Guidelines for Documentation

SECTION 1: GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

These guidelines have been established by the University of Miami to determine eligibility for reasonable accommodations as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The guidelines are intended for use by students currently enrolled in classes at the University of Miami or students preparing to attend the university. It is suggested that students expecting to attend the university submit documentation at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, qualified individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination and may be entitled to reasonable accommodations and/or equal access to programs and services. The University of Miami refers to a "disability" as a general term that applies to various conditions of short or long duration. To establish that a student is eligible for accommodations under the ADA, documentation must indicate (1) the current presence of a specific disability and (2) that the identified disability substantially limits a major life activity. Both acts define a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individuals. Examples of major life activities include walking, sitting, standing, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks. A diagnosis of a disorder/condition/syndrome or impairment in and of itself does not automatically qualify an individual for accommodations under the ADA. The documentation must support each request for an accommodation, academic adjustment or modification, or auxiliary aid.

1.2 ACCOMMODATION REQUEST FORM

All documentation submitted must be comprehensive and address the specific accommodation being requested. Incomplete information may delay this process and the implementation of any academic accommodations. Accommodations are not granted retroactively and the arrangement of certain types of accommodations may take additional time after eligibility has been determined. All requests must be submitted by the student and clearly identify the accommodations being requested. Incomplete documentation will not be reviewed. You may use our Accommodation request form or provide the following information as part of your own cover sheet.

Download the Accommodation Request Form

1.3 REQUIRED INFORMATION

All documentation must be submitted along with:

  1. A student identification number (C#),
  2. current address,
  3. phone number,
  4. email address, and the
  5. specific accommodations being requested.

If someone other than the student is submitting documentation, the release section of the must be completed and signed by the student before any information will be discussed with a parent or medical professional.

1.4 MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

Students with multiple diagnoses requiring a range of accommodations should provide comprehensive documentation for all conditions. For example, when accommodations are requested based on two or more disabilities, such as learning disabilities and depression, documentation should be submitted for both and should meet the guidelines for submitting documentation for both learning disabilities and psychological disorders.

Please contact the Office of Disability Services should you have any questions.