Students who are applying to Sauk Valley Community College, and enrolled students who are requesting support services and/or accommodations from the Student Needs Coordinator, are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This documentation should be current within three years, but exceptions may be necessary dependent upon individual circumstances and disability to be determined by the Student Needs Coordinator. The following guidelines are provided to ensure that the documentation is complete and appropriate.

Evaluator Qualifications

The diagnosis must be made by a licensed mental health professional and/or qualified physician. It is not considered appropriate for professionals to evaluate members of their families.

Diagnosis / Verification of the Attention Deficit

The documentation must include a clearly stated clinical diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (Predominantly Inattentive Type, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, or Combined Type), based on DSM-IV criteria. It must include the need for services based on current levels of functioning in an educational setting. A school plan such as an individualized educational program (IEP) or a 504 Plan alone is insufficient documentation, but can be included as part of a more comprehensive assessment.

Diagnostic Report Guidelines

A brief note from a doctor is not sufficient to substantiate a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder.
Documentation should be in the form of a comprehensive written report which should include the following information:

1. Evaluator Information: Name, title, address, and phone number of the evaluator/s.
2. Evaluation Date/s: Dates of the assessment; assessment must have been completed within the previous three years.
3. Evaluation Instruments: The names and resulting scores of the instruments used in making the diagnosis. There should be indication that the DSM-IV criteria for ADHD were surveyed and which symptoms are endorsed. Other suggested rating scales/evaluation instruments include, but are not limited to, "The Copeland Symptom Checklist for Adult Attention Deficit Disorders," the "Wender Utah Rating Scale," the "Barkley Semi structured Interview for Adult ADHD," and the "Test of Variable Attention (TOVA)."
4. Descriptive Written Report: A narrative description and interpretation of the diagnostic assessment which identifies how the attention deficit impacts academic performance, including quantitative and qualitative information which supports the diagnosis.
5. Recommendations/Accommodations: Recommendations for specific reasonable academic-related accommodations and/or support services which are based on the diagnostic evaluation results and supported by the diagnosis.
6. Prescriptive Treatments and/or Medications: Any suggested treatment plans or prescribed medications and response to any medication (i.e. effectiveness, any adverse side effects, etc.).
7. Additional Observations/Recommendations: Any additional observations or recommendations which would assist the Student Needs Coordinator in providing appropriate services and/or accommodations.

All documentation is confidential and should be sent to:

Karen Alexander, Student Needs Coordinator
Sauk Valley Community College
Rm 1G4
173 IL Rt. 2
Dixon, IL 61021

(815) 288-5511 Ext 246
Fax: (815) 288-5509

alexank@svcc.edu