Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) must currently substantially limit a major life activity to support eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Professionals who are qualified to provide documentation include: a neuropsychologist, neurologist or other relevant medical professionals. Students are encouraged to provide their clinicians with a copy of these guidelines.

To initiate the accommodation review and determination process, appropriate documentation must include the following:

• A clearly written comprehensive statement of the disability diagnosed by a qualified professional trained in this area including current functional limitations and history of impairment relevant to academic functioning or any aspect of University life.
• A thorough neuropsychological evaluation which includes assessment of the areas of attention, visual perception/visual reasoning, language, academic skills, memory/learning, executive functioning, sensory, motor, and emotional status.
• Evidence of current impairment. A history of individual’s presenting symptoms and evidence of behaviors that significantly impairs functioning.
• Documentation should be current, within three years, and must include a signature on professional letterhead.
• The University has the right to request additional documentation if the original documentation is incomplete or insufficient in determining a qualifying disability or reasonable accommodation(s).
• The University has the right to deny accommodations in the event that the request is deemed unreasonable or presents an undue hardship.
• The University has the right to deny accommodations in the event that the documentation provided does not support the specific accommodation request in accordance with the ADA.
• Documentation must demonstrate a direct correlation between the diagnosed disability, the barrier to access caused by the disability, and the requested accommodation.
• Reasonable accommodations cannot fundamentally alter any program or course requirements.
• Any cost incurred in obtaining additional information must be borne by the student.