Hearing Impairment Disability Documentation Requirements

Students seeking academic accommodations or support services from ECU’s Office of Disability Support Services on the basis of a hearing impairment are required to submit a completed audiological evaluation. Appropriate documentation is required in verifying eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Protection under these civil rights statutes is based upon documentation of a hearing impairment that currently substantially limits some major life activity, including learning.

All current or updated reports should be on letterhead, typed, dated, and signed. The name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator, including information about license or certification must be stated. Professionals conducting evaluations, rendering a diagnosis of a hearing impairment must be qualified to do so. It is not considered appropriate for professionals to assess members of their families.

The diagnostic report should validate the need for services based on the individual’s current level of functioning in the educational setting. When appropriate, interpretation of relevant assessment measures must be included and include the following:

Documentation that does not meet the above guidelines will be considered on a case by case basis. Appropriateness of age of documentation will be determined on an individual basis. The Department of Disability Support Services reserves the right to consult with allied professionals in reviewing and assessing disability documentation.