Students applying for DSP accommodations should provide DSP with the preferred disability documentation listed below in order to determine eligibility for DSP services. If the documents listed are not available to you, please submit any documentation you have and complete your DSP application.
The disability documentation students submit must, at minimum, verify two things: (1) the presence of a diagnosed disability or medical condition and (2) the current impact of the diagnosed disability or medical condition. At your appointment with a Disability Specialist, your Disability Specialist will guide you further if additional documentation is needed. Note that while submitting the documentation forms listed is not mandatory in order to be considered for services, it can facilitate the process.
At times, students may need documentation of services received at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to support withdrawal from classes, arrangements with financial aid, accommodations through the Disabled Students Program, and academic accommodations from instructors.
While it is generally not CAPS policy to write letters, counselors can provide other forms of documentation when appropriate. Visit the Requests for Documentation web page to get started.
If you need to explore Academic Adjustments or a Medical Withdrawal, connect with Social Services at (510) 642-6074 or email socsrvs@uhs.berkeley.edu
DSP follows the Association for Higher Education for Disability (AHEAD) Professional Association's Guidelines: Supporting Accommodation Requests: Guidance on Documentation(link is external)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Please have your psychiatrist or other mental health professional complete the Certification of Psychological Disability and/or submit records of a psycho-educational evaluation which includes ASD diagnosis.
Legal Blindness or Visual Impairment
- A copy of your most recent eye examination results from your ophthalmologist or optometrist verifying your legal blindness or other visual impairment. In general, applicants utilizing conductive lenses must have a corrected vision of not less than 20/200 to be eligible for DSP services.
- If you do not meet this requirement but have a visual impairment that significantly impacts your academic performance, you may still be eligible for services.
Deafness or Hard of Hearing
- A copy of an audiogram administered within the last two years by your physician, audiometrist, or audiologist verifying the extent of your hearing loss.
- Relevant policy/practice: Communication Services for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder
- For learning disabilities, records of a psycho-educational evaluation performed by a qualified professional.
- For Attention Deficit Disorder, please have a psychiatrist or other qualified professional fill out the Certification Of Attention-Deficit Disorder / Hyperactivity Disorder.
Relevant policy/practice: In order for DSP to assess the impact your disability may have on your academic performance, the verification you submit should meet either or both of these policies:
- University of California Practices for the Assessment of Learning Disabilities
- University of California Practices for the Assessment and Accommodation of Students with Attention Deficit Disorders.
Psychological Disabilities
- Please have your psychiatrist or other mental health professional complete the Certification of Psychological Disability.
Relevant policy/practice: University of California Practices for the Assessment and Accommodation of Students with Psychological Disabilities.
Mobility Impairment, Speech Impairment, Acquired Brain Injury, Chronic Illness, or Other Disabilities Not Listed Above
- Please have your physician or other appropriate professional complete the Disability Documentation Form for Students with Mobility Impairments and Other Functional Impairments Due to Medical Conditions.
- All relevant questions should be answered or the submission may be considered incomplete.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on the Disabled Students' Program, including relevant university policies and practices, please explore this website. You may also call (510) 642-0518. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing only call our TTY Relay Service at (510) 642-6376, or write to us at:
Disabled Students' Program
100 Creekside Center, #4250
Berkeley, CA 94720-4250
Email: dsp@berkeley.edu