What kind of documentation do I need?

To receive disability-related accommodations at the University of Minnesota, you must identify yourself to DS as having a disability and provide adequate documentation of the disabling condition. Documentation must provide a diagnosis of your condition and explain how it "substantially limits" one or more major life activities.

Documentation needs to come from an appropriately licensed professional. It must be recent, and it must adequately explain how the condition impacts the way you function in a university environment. The information must be clear and detailed because it will be used to determine the accommodations you will receive. It is important to keep in mind that DS recommends accommodations only for disabilities that you identify for us with documentation.

Your disability specialist will explain what documentation is necessary for your disability. Most health care professionals provide documentation letters at no charge, but if yours does not, you are responsible for the cost of documentation. If DS requires a second opinion, the University will be responsible for the cost of that documentation. Please talk with your disability specialist if you have questions. Note that some of the info above, from the new student handbook, may repeat in documents below. OK to use both versions?

U of M Documentation Guidelines