Disability Services

Documentation Criteria

Students applying for academic accommodations or housing accommodations must submit documentation in support of the request. Saint Peter’s University uses this documentation to determine whether you are eligible for an academic accommodation as defined within the meaning of State or Federal Law.

This documentation must be comprehensive, clearly demonstrate the disability and suggest accommodations appropriate for the university setting. A qualified professional or doctor must certify that the student has been diagnosed and provide evidence whether the student’s impairment substantially limits a major life activity. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans from K-12 institutions may also be submitted as additional supporting documentation. Documentation must be recent. We suggest submitting documents that are no older than 6 years.

Guidelines for documentation from a qualified professional or doctor:

A qualified appropriate healthcare provider with training related to the specific disability must provide the documentation and fill out the Certification of Health Care Provider Form. The diagnostic report must be submitted on official letterhead with name(s), title(s), credentials, and contact information of the professional or doctor. Everything must also be signed and dated.

The documentation must include the following information:

  • General- Relevant medical history
  • Treatment – Any current treatment, medications, assistive devices, or other services you are receiving.
  • Evaluation of your disability’s impact – A report on how your disability impacts a major activity in your life and in particular within an university setting
  • Recommendations for accommodations – Your doctor or qualified professional’s suggested accommodations with an explanation supporting each. The recommendations should be as specific and detailed as possible and should include information such as
    1. nature, severity, and duration of the student’s impairment;
    2. activity or activities limited by impairment;
    3. extent to which impairment limits the student’s ability to perform activities; and
    4. why an accommodation is needed.