Eligibility for Disability Services
According to the Americans with Disability Act, in order to be enrolled with Disability Services, a person must meet with each aspect of the criteria listed below:
- The person must be regarded as one who has a disability.
- The person must identify themselves to the institution.
- The person must present the institution with documentation regarding their disability and the documentation must reflect the student’s need for academic accommodations.
Definition of a Disability
Section 504 defines a person with a disability as:
- Someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
- Someone who has a record of said disability.
- Someone who is regarded as having a disability.
Physical Impairment
Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfiguration, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems:
- Neurological
- Musculoskeletal
- Special Sense Organs
- Respiratory (including speech organs)
- Cardiovascular
- Reproductive
- Digestive
- Genitourinary
- Hemic and Lymphatic
- Skin and Endocrine
Mental Impairment
Any psychological neurological disorder such as organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness and specific learning disabilities.
Major Life Activity
Any function such as: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.