CDA Documentation Guidelines

University of Utah students requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act must provide information and documentation of a disability and of the need for disability-related accommodations.

Documentation submitted to the Center for Disability & Access (CDA) must indicate that a specific condition exists and that the condition substantially limits one or more major life activity (e.g. walking, seeing, speaking, hearing, breathing, learning, etc.).

The documentation should demonstrate that the condition rises to the level of a disability and should:

• Be completed by a licensed provider (e.g. physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, audiologist, ophthalmologist, or other relevant professional qualified to make the diagnosis) and be typed/printed on letterhead, dated, and signed with name, title, and professional credentials
• Include the diagnoses, how they were assessed, and the most recent treatment dates
• Provide a summary of the history, prognosis, and expected duration of the condition(s), and if applicable, include details about the episodic nature of the condition(s)
• Explain the impact of the conditions with details specific to the student, including the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms. 
• Include information about the limitations caused by the student’s condition(s) and effect on academic functioning and major life Activities according to the ADA

For many conditions, licensed professionals may complete the CDA Disability Verification Form.  However, documentation in addition to the Verification Form may be required depending on the specific condition and accommodations requested.  Examples of additional documentation include a psychoeducational evaluation, neuropsychological evaluation, or other objective testing measures.