Disability Support ServicesInformation, Policies & Procedures for StudentsVerification of DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities who are seeking services from Samford University are required to submit documentation to Disability Support Services to verify their eligibility for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act. The documentation must specify a major life activity (such as walking, eating, writing, or learning) that has been substantially limited by a disability. The following guidelines ensure that documentation of disabilities is appropriate to verify eligibility and support requests for accommodations. These guidelines correspond with federal guidelines and Samford University policies, and/or the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and/or Educational Testing Service (ETS) guidelines on documentation of disabilities. Evaluations must be completed by an impartial individual. The individual may not be related to the student. Samford University has an obligation and a responsibility to maintain confidentiality of evaluation information and does not release disability documentation except by student permission or request.
Temporary Injuries and/or Illness Students with temporary injuries and/or illness are not eligible for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Examples include but are not limited to ankle sprains, colds, and the flu. Confidentiality of Disability Verification Documents DSS is the only party that will review disability verification documents. DSS will not release disability documentation to any party. Strict confidentiality is maintained in all verbal communications with Samford University faculty and staff unless a student grants written permission or DSS is required to do so by law, court order, or when there is concern of imminent danger for the client or someone else. All disability documentation will be destroyed by DSS after a 10 year period. *These documents are in Adobe Acrobat format. The Adobe Acrobat Reader is available as a free download. If you experience problems, please call User Support at ext. 2662 or e-mail at support@samford.edu. |
