Access Center

Documentation Guidelines -- Overview

Information from the Washington Association on Postsecondary Education and Disability Documentation Position Paper on Health and Physical Disabilities.

Students seeking services from Washington State University Pullman on the basis of any disability may be required to provide documentation from a qualified professional to support their request for accommodations. This documentation serves three purposes:

• To establish that the student can be considered a person with a disability, and therefore, eligible for protection against discrimination on the basis of disability.
• To supplement information from the student regarding the impact of the disability.
• To support and inform the development of reasonable accommodation (auxiliary aids and services) designed to facilitate equal access to University environments on a case-by-case basis.

Guidelines for Specific Disabilities (Links below)

• Physical, Chronic Health and Temporary Disabilities
• Sensory Disabilities (Hearing/Vision)
• Learning Disability
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Psychological Disability
• Test Anxiety

What if my existing documentation does not meet the above guidelines?

Students are encouraged to submit what documentation they have for review to the WSU Pullman Access Center, including IEP or 504 Plans. Students will also need to complete an application for services and may upload their documentation directly to this application. Provisional accommodations may be established while additional documentation is being obtained.  If additional documentation is needed, the Advisor can work with the student and diagnostician to clarify what information is needed. If the student does not currently have a health care provider that can provide or update documentation, the Advisor can help the student identify local providers who may be of assistance.

What if I do not have any documentation for my disability and/or health condition?

Students who do not have documentation are encouraged to schedule a meeting with an Access Advisor to learn more about relevant assessments and where to obtain them.  Advisors are glad to offer advice on what assessments may be helpful.

What is the privacy requirement for health information provided to the Access Center?

All information and documentation submitted to the Access Center is kept separate from an academic record and is considered private under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  Under FERPA, disability and medical information is confidential and is not shared except where disclosure is required by law or is necessary to facilitate legitimate University processes, including granting appropriate accommodations, addressing direct threats, or investigating claims or charges. HIPAA privacy and confidentiality guides do not apply to documents submitted to the Access Center as they are not being used for treatment.