Requirements for Documentation of Sensory Impairments (Visual and/or Hearing)

Definitions

Visually Impaired/Blind refers to "clinically measured visual acuity of 20/200 in the better eye with best correction, or visual field of 20 degrees or less. Functional limitation refers to the consequence of different levels of visual ability for the performance of common activities." (American Federation for the Blind)

Hard of Hearing/Deaf refers to a "disruption in the normal hearing process that may occur in the outer, middle, or inner ear, whereby sound waves are not converted to electrical signals and nerve impulses are not transmitted to the brain to be interpreted." (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)

There are basically four degrees of hearing loss:

mild - 26 - 45 decibel loss (serious for children still learning to talk)

moderate - 46 -65 decibel loss (more difficulty hearing speech)

severe - 66 - 85 decibel loss (a lot of difficulty hearing speech; it is at this level we begin using the term "deaf")

profound - over 85 decibel loss (hearing aids may or may not help, cochlear implants are often an option). (www.deafness.about.com)

I. Qualified Professional Must Conduct the Medical Evaluation

Medical specialist qualified and appropriately licensed to diagnose the visual or hearing impairment:

Specialists might include, but not be limited to: Ophthalmologist, Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist, Audiologist, or Medical Specialist

Use of diagnostic terminology indicating a visual impairment/blindness and/or hard of hearing/deafness by someone not qualified is not acceptable

II. Testing Must Be Current

Appalachian State University requires medical documentation to be current within six (6) months of the arrival date on-campus.

III. In-Depth, Comprehensive Medical Evaluation Must Include:

Historical information relevant to the visual or hearing impairment
A full medical evaluation, as dictated by the medical disability
A specific diagnosis
The treatment history and treatment plan

IV. Eligibility Criteria

A specific diagnosis which documents a visual and/or hearing loss that substantially limits the individual student’s ability to learn

V. Written Report

A comprehensive summary must be typed on official letterhead and include:
Names of assessment instruments used, if any, and recommendations based on such results
Quantitative and qualitative information which supports the diagnosis
The areas of educational impact and the severity of the condition
Previous history of the disability and prognosis
Notation of medications prescribed, if any, and potential impact on learning
The impact of the disorder on the individual with particular detail regarding the academic and/or residential setting
Rationale when recommendations are made for specific accommodations
Culminate in a well written comprehensive report

VI. Presentation to the Office of Disability Services

Documentation may be submitted to the Office of Disability Services:
Along with page 11 (Voluntary Disability Disclosure Form) of the Appalachian State University Acceptance Packet received through the mail
Hand delivery to the Office of Disability Services
Student is required to initiate an appointment for an individual conference with ODS to formally meet and determine what academic accommodations, if any, are appropriate.

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