Documentation Guidelines

As part of the application process, DRS requires documentation.  Documentation helps to:  

1. Establish that a student has a disability.
2. Provide information regarding how and why a requested academic, housing, or dining accommodation may be reasonable, logical, and necessary to ensure nondiscrimination and equitable access relative to the disability.  

While third-party documentation may confirm the existence of a disability, it does not solely determine the reasonableness of accommodations. Medical information is taken into account, but it is not the sole factor in our decision-making process. DRS considers multiple elements when evaluating accommodation requests.  

Recommendations made by medical providers are not automatically approved, as they may exceed what is necessary for ensuring equal access. When suggested accommodations are aimed primarily at enhancing academic performance rather than addressing barriers to access, students may be referred to other campus resources or provided with alternative options to meet their needs.

This information guides us in making informed, fair decisions. 

The following forms have been created by DRS to assist with gathering documentation. Your provider may complete these individually or provide comparable documentation, as outlined in the sections below.

• Academic Accommodation Request Form (PDF)
• Housing/Dining Accommodation Request Form (PDF)
• Request for Support Animal in University Housing (PDF)
• Notification Regarding Service Animal in University Housing (PDF)

Documentation should come from a qualified professional and include:

• A diagnosis (with DSM or ICD code if applicable)
• The date of the most recent evaluation
• A description of how your condition currently affects you, especially in academic settings
• Relevant history or context (e.g., ongoing treatment, progression)
• Recommendations, if your provider has any (not required, but helpful)
• Provider details: name, credentials, and contact information

High school plans like IEPs and 504s may be helpful but often aren’t sufficient on their own. Additional information from a current treating provider or a more comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation may be requested. We will review any documentation you submit and contact you if more information is necessary.  

If you are requesting accommodations for a Learning Disability (i.e. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc.), please see the Documentation for Learning Disabilities section. 

Acceptable providers may include, but are not limited to:

• Primary care or specialty physicians (MD/DO)
• Psychologists or neuropsychologists
• Licensed counselors, therapists, or clinical social workers
• Audiologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, etc.
• Other licensed medical providers (i.e., nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants, etc.)

Documentation should come from a provider who knows you and your condition. We cannot accept documentation from a relative, even if they are licensed. 

To keep the process clear and fair, examples of documentation we generally may not accept without further supporting information include, but are not limited to:

• Prescription labels or screenshots
• Notes, or treatment and office visit summaries, without a diagnosis or impact explained
• Outdated school plans (IEP or 504 plan) without supporting records
• Brief, vague letters (e.g., “Student has anxiety” without more detail)
• Documentation completed and submitted by a relative, even if they are a licensed professional

If you are uncertain if your documentation falls into one of these categories or may be accepted, please submit what you have available, and we will contact you if more information is required. 

When documenting a learning disability (i.e. dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia), we may require a comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation.

Your evaluation should include:

• A clear diagnosis (with DSM or ICD codes, if applicable)
• A thorough adult-level assessment of cognitive and academic skills, including test scores (e.g., WAIS, Woodcock-Johnson, WIAT)
• Information on functional limitations (i.e., how the learning disability affects your performance in reading, writing, math, etc.)
• A summary of your educational history, including any current or past accommodations, interventions, or support
• Evaluator’s credentials and signature

Most evaluations are completed by licensed psychologists, school psychologists, or neuropsychologists.

Your IEP or 504 plan may not include this information, and it is important to review these documents before submitting them.

Tip: If your last evaluation was before high school, it might be helpful to consider an updated evaluation with your support team prior to coming to college. If an update is not feasible, still send the most recent evaluation you have on file and we will review it.  

You can upload your documentation securely through our DRS Student Portal once you have completed your application. You or your provider can also email, mail, or fax documentation to our office:

Mailing Address:

Disability Resources & Services
140 William Pitt Union
3959 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Email Address: drsrecep@pitt.edu
Fax Number: (412) 624-3346

If you’re not sure your documentation meets the criteria, send what you have—we’ll review and follow up with guidance. 

Documentation can be provided by any practitioner or provider who is licensed to diagnose your disability. We recommend speaking with your current primary care provider for referrals, contacting your insurance company for practitioners in your network, or exploring organizations in your local area that offer evaluations and assessments for disabilities. The Office for Vocational Rehabilitation in your local area may also be a good resource to gather more information and seek support.  

For students who are already enrolled at Pitt, you are welcome to connect with the University Counseling Center or Student Health Services for support and potential referrals to specialists.  

If you're unsure what to submit or how it all works, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to offer guidance and support through this process.