Disability Documentation 

Elements 

  1. Typed on letterhead, dated, and signed by a qualified professional.
  2. Provide a diagnosis and functional limitations, explaining the current barriers that the student is experiencing due to the disability.  What barriers are impacting the student's access? Are there accommodations that mitigate the barriers and provide access for the student?
  3. If appropriate, include a description of the student’s specific side effects from such treatments or medications and how they impact the student's right to equal access to the benefits of the University.
  4. Provide any recommendations directly linked to the impact or functional limitations associated with the disability.

The following information/documentation is not adequate for determining accommodations:

  1. A brief note from a physician or health professional requesting an accommodation.
  2. Information or notes written on a prescription pad or aftercare instructions issued to the student.
  3. Evaluation reports of learning difficulties that are not comprehensive or identify "problems or challenges" but do not specifically diagnose a learning disability, functional limitations, or history of received accommodations.
  4. Documentation should be obtained from a licensed medical or mental health professional who is NOT a relative of the student requesting accommodations

All documentation can be uploaded into the accommodate portal when you are requesting accommodations. If you are unable to upload the documentation, please email it to sdao@duke.edu.