St. Olaf College Student Accessibility Services Documentation Criteria

A disability is defined as a physical, intellectual, or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The Student Accessibility Services office at St. Olaf College works with students who present documentation of a disability that is a barrier to their academic endeavors, a major life activity. Complete documentation is required in order for a student to receive accommodations for a disability.

The documentation must include the following information:

  • A clear statement of the diagnosed disability including the DSM-IV diagnosis if applicable
  • An educational, developmental, and medical history or a summary of presenting symptoms as it relates to the diagnosis
  • A list of all assessment instruments and relevant scores used to make the diagnosis
  • A description of the functional limitations resulting from the disability
  • A list of the recommended educational accommodations
  • A statement of why the disability qualifies the applicant for accommodations requested

Criteria for presentation of documentation:

  • Signature and diagnosis made by a qualified professional practicing in the area in which the disability is diagnosed and who is not related to the student
  • Current (General standards are 3 years for ADHD, 5 years for a learning disability, 1 year for a psychiatric disability.)
  • Typed on official letterhead

Individual Education or Learning Plans (IEP and ILP) are often insufficient because they frequently do not identify the information described above.

Incomplete documentation:


  • If documentation is not complete enough to firmly establish a diagnosis/existence of a disability or to provide adequate information regarding barriers and proposed accommodations, St. Olaf may require the student to submit a Verification of Disability Form.  

For questions or more information please contact:
Connie Ford (ford@stolaf.edu)
Erin Bang (bang@stolaf.edu)
Student Disability and Accessibility Services
St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield  MN  55057-1098

Full Policy at:
http://www.stolaf.edu/stulife/thebook/general/disabilityservices.html