It is the student's responsibility to self-identify as a student with a disability. The student receives information during the admission process regarding the availability of services at Penn State. The student may also be referred by staff, faculty, parents or others at any time throughout the student's educational experience.

  1. The disability coordinator requests appropriate documentation regarding the student's disorder. The student is provided written information as to the specific documentation requirements and process for coordination of services. Students should submit their documentation to Student Disability Resources at the Health and Wellness Center. Documentation must be completed by the appropriate clinical professional and contain information related to diagnosis, objective testing and/or psycho-educational evaluations, define severity of functional limitations, and provide recommended academic accommodations.
  2. An intake meeting is scheduled between the disability services coordinator and the student. During the intake interview, the student's condition and functional limitations are discussed, services are explained, the student's rights and responsibilities are reviewed.
  3. Once documentation is provided, it is reviewed and evaluated by the disability services coordinator. The coordinator determines if:
    1. The documentation meets Penn State's guidelines for appropriate documentation.
    2. The student's condition meets the criteria for having a disability under the ADA. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
  4. If the student's disorder is determined by the disability services coordinator to meet the definition of a disability, then a determination will be made regarding reasonable accommodations.
  5. The determination for reasonable accommodations is an interactive process between the student, the disability services coordinator, the provider of the documentation, and if necessary, in collaboration with the student's instructor. Once reasonable accommodations are determined, the student's counselor drafts an accommodation letter specific to each course in which the student is enrolled. Recommended accommodations may vary for each course based on the specific design and requirements of the course.
  6. Students are required and responsible for presenting accommodations letters to faculty when requesting needed services and accommodations.