Documentation Guidelines

Our goal is to understand how your disability impacts you so that an appropriate plan can be developed. We value hearing your experiences, history, and perspective. In addition, any form of documentation or information that you can provide to our office can help us in working with you to develop an accommodation plan.

The more information you can share with us, the more it will help us in working with you.

You can meet with us before supplying this information and we can guide you on what may be needed to develop an accommodation plan. We ask that you start by completing a Self-Disclosure Form first. See the steps to register with our office.

Examples of Helpful Documentation or Information

  • Educational records, such as a high school accommodation plan (IEP, 504 plan, etc.)
  • Neuropsychological or educational evaluation
  • Statement from a health, mental health, or other service provider
  • Medical records
  • Audiology report
  • Vision assessment
  • Vocational assessment
  • Proof of accommodations used on standardized exams (SAT, ACT, etc.) 
  • SDS disability assessment form (see below for appropriate form)

This is not an exhaustive list. 

Disability Documentation Forms

We have developed some forms that you can use for certain types of disabilities. Having your medical or mental health provider complete one of these forms may be a convenient way to collect information about how your disability impacts you:

We do not have a form for all types of disabilities (such as ADHD and learning disabilities). Providing some of the helpful documentation or information listed above can be useful in those situations.

What if I Do Not Have Access to Documentation?

We do not "medicalize" the process of seeking accommodations. While supporting documentation can be helpful, we recognize that there are a variety of factors that can impact your ability to obtain it. We are committed to working with you to find appropriate and creative ways to support your access at Cornell. 

If that is the case, please let us know willing completing forms for our office (see the steps to register with our office). Additionally, please provide us with as much information as possible about your situation and why you are seeking accommodations when you complete that form.