation serves as the foundation that legitimizes a student's request for appropriate accommodations and serves as a springboard for requests for accommodations and services. The currency of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, the current status of the student, and an assessment of the significant impact on major life functions.
The evaluation/report must include the following information:
- The DSM-5 diagnosis, a clear statement of successful completion of a supervised drug/alcohol rehabilitation program, and a dated statement attesting to compliance with appropriate post rehabilitation treatment
- Clear identification of the substantial limitation of a major life activity
- A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis
- A summary of qualitative and quantitative information that supports the diagnosis
- Medical information relating to the student's condition, to include the impact of medication and treatment plan (if prescribed) on the student's ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment
- Any suggestions of reasonable accommodations that might be appropriate at the postsecondary level should be based on significant functional limitations and should be supported by documentation.
Further assessment by an appropriate professional may be required if co-existing other disabling conditions are indicated. Appropriate accommodations are collaboratively determined by the student and the Office of Disability Services professionals.
