December 4, 2008

Prospective Students

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a disability is a chronic, long-term, substantially limiting condition that affects one or more major life activities (e.g. walking, sitting, breathing, learning, working, sleeping, speaking, hearing, eating, etc.). This law also requires an individualized assessment of each case to determine whether or not a disability exists. The university is not required to evaluate students or pay for such an evaluation. It is the student's responsibility to provide adequate documentation and request accommodations and services. The university has the right to establish professional criteria to be used in reviewing the documentation.

Laws pertaining to Students with Disabilities

Auburn University's Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) has written "Criteria for Documentation." Each student's documentation is reviewed by the Staffing Committee to determine if it meets these criteria. Sometimes, it is clear that a student has a disability but needs an updated assessment. In this case, the student may qualify for temporary accommodations.

Failure to qualify for accommodations and services can result for a number of reasons, some at which include:

• Out-dated documentation
• Insufficient information
• Documentation provided by a relative
• Inappropriate professional making the diagnosis
• No diagnosis given
• For LD and ADHD: inadequate IQ test data and/or inadequate achievement testing; failure to provide all scores in a standardized manner (no grade equivalents)
• For ADHD: lack of standardized instruments with standard scores; insufficient data
• Unsigned or undated report
• Report not on letterhead
• No functional limitations given
• For a processing disorder, a lack of data or instrument administered to support the diagnosis
• Average test scores (no pattern of scores representing a significant limitation)
• Diagnosis based upon one subtest scores with no additional support
• In the case of a head injury, no assessment conducted after trauma and recovery period

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan from high school does not typically provide the needed documentation. A physician's letter is not sufficient to document Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), nor can medication be used to document a disability.

Accommodations are individually determined and must be supported by the documentation. It is the student's responsibility to request accommodations and provide sufficient and appropriate documentation.

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact this program office prior to or upon enrollment at Auburn University. Our office will make every effort to accommodate your needs. If at any time you encounter unnecessary structural or attitudinal barriers, please contact the Program for Students with Disabilities. Unresolved concerns about accessibility should be directed to:

ADA/504 Compliance Officer
005 Quad Center
Auburn University, AL 36849-5147
334.844.4794 Voice/TDD

To Ensure Appropriate Accommodations While Attending Auburn University, please

1. Have documentation of your disability sent to our office; we will start your file. Current documentation is required. (See Criteria for Disability Documentation)
2. The Application for Services Form should be completed online and submitted to The Program for Students with Disabilities. Only students enrolled at Auburn University who have been in contact with our office and sent appropriate documentation of their disability may be eligible for accommodations and services. Documentation can be mailed or faxed to 334-844-2099. An appointment in our office is typically required prior to the initiation of any services.
3. Contact your local department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services office to determine if you are eligible for any benefits under this federal program.
4. Call us at 334-844-2096 if you have any questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Request Additional Information about the PSD Program