Physical / Sensory Disabilities

General Information
Students who request academic adjustments and auxiliary services must present medical verification documenting their disability or condition. The self-identification process is confidential and required of those students who request accommodations. Eligibility criterion for services consists of an evaluation by an appropriate professional and describes the current impact of the disability as it relates to the accommodation request.

The Office of Student Disabilities Services (SDS) evaluates requests for accommodation and auxiliary services based on the documentation provided. Accommodations are intended to be effective and take into consideration students' preferences, while, at the same time, not changing or fundamentally altering the purpose of the program or course.

These guidelines are intended to assist students in working with their treating professional(s) to prepare the information needed by the University of Pennsylvania to evaluate requests.

Students with Physical Disabilities

Documentation should include*

1. A diagnostic statement identifying the disability, date of the current diagnostic evaluation, the date of the original diagnosis, and a description of the diagnostic criteria and test(s) used.

Also included in the evaluation should be (a) a description of the expected progression or stability of the disability over time; (b) an estimate of the change in the functional limitations of the disability over time; and (c) recommendations concerning the need for reevaluation.

a) How long has the student had this condition?
b) What is the severity of this condition?
c) What is the expected duration or recovery period of this condition?

2. A description of the current functional impact of the disability

a) Does the condition significantly limit a major life activity of this student such as walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, reproduction?

b) If so, explain how any limitation(s) on a major life activity are ameliorated or eliminated by any treatment or medication being taken by/prescribed to this student.

3. A description of a current treatment plan

a) Describe treatments, medications, assistive devices, accommodations in current use and their estimated effectiveness in ameliorating the impact of the disability.
b) List current medication(s), dosage, and frequency.
c) Describe significant side effects that may impact physical, perceptual, behavioral or cognitive performance.
d) Explain other information that may be relevant.

4. A description of recommended accommodation(s)

In the context of the diagnostic evaluation, describe recommendations for specific accommodations, adaptive devices, and/or auxiliary services that may ameliorate the functional impact of the disability and provide greater access.

a) Clearly state the rationale for recommend accommodation(s) specific to the diagnosed disability
b) Include a statement on the level of need
c) Describe consequences of not receiving recommended accommodation(s)

Note: When recommendations go beyond services and benefits that can be provided by the university, they may be used to suggest potential referrals to external service providers.

5. Credentials of the Diagnosing Professional(s)

Information describing the certification, licensure and/or professional training of individual(s) conducting the evaluation should be provided.

*Current editions of either the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification of the World Health Organization (ICD-CM) are the recommended sources.

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