Determining Eligibility
Documentation:
According to CUNY Documentation Guidelines (see www.cuny.edu), “Students diagnosed with a disability who request services or accommodations are required to provide appropriate and current documentation…Prior documentation such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a history of receiving accommodations from a former school does not necessarily validate the need for services or continuation of accommodations at the university level…This history can, however, be attached to the current documentation as part of a comprehensive assessment battery…”
Evaluating a Disability:
The evaluation for a learning disability should be conducted by an evaluator with comprehensive training with adults with learning disabilities. The evaluation for a psychological disorder should be provided by a professional who is qualified and has appropriate training in diagnosing psychological and psychiatric disorders.
Guidelines for Evaluations:
The following guidelines apply for all disability types recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act: The evaluator must be qualified; the evaluation must be current, it must be signed and dated by the evaluator, and it must include recommendations for accommodations. All evaluations must include a detailed history of the functional impact.
Determining a Student’s Eligibility for Services:
After a thorough review of documentation, eligibility will be determined by the Office of Disability Services, and accommodations will be provided.
Disabilities - This Is Just a Small Sample:
- Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dysphasia, Dyscalculia.
- Psychiatric Disorders: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Medical Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer, HIV, Spinal Injury, Lupus, Seizure Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
- Low Vision, Blind.
- Hard-of-hearing, Deaf.
- Other students may be in recovery from addiction or have conditions, which present temporary limitations.
