Guidelines for Documenting a Disability
Detailed and specific supporting documentation guidelines can be found here.
Individuals seeking accommodations from the University of Rochester, Including the Eastman School of Music, on the basis of a disability are required to submit documentation to verify disability and current level of impairment under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disability Amendment Act of 2008.
The University of Rochester requires current and comprehensive documentation in order to determine reasonable accommodations. The guidelines are designed to be flexible and sufficiently broad to allow for practical application given the different educational environments at the University of Rochester. Prior history of a certain accommodation does not guarantee its continued provision. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan is not sufficient documentation of a disability.
Supporting documentation must be submitted on letterhead that is dated, typed, and signed. Documentation must be provided by a qualified physician, psychologist, audiologist, speech pathologist, rehabilitation counselor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other health care provider. Documentation should be current, preferably within the last three years (though the age of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, the current status of the student and the student’s specific request for accommodation). Supporting documentation provided by family members, regardless of qualifications, will NOT be accepted.
Once supporting documentation has been received, the student must request services and accommodations through Eastman’s Access Coordinator. This will NOT be done automatically and must be initiated by the student. The access coordinator, in consultation with the University of Rochester Disability Compliance Director, will be ultimately responsible for determining appropriate accommodations in accordance with the law.
The University often will provide the specific reasonable accommodations requested, but may not be legally required to do so if there is another effective accommodation available. Supporting documentation regarding the existence and the nature of your disability is generally considered confidential. Without your written consent, and except as stipulated here, information contained in the disability file is kept confidential to the maximum extent possible. Disability related information will also be kept separate from your academic record. Access to your disability file is limited to the Access Coordinator, the University Disability Compliance Director, and other University officials who require access to perform their professional responsibilities in facilitating accommodations, or who need access to protect your health or safety, or the health or safety of others.