Any temporary physical disability is considered to be in the medical domain and requires the expertise of a physician, including a neurologist, psychiatrist or other medical specialist with experience and expertise in the area for which accommodations are being requested.

Documentation must include:

1. A clear statement of the medical diagnosis of the physical disability or systemic illness.


2. The results of the most recent evaluation regarding the disability. Documentation for eligibility should be current, within the last three months (the age of acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, the current status of the student and the student’s request for accommodations).


3. A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the diagnosis, including evaluation results and standardized scores if applicable.


4. A description of present symptoms that meet the criteria for diagnosis.


5. Medical information relating to the student’s needs to include the impact of medication on the student’s ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment.


6. The printed name, signature, title, professional credentials, address, phone number and fax number of each medical specialist involved as well as the date(s) of testing/evaluation, all on official letterhead (The following are not acceptable: physician’s note on a prescription pad, lab results, clinical file notes).

Suggestions of reasonable accommodations that might be appropriate at the postsecondary level are encouraged. These recommendations must be supported by the diagnosis and current symptoms.

In the case of obvious temporary physical disabilities (i.e. a broken leg or arm), provisional accommodations may be granted with the agreement that supporting documentation be submitted to our office within a reasonable time (3 to 5 days).

All documentation is confidential and should be submitted to:

Disability Services and Programs
University of Southern California
University Park, STU301
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0896
(213) 740-0776
(213) 740-8216 Fax
ability@usc.edu
http:// www.usc.edu/disability

Back to List