Physical Disabilities and Systematic Illnesses

Includes but is not limited to

Mobility Impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Chemical Sensitivities, Spinal Cord injuries, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Heart Disease, Speech Impairments)

Statement of Disability

The written diagnostic assessment must contain a clear statement that a physical impairment or a systemic illness 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 physical impairment must be arrived upon following a comprehensive medical history and comprehensive physical examination. A physical impairment of systemic illness is defined as any physiological disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss which affects one or more of the following body systems: cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, sense organs, respiratory, neurological, digestive, hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine. 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 physical examination and diagnostic report must be completed by a licensed physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, or other medical specialist.

Date of Assessment

The examination must have been completed within the past five years and be updated if changes occur while the student is enrolled at Macalester in order to ensure the 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.