Guidelines for Documentation of
Learning Disabilities
Recommendations for Accommodations
It is important to recognize that accommodation needs can change over time and are not always identified through the initial diagnostic process. Conversely, a prior history of accommodation does not, in and of itself, warrant the provision of a similar accommodation.
The diagnostic report must include specific recommendations for accommodations as well as an explanation as to why each accommodation is recommended. The evaluators should describe the specific impact and the severity of the impact that the LD has had on the client. The evaluator must support recommendations with specific information from the assessment process or clinical observations.
Each student with a learning disability should be provided with reasonable accommodations and services that are appropriate to the student's disability-related needs. It is the responsibility of the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to determine appropriate accommodations and services based on the evaluation report. This determination will be made after interviewing the student and reviewing the information furnished by the diagnosing professional(s). If accommodations are not clearly identified in a diagnostic report, ODS can seek clarification and, if necessary, more information including additional assessment. The final determination for providing appropriate and reasonable accommodations rests with the University of Missouri.
Academic Accommodations
Appropriate academic accommodations may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Part-time enrollment
- Continued eligibility for financial aid if disability requires taking a reduced course load;
- Subject to availability, substitution of University-based financial aid for Federal- or State-based aid, to accommodate exceptions to minimum course-load requirements
- Alternative examination formats, including extended time and a private test area.
Support Services Appropriate support services may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Note-taking and/or audio-recording of class lectures and discussions;
- Books on tape
- Non-remedial individual or small-group tutorial assistance as appropriate;
- Referral to University community resources providing counseling and support, such as individual or group psychotherapy
- Disability management counseling
- Stress-reduction courses
- Peer information and support groups
- Referral to University or community resources providing training in such "compensatory strategies" as:
- Time management
- Goal Setting
- Effective note taking
- Test Taking
- Focused reading
- Essay organization
- Using computers and portable electronic devices to minimize the effects of diagnosed deficits in memory and organization
- Access to assistive listening devices and other adaptive equipment;
- Priority enrollment and/or registration assistance
- Liaison with faculty, staff, and community resources
Federal Law and University of Missouri policies do not require MU to provide personal care attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal study or use, or other devices or services of a personal nature.
