Learning Disabilities are a group of neurologically based difficulties that negatively impact a student\u2019s ability to demonstrate specific academic skills.\u00a0 In the educational setting, these disabilities may interfere with speaking, listening, reading, writing, spelling, or computation. Such difficulties are not a reflection on a student\u2019s overall intellectual ability. For students requesting services, the Disability Resources for Students (DRS) office requires documentation from a qualified professional that describes the disability and its likely impact on the student\u2019s academic experiences. This documentation serves three purposes:<\/p>\n
Students can submit documentation directly to their myDRS application<\/a>, or students or their health care providers can email it to uwdrs@uw.edu<\/a>, fax it to 206-616-8379, or drop it off in-person to DRS in Mary Gates Hall 011.<\/p>\n Students are encouraged to submit what they have for review by a DRS Coordinator. Provisional accommodations may be established while additional documentation is being obtained.\u00a0 If additional documentation is needed the DRS Coordinator can work with the student and diagnostician to clarify what information is needed. If the student does not currently have a health care provider that can update documentation the DRS Coordinator can help the student identify local providers who may be of assistance.<\/p>\n Students who do not have documentation are encouraged to schedule a meeting with a DRS Coordinator to learn more about relevant assessments and where to obtain them.\u00a0 DRS Coordinators are glad to offer advice on what assessments may be helpful.<\/p>\n When working with any diagnostician, keep in mind that the UW does have specific requirements regarding the qualifications of diagnosticians and the type of diagnostic testing to be done. Prior to seeking your assessment we recommend that you share these Documentation Guidelines with your diagnostician before initiating the evaluation.<\/p>\n All information and documentation submitted to the DRS office is kept separate from an academic record and is considered private under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).<\/a> HIPPA privacy and confidentiality guides do not apply to documents submitted to DRS for they are not being used for treatment. Under FERPA guidelines DRS can not guarantee complete confidentiality as they may be times when sharing some information with other UW staff\/faculty is necessary in the facilitation of the accommodation process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Overview Learning Disabilities are a group of neurologically based difficulties that negatively impact a student\u2019s ability to demonstrate specific academic skills.\u00a0 In the educational setting, these disabilities may interfere with speaking, listening, reading, writing, spelling, or computation. Such difficulties are not a reflection on a student\u2019s overall intellectual ability. For students requesting services, the Disability…<\/p>\nWhat if my existing documentation does not meet the above guidelines?<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
What if I do not\u00a0have any documentation for my disability and\/or health condition?<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Where can I get documentation for a learning disability?<\/h3>\n
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What are the privacy requirement for health information provided to DRS?<\/h3>\n