Head Injury

Aspects of Documentation

Statement of Disability

The written diagnostic assessment must contain a clear statement that a head injury or traumatic brain injury (and the probable site of lesion) is present. The diagnostic report should include specific recommendations for accommodations as well as an explanation as to why each accommodation is recommended. The evaluator should support recommendations with specific test results or clinical observations.

Diagnostic Report

The specific diagnosis of a head injury or traumatic brain injury must be arrived upon following a comprehensive medical history and comprehensive physical examination. The physician’s report must include:

• Summary of cognitive and achievement measures used and evaluation results including standardized scores or percentiles used to make the diagnosis;
• Summary of present residual symptoms which meet the criteria for diagnosis;
• Medical information relating to the student’s needs should include the impact of medication on the student’s ability to meet the demands of the postsecondary environment.

Professional Evaluator

The diagnostic report must be completed by a licensed physician, neurologist, psychologist, neuropsychologist, or psychiatrist.

Date of Assessment

The diagnostic assessment must have been completed within the past five years and must be updated if changes occur while the student is enrolled at Macalester in order to insure provision of appropriate services.

Reminder

Requested documentation must be received in the Disability Services office, and a brief Intake Meeting (15 minutes or so) must be completed in order to receive accommodations during the semester. Please contact Disability Services ([email protected], 651-696-6874) as soon as possible to avoid a delay in securing services.