Disability is defined as a permanent, longstanding significant condition that substantially limits one or more of the major life functions (including but not limited to: seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, learning, working, etc.). Students with disabilities are eligible, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, for reasonable accommodations that will support equal opportunity and inclusion for college programs and services.
Temporary conditions are not regarded as ADA eligible, however, depending on the nature and severity of the temporary condition, environmental supports may be provided.
The documentation requirements to substantiate the nature and severity of ADA eligible conditions and temporary conditions are summarized below.
Please note that Dominican University complies with the guidelines established by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).
Required Medical, Psychological, and/or Educational Documentation:
For most conditions we accept a dated letter or report from a credentialed examiner (see specific examiner below), describing a comprehensive evaluation, including DSM-V diagnosis, nature and severity of disability, and how the condition might impact the student's participation in the program or service. For Learning Disability and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, psycho-educational information may be required. (see full Psycho-educational report details below).
The letter or report from the examiner must include the following characteristics:
- Name and address of Examiner or Provider
- Word document on official letterhead stationery
- Signature of examiner
- Professional credentials of the examiner
- Clear diagnostic statement
- Description of the nature and severity of the disability
- Functional Limitations of the disability in the College environment
- Suggested accommodations
Past IEP, SOP or 504 documents may be applicable.
Handwritten notes, or notes on prescription pads are specifically NOT accepted as documentation of disability.
Acceptable Examiners by Disability :
• ADHD/ADD – Preferred: full Psycho-educational assessment report (see below) from a Neuro-psychologist; also acceptable is a detailed letter (with aforementioned characteristics) from a professional such as a Psychiatrist, Neurologist, Medical Doctor or Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
• Autism Spectrum/Developmental Disability – Neuro-psychological report
• Mental Health – Psychiatrist, Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Physical – Orthopedic surgeon (Physical therapist may be acceptable)
• Vision – Ophthalmologist / Optometrist / functional vision assessment
• Hearing – Ear, Nose Throat Physician / Audiologist
• Health - Medical Practitioner who is knowledgeable about the condition
• Head Injury - Neurologist or Neuro-psychologist
• Learning Disabilities - Full Psycho-educational testing report completed by a professional evaluator (see below).
The full Psycho-educational report must include:
- Name and Title of examiner
- Professional credentials of the examiner
- Date of evaluation (must be current)
- Psychometric data (scores) must be included.
Additionally, the Psycho-educational report should include descriptions of performance in the following domains: Aptitude (IQ), Information Processing and Academic Achievement.
Past IEP, SOP or 504 documents may be applicable.
To print this information: DUNY GuidelinesForDoc.pdf