Communication Disorders – Proof of disability
All students must provide proof of the disability and the need for accommodations before services can be provided. This will usually be in the form of a speech/language evaluation‚ an audiological evaluation‚ a psychological assessment‚ or a neurological report. The documentation must be signed by a qualified licensed speech pathologist‚ audiologist‚ neurologist‚ or neuropsychologist.
For Expressive or Receptive Language Disorders‚ please see Learning Disabilities documentation guidelines for learning disabilities.
For Central Auditory Processing Disorder, stuttering, or other communication disorders:
The documentation must provide current impact of the disability. We require the documentation to be current – not more than one year old. Evaluation reports with the initial diagnosis which are older than one year may be provided to supplement the current documentation in providing important background information.
Documentation of a disability is not provided by:
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- 504 Plans
- Transition Plans
These documents‚ however‚ are useful for documenting a history of accommodation and effective interventions for an individual with a disability.
Providing this information and having a history of the disability in elementary or secondary school does not automatically guarantee that one will receive the requested services. The information is evaluated for validity by qualified University personnel to determine whether criteria are met and to establish eligibility for services as a student with disabilities‚ according to University guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Current documentation should validate the need for services based on the individual’s current level of functioning in the educational setting. A current psychological report or medical statement must:
- clearly state the diagnosis;
- describe the functional limitations and educational impact resulting from the disability;
- include history relevant to the disability;
- include recommendations for accommodations;
- be typed on official stationary or letterhead;
- be signed by the credentialed professional qualified to make the diagnosis;
- be current (within one year).
disability resource center . university of kentucky . multidisciplinary science building . suite 407 . lexington‚ ky . 40536–0082 . V/TDD (859) 257–2754 . fax (859) 257–1980