Documentation Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have any documentation?
Any Rutger’s student who is unsure if they meet the documentation requirement outlined below should still meet with us. We can help determine what documentation is needed and we may be able to assist in identifying good options.
Who is responsible for providing documentation of a disability?
Any Rutgers student requesting accommodations through the Office of Disability Service (ODS) is responsible for providing documentation of a disability, but we are here to work with students through a collaborative process (also called the interactive process).
What is disability documentation?
A combination of the following forms of documentation can be utilized to support accommodation requests at Rutgers University
- Student self-report
- Medical and health records
- Psycho-educational/Neuro-psychological reports
- School records (e.g. Individualized Education Plans, 504 Plans and Summaries of Performance)
- Observation and interaction
When must a student provide disability documentation?
Documentation can be submitted as soon as you register for services; however, if documentation is not readily available, your coordinator will discuss your options during your initial meeting.
Who has access to students’ disability documentation?
Documentation is kept confidential, only accessible by ODS personnel and is not part of the student’s academic transcript. Faculty will be notified of students’ approved accommodations through the “letter of accommodations” process, but will not have access to students’ disabilities nor have access to students’ documentation.
Why does Rutgers need documentation of disability?
ODS needs sufficient information to determine eligibility and effective accommodations for each student. The process of verifying eligibility should not be burdensome to students.
How recent must documentation be?
Documentation must allow ODS to understand how a student is currently impacted by disability. The documentation should provide substantial, clear and convincing evidence that supports the need for accommodations.
If a disability fluctuates or is progressive, updated documentation may be required.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let a lack of documentation keep you from meeting with a Disability Services Coordinator. We are here to help you to navigate the process.
Please note that you should not delay meeting with us if you are concerned about not having the right documentation. Each coordinator will discuss specific third-party documentation needs during the Intake Meeting and steps you can take after the meeting. Our priority is meeting with you, not reviewing the documentation. Insufficient documentation will not delay the initial meeting but may delay the consideration and possible approval of certain accommodations. Documentation is most beneficial when it provides specific insight into how a disability impacts various academic experiences (testing, reading, etc.). When the recommendations are for support to enhance success or are considered outside the scope of what is necessary for equal access, the student will be referred to other resources and or given options that may be able to address the specific need.
