Visual Disability Documentation Guidelines

Merely submitting evidence of a diagnosis is not sufficient to warrant academic accommodations. Documentation from a recognized as being eligible for services, for example the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Blind and Visually Impaired Services may be considered, but specific accommodation requests may require the documentation outlined below.

An ophthalmologist, optometrist or other qualified professional should make the diagnosis and complete the appropriate documentation. The diagnostician should not be a family member of the student. A verification form is also available to provide guidance in the assessment process. Documentation should include:

 

Diagnosis, with a statement of vision-related disability with supporting numerical description including visual acuity with and without correction.

  1. Onset of diagnosis.
  2. Date of last clinical contact.

 

Evaluation, with the age of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the nature of the condition and the student's request for accommodations. However, documentation that reflects the current impact on the student's functioning should be submitted. Visual disabilities of a changing nature may need to be documented more frequently.

  1. Assessment procedures and evaluation instruments or tools used to determine diagnosis.
  2. Narrative summary of assessment results.
  3. Present symptoms that meet criteria for the diagnosis.
  4. Current treatment being received.
  5. Severity of symptoms.
  6. Prognosis of disorder.

 

Functional Limitations

  1. Impact on major life activities.
  2. Behavioral manifestation of the disability, in particular regarding the way it impacts the student in the learning context for which the accommodations are being requested.
  3. Any additional limitations that fall in the substantial range.
  4. Special considerations (e.g., medication side effects, etc.)

 

Accommodations

  1. History of accommodations
  2. (Optional) Suggested recommendations, modifications and/or accommodations.

 

The diagnostic report should be dated and signed, and include the name, title and professional credentials of the evaluator, including information about license/certification.