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Educational Support Services

  1. Whitworth University
  2. Administration
  3. Educational Support Services
  4. Health & Physical Disabilities

Health & Physical Disabilities

Students seeking support services from postsecondary institutions in the State of Washington on the basis of a health or physical disability may be required to submit documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation of disability and related information shall be kept in a separate file in the appropriate office as designated by each institution. The cost and responsibility for providing this documentation shall be borne by the student.

Health and physical disabilities include, but are not limited to: mobility impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries, cancer, AIDS, Muscular Dystrophy, and Spina Bifida. Any health or physical disabilities are considered to be in the medical domain and require the diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. Information describing the certification, licensure, and/or the professional training of individuals conducting the evaluation must be provided.

The following guidelines are provided in the interest of assuring that the evaluation and report are appropriate for documenting eligibility and identifying reasonable accommodations. The documentation should include:

  1. A clear statement of the medical diagnosis of the disability or systemic illness and information regarding how the disability limits a major life activity;
  2. a description of the type and severity of current symptoms;
  3. A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis, including evaluation results and standardized scores if applicable;
  4. information regarding existing side effects of medication on the student's ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment (physical, perceptual, behavioral, or cognitive);
  5. a description of treatments, medications, assistive devices/services currently prescribed or in use;
  6. a description of the expected progression or stability of the disability over time.

With supporting documentation, suggestions regarding academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services may be included. However, the final determination rests with the postsecondary institution.