Documentation

Documentation must include a diagnosis by a licensed/certified professional qualified to make such a diagnosis (e.g., school or clinical psychologist or a learning disability specialist). A school plan such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan may not be sufficient documentation but may be part of a more comprehensive assessment.

Blind/Visually Impaired

A physician's report on the etiology, evaluation and prognosis of the disability may be sufficient. If the disability is of a fluctuating nature, documentation should be updated at least yearly.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

An audiological report from a licensed audiologist verifying the degree of hearing sensitivity may be sufficient.

The NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic will do a standard hearing evaluation. You can ask for a copy of the report be submitted to the DRC.

Learning Disability (LD)

LD documentation form (PDF)

  • Assessment Battery: A comprehensive battery should include:
    • Aptitude/Cognitive Testing
    • Academic Achievement Testing
    • Information Processing Testing
  • Clinical Summary: How evaluator has ruled out alternative explanations for academic problems, how assessment score patterns reflect presence of LD, how LD constitutes a substantial limitation to learning or other major life activity, degree to which learning is impacted by the LD and rationale for specific accommodations being recommended.

Contact Us

Disability Resource Center
Peters Campus Life Building, Suite 180
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
815-753-1303
815-753-9570 (fax)
drc@niu.edu
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