Disability Documentation Guidelines
Documentation helps the Disability Resource Center (DRC) understand how a student’s condition impacts their functioning, how that impact creates barriers in Purdue academic or campus environments, and what accommodations may be reasonable to support equal access.
Diagnosis Alone Is Not Enough
A diagnosis alone does not automatically establish that a student has a disability or is eligible for accommodations under the ADA or Section 504. The DRC must understand how the condition substantially limits one or more major life activities and how that limitation creates access barriers in the Purdue environment.
Documentation must go beyond naming a condition and clearly describe functional impact, frequency and severity of symptoms, and how those symptoms affect academic or campus participation.
On this page
Information for Students
Students should complete the Accommodation Request Form (ARF) and describe their condition, barriers, and requested accommodations.
You do not need documentation to contact the DRC. We are happy to answer general questions about the accommodation process, documentation requirements, and available services. To begin the interactive process and discuss potential accommodations, we encourage you to submit your Accommodation Request Form and any available documentation before your initial appointment.
Information for Providers
Strong documentation focuses on the student’s individual experience, not general information about a condition.
Provider Prompt
- Condition: What condition is present?
- Functional impact: How does it affect the student?
- Barrier: What academic/campus barrier exists?
- Accommodation: How does the accommodation address that barrier?
How the DRC Makes Decisions
The DRC uses multiple sources of information, including student narrative, interaction, and third-party documentation. No single source determines eligibility.
We look for a connection between condition, impact, barrier, and accommodation.
Accommodations are based on equal access, not guaranteed academic success.
Documentation Elements
Required Information
- Letterhead, dated, signed
- Identified condition
- Functional impact
- Effect on academic/campus activities
- Severity, duration, frequency
Optional Information
- Medication/treatment effects
- Prior accommodations
- Provider recommendations (with rationale)
Note: Recommendations are considered but not automatically approved.
What Helpful Documentation Does
- Explains how the condition affects functioning
- Describes when symptoms occur
- Connects impact to academic tasks
- Explains why an accommodation is needed
Less Helpful
Student has anxiety. Extended time recommended.
More Helpful
Student experiences reduced processing speed during timed exams due to anxiety, impacting completion. Extended time addresses this barrier.
What May Not Be Sufficient
- Diagnosis only
- General statements without context
- No link to academic barriers
- No explanation of accommodation need
Submitting Documentation
Submit via Accommodation Request Form, email, fax, or in person.
Submit at least 2–3 weeks in advance when possible.
FAQ
Can I meet without documentation?
Yes. If you have general questions about the accommodation process, documentation requirements, or DRC services, you're welcome to attend one of our daily drop-in hours or contact our office.
To begin the interactive process and discuss potential accommodations, we encourage you to first submit your Accommodation Request Form and any available documentation. Having this information allows your Access Consultant to better understand your situation and make the most of your initial appointment.
If you're unsure what documentation is needed or are having difficulty obtaining it, please contact us. We can explain our documentation guidelines, answer your questions, and discuss possible next steps.
Does a diagnosis guarantee accommodations?
No. A diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for accommodations. The DRC considers how a disability functionally impacts you in the university environment and whether it creates barriers to equal access. Accommodation decisions are based on an individualized review of your disability-related barriers, supporting documentation, your personal experiences, and the essential requirements of your courses or university programs.
Can DRC request more information?
Yes. In some cases, we may request additional information or documentation if the materials submitted do not clearly establish the existence of a disability, the functional impact of the disability, or the need for requested accommodations. This helps ensure we have enough information to engage in the interactive process and make individualized, well-informed accommodation decisions.
Can my IEP or 504 Plan be used as documentation?
An IEP or 504 Plan may be helpful and can be submitted for review. Because college accommodations are determined under different standards than K-12 services, the DRC may request additional information about your current functional impact or accommodation needs.
Will my provider’s recommended accommodations automatically be approved?
No. Provider recommendations are considered as part of the review process, but they are not automatically approved. The DRC determines reasonable accommodations based on functional impact, access barriers, documentation, student narrative, and the university environment.
Contact Us
Phone: (765) 494-1247
Email: drc@purdue.edu
YONG Room 830
155 S. Grant St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907