Download a copy of our Documentation Guidelines: Documentation Guidelines .docx

Download this example letter template for a provider: Example Letter Template .docx

We follow the ADA definition of a disability. Among possible other criteria, a person is considered disabled if they have an impairment that “substantially limits one or more major life activities”.

Documentation from a qualified healthcare professional helps us understand the extent of these possible limitations and what major life activities are impacted. This information, combined with the student’s personal narrative, allows us to determine reasonable, appropriate accommodations.

Note: These documentation guidelines specifically apply to Student Access Services (SAS) at Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) and may differ at other schools or testing centers.

What Should Documentation Include?

Missing information may cause delays in processing your request for accommodations

We generally look for the following information in one or more pieces of documentation:

1. How Disability Was Determined: What is your condition and how was that evaluated (test used, DSM codes, scores, x-rays, observation, etc.)?
2. Current symptoms, limitations, and impact: How this disability specifically affects YOU (the student). This is as opposed to general symptoms people with this condition may have.
3. Barriers in the Educational Setting: Barriers in the college/educational environment that are related to your disability*.
4. Expected Progression/Treatment: Based on what the professional can see, what can you expect this condition/disability to look like over your time at WVC? Is the condition permanent or temporary?
• Temporary conditions: Include expected duration and a timeline for reevaluation.
• Permanent conditions: Indicate if it is continuous or episodic. If episodic, documentation should provide details about triggers, duration of episodes, recovery time, or any other relevant information.

*Note: documentation may provide recommended accommodations, but the final determination of a student's accommodations is made by WVC SAS staff. 

Accepted Forms of Documentation

We accept a variety of documentation types. Some examples include:

• A letter from the healthcare/professional provider. This letter should not just state a diagnosis. We are looking for information about your specific functional limitations. You may wish to provide this example letter to your provider.
• Office visit summaries such as ER discharge papers.
• Neuropsychological or psychological evaluations.
• Assessment results from counselors, school psychologists, or similar professionals.

Documentation FAQ