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Disability Support Services
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone/Voice: 910.521.6695
Fax: 910.521.6891
TTY: 910.521.6490
Email: dss@uncp.edu

Location: D.F. Lowry Building, Room 111
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Documentation guidelines for people with visual impairments

Students who are requesting Disability Support Services (DSS) from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under the ADA of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students must provide documentation that meets the University’s guidelines to become eligible for services. The following guidelines are provided in the interest of ensuring that the documentation is complete and appropriate.

 

1. Documentation of a visual impairment must include clinical observations by either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.  This documentation must be made and signed by a medical practitioner who is 1) not immediately related to the student and 2) licensed/certified in the area for which the diagnosis is made.

 

2. Documentation to substantiate a visual impairment must include: 

  • The cause of visual impairment (prenatal influence or congenital, infectious disease, injury, general disease, undetermined).  And if it is a non-progressive, progressive, or secondary complication.
  • On-set of visual impairment.
  • Clinical diagnosis (blind, partial vision, low vision) and/or level of visual disability (moderate, severe, profound).  Be specific.
  • Visual field (central loss, peripheral loss).
  • Color measurement (ability to discriminate colors, as well as, light and dark).
  • Assessment of visual efficiency.

 

3. Documentation should include a Functional Visual Characteristics and a physical needs assessment.  It should express clinical terms as more concrete information for the setting of higher education.

 

4. A summary of the condition and evidence of a substantial limitation to learning or other major life activity must be provided.

 

5. Specific cognitive processing strengths, weaknesses, and deficits should be discussed.  Clear documentation of deficit areas is necessary in order to provide appropriate, reasonable accommodations.

 

6. A statement of functional impact or limitations of the disability on learning or other major life activity and the degree to which it impacts the individual in the learning context for which accommodations are being requested.

 

7. Other things that are helpful to include when doing a comprehensive assessment:

 

  • Intelligence/Aptitude Testing
  • Sensory/Motor Skills
  • Academic Skills/Concepts Development
  • Social/Emotional/Affective Information
  • Functional Living Skills (i.e. orientation and mobility)

8. A comprehensive summary must include the following information:

 

  • Names of the assessment instruments used
  • Quantitative and qualitative information which supports the diagnosis
  • The areas of educational impact and the severity of the condition
  • Previous history of the disability and verification of any previous testing
  • Record of prior accommodations or auxiliary aids
  • Recommendations for accommodations with explanation for the recommendation
  • Notation of medications prescribed, if any, and potential impact on learning
  • Additional observations or recommendations which could assist us in adequately serving the student
  • The names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers of the evaluator(s), as well as, date(s) of testing

A comprehensive Summary may include a summary of Performance (SOP) as supportive evidence to substantiate a disability.

 

The aforementioned guidelines are provided so that DSS can respond appropriately to the individual needs of the student. The final determination for providing appropriate and reasonable accommodations rests with Disability Support Services. All documentation is confidential.

 

Please submit documentation and/ or inquiries to:

 

Disability Support Services
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Disability Support Services
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
Phone/Voice: (910) 521-6695
Fax: (910) 521- 6891
TTY: (910) 521-6490
Email: dss@uncp.edu

 

Once you obtain an assessment report that meets the guidelines provided:

 

1. You must submit documentation to Disability Support Services.
2. You must complete the Student Intake form.
3. Disability Support Services staff will review your documentation; we will then send you a letter that explains the decision reached.
a. If your documentation does not meet the University’s guidelines, additional information may be requested at the student’s expense.
b. If your documentation does meet the University’s guidelines, you will be advised to schedule an appointment with DSS to begin working with this office.

 

Revised 9/07

 

 

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PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510 • 800.949.UNCP (8627) • 910.521.6000