Documentation Guidelines for College students with
Psychological/Psychiatric Disabilities
What is a Psychiatric/Psychological Disability?
Psychiatric/Psychological disabilities (such as, but not limited to, depressive, anxiety, and bipolar disorders) are considered disabilities under the ADA if a major life activity is substantially limited. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical or clinical diagnosis and is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act if a major life activity is substantially limited. ADD/ADHD is a neurologically based disability that impacts learning and behavior. This disability may involve attention deficits, impulsivity, hyperactivity, mood swings, low stress tolerance and difficulty in following rules. It is considered a hidden disability, which often impacts upon an individual's college performance.
What are Common Psychiatric/Psychological Disabilities?
- Depression: This disorder can begin at any age. Chronic depression may be characterized by a depressed mood most of each day, a lack of pleasure in most activities, thoughts of suicide, sleep problems, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Bipolar disorder: (manic depressive disorder) This causes a person to experience periods of mania and depression. In the manic phase, a person might experience inflated self-esteem and a decreased need to sleep.
- Anxiety disorders: This can disrupt a person's ability to concentrate, cause hyperventilation, a racing heart, chest pains, dizziness, panic, and extreme fear.
- Schizophrenia: This can cause a person to experience, at some point in the illness, delusions and hallucinations.
Additional Information:
A student with a psychiatric/psychological disability can be impacted in the educational setting due to:
- Difficulty in focusing and maintaining concentration
- Completing work within a timeframe
- Ability to function varies from day to day
- Medication side-effects (drowsiness, headaches)
- The search for the most effective medication
What are the Documentation Guidelines?
A series of assessments are required by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The final report should include the resulting diagnosis, consisting of, and based on, a comprehensive assessment battery that does not rely on any one test or subtest. Both aptitude and academic achievement must be evaluated and included in the test report. Please see the guidelines below.
The following guidelines are provided in the interest of assuring that the service provider in collaboration with the student determine an appropriate diagnosis and establish reasonable accommodations. Documentation serves as a foundation that legitimizes a student's request for appropriate accommodations. Recommended documentation includes:
- A clear statement of medical/psychological diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Disability Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV);
- Date of the original diagnosis;
- Date of the most recent evaluation (usually within a year, the age of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, current status, and the student's request for accommodations);
- Diagnostic criteria/assessment procedures used to make the diagnosis;
- Description of the present symptoms;
- Description of current impact of the condition (including impact of medication);
- Treatments/medications/devices or services currently prescribed;
- Expected duration, stability, or progression of the condition;
- Functional impact or limitation of the disability on learning or other major life activity;
- A diagnosis by a licensed mental health professional, including clinical social workers (LCSW), professional counselors (LPC), psychologists, and psychiatrists, is required and should include the license number and the date of the evaluation in the report on letterhead stationery. Professionals conducting diagnostic studies and rendering diagnosis should be qualified to do so. The diagnostician should be impartial and not a family member.
How are Accommodations and Support Services Determined?
Upon receiving the diagnostic evaluation, DSS will review the need for accommodations and support services based on the individual's disability documentation and disability-based needs. DSS will meet with the student and determine appropriate accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and college policy.
What are the Typical Accommodations?
Accommodations are on a case-by-case basis and are not automatic. Each student must qualify for each accommodation. Other accommodations, not seen below may also be appropriate.
- Note takers
- Alternative testing
- Alternative textbooks
- Separate testing room
- Tape recorders
Tips for Successful College Experience
- Continue to educate yourself learning strategies that might be useful.
- Use a notetaker or a tape recorder in classes.
- Take time to get to know faculty and the disability support staff. Seek them out to request any assistance you need. Seek help as soon as you experience difficulties.
- Keep a planner (assignment book or electronic scheduler) in which you record your assignments, due dates for papers and projects, dates of quizzes, and exams.
- Pick a quiet and comfortable study place (e.g. your room, library or an available classroom), schedule study periods and take frequent breaks to get physical movement and refresh yourself.
- Set aside 15 minutes at the end of your study time to review where you are on your various projects and to plan the next day.
- Select courses that are high interest and a good fit for your learning style.
- Consider taking a reduced course load. If you must take a difficult course, consider taking it during the summer or during a semester in which you have a light load.
- Break down large tasks into smaller ones.
- Prioritize. Avoid procrastination. Make and stick to deadlines. Think of deadlines as motivational devices.
Psychiatric/Psychological Resources
Links
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
http://www.adaa.org/Borderline Personality Disorder
http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/bpd.htmlAnorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. (ANRED)
http://www.anred.com/National Foundation For Depressive Illness (NAFDI)
http://www.depression.org/Seasonal Affective Disorder
http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p40-sad.htmlNational Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/General Information
Canisius College Counseling Center
/counseling/Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
Canisius College Financial Aid Department
/admissions/financialaid.aspThe Financial Aid Information Page
http://www.finaid.orgCollege Board Home Page
http://www.collegeboard.org/Easy Access for Students and Institutions
http://www.easi.ed.gov/Financial Aid for Students through the US Department of Education's Office
http://www.ed.gov/index.jspU.S. Department of Education Financial Aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov