Guidelines for Documentation of a Psychological Disability
To qualify for services, a student must provide documentation of a diagnosed psychological
disability. The guidelines that follow are provided to assure that evaluation reports
are appropriate to determine eligibility and to support requests for reasonable accommodations.
Practioners Who Can Provide a Diagnosis
Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental
Health, Psychiatrists and other relevantly trained medical personnel.
Recency of Documentation
Because Psychological Disabilities may manifest themselves differently as people age,
it is recommended that a diagnosis and description of functional limitations be made
that describes the current impact of the disability.
Contents of Documentation
A specific diagnosis that conforms to current DSM criteria for a specific psychological
disorder. The diagnosis should also list the specific symptoms and severity of symptoms
that are currently present.
Current functional limitations resulting from the specific psychological disorder.
These may include but are not limited to:
Cognitive functioning
Behavioral functioning
Ability to learn
Social functioning
Evidence to support the functional limitations statements made in #2. This may include
but is not limited to:
Teacher observation
Clinical observation/interview
Standardized checklists or scales of emotional functioning
Medical information relating to the student's needs, including the impact of medication
on the student's ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment. This
may include the current mediation regimen and side effects (if relevant).
Relevant information regarding current treatment.
Recommended Accommodations. All accommodations should be directly related to functional
limitations listed in #2. The rationale for each recommendation should be contained
in #3 above.
Recommendations for other supports, strategies or services that may benefit the individual
in a higher education environment.
Other pertinent diagnoses or recommendations for other evaluations that may be needed.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to restrict assessment in other pertinent
areas. Acceptable alternative evaluations may be determined by the Center for Academic
Excellence.
Students seeking qualified professionals for assessments may find referral sources
from disability services staff at a college or university, or from a physician.
All documentation is confidential and should be sent to:
Student Accessibility Services Center for Academic Excellence Franklin Pierce University 40 University Drive Rindge, NH 03461 Phone: 603-899-4107 Fax: 603-899-4395 Email: