How to apply for services through the Center for Students with Disabilities.
To apply for services from the Center for Students with Disabilities, you will first need to submit an application form along with appropriate and current documentation about your disability. In the case of multiple disabilities, students must provide documentation for each disability for which accommodations are requested.
The CSD Application form is a virtual form that you can fill out here: CSD Application Form. Please note that your CUNY login is required to access the CSD login form.
The best way to submit documentation is by having a qualified professional fill out a Verification of Disability Form. Hard copies of the form can be picked up from our office in room 1G02, but you can also download a virtual, fillable copy of the form (Download the Verification of Disability Form).
All documentation submitted to the CSD must be current. Therefore, prior documentation such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a history of receiving accommodations from a former school does not necessarily validate the need for services or continuation of accommodations at the university level. This history can, however, be attached to the current documentation to create a more comprehensive assessment.
The determination of reasonable accommodations on campus is based on satisfying the documentation guidelines outlined below and a clear demonstration of the functional limitations on the student’s performance in an academic setting. These guidelines apply for all disability types recognized by the ADA.
A qualified professional should conduct the evaluation and provide name, title, professional credentials, including information about state licensure or certification number.
The evaluation should include the diagnosis (ICD-11 or DSM-V) and be dated. The document will include the original signature of the professional responsible for the assessment of functioning.
The evaluation must be current. Disabilities may change in severity over time and documentation should support current accommodation needs.
Recommendations and rationale for accommodations and/or assistive technology must be based on the analysis of the functional impact of the diagnosis.
Services, accommodations, and/or assistive technology will be determined on an individual basis upon documentation review and consultation with the disability service professional at each campus.
Insufficient documentation may result in the delay of services and accommodations.
Key Points: Qualified evaluator; current evaluation; evaluation signed and dated by evaluator; recommendations for accommodations. (Note: the term evaluation and documentation are used according to which is more appropriate for disability type. Both constitute acceptable reports or material for supporting services and accommodations.)
Below is a list of documentation guidelines based on the various diagnoses that qualify for disability accommodations. These guidelines were prepared by the CUNY Committee on Student Disability Issues – Documentation Guidelines Subcommittee.
Learning Disability Documentation Guidelines
The evaluation should:
be conducted by an evaluator with comprehensive training with adolescents and adults with learning disabilities.
be evaluated within the last three years of high school.
adult students not previously diagnosed must provide appropriate documentation as per guidelines for students not previously diagnosed.
include a description of the functional impact of diagnosis and include specifics of how the learning process may be affected by the diagnosis; and should include recommendations and rationale for accommodations and/or assistive technology.
include test scores to document the nature and severity of the disability.
ADD/ADHD Documentation Guidelines
The evaluation should:
be conducted by a qualified professional whose background includes training and relevant experience in the full range of psychiatric disorders.
be within the past three years and be updated as required.
include a summary of relevant historical information including initial onset, diagnosis, medication, and indication of ADD/ADHD throughout adolescence or adulthood.
identify functional limitations in the educational setting.
include rationale for specific recommendations or accommodations.
be made by a professional who is qualified with appropriate training in diagnosing psychological and/or psychiatric disorders.
be within the past three years and be updated as required.
include a summary of relevant historical information including initial onset, diagnosis, medication, and indication of psychological/ psychiatric disorders throughout adolescence or adulthood.
include the rationale for specific recommendations or accommodations.
include an ophthalmologic evaluation made by a qualified professional or granted by a recognized resource such as the New York State Commission for the Blind (including CBVH Registry Number).
be current and reflect the present condition. In the case of visual acuity changes, new documentation should be submitted.
identify functional limitations and provide recommendations for academic accommodations/assistive technology.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Documentation Guidelines
The documentation should:
include a diagnosis based on an audiological evaluation conducted by a qualified professional.
provide a description of functional limitations and recommendations for academic accommodations, interpreter services, and other services including assistive technology.
be submitted from a qualified professional with experience in the field of Chemical Dependency.
be current (within one year of submission).
identify academic functional limitations and recommendations for accommodations.
include treatment program and medication information in the report.
Documentation for Other/Temporary Conditions
Consult with CSD staff about the required documentation for conditions not listed here, including temporary accommodations for injuries or for pregnancy. The CSD office can be reached via phone at (718) 262-2191 or via e-mail at csd@york.cuny.edu.
What Happens Next?
Once you have filled out the application and acquired your documentation, you should submit your documentation to the CSD office through our secure document upload portal. You may also bring in hard copies of the documentation to the CSD office. For security reasons, please DO NOT send any documentation to CSD via e-mail.
A CSD staff member will then reach out to you to schedule an appointment for an intake. During the intake appointment, CSD staff will go over the documentation with you in order to determine the best accommodations to suit your needs.
CSD staff will then notify your professors of your accommodations (not your diagnosis) with a virtual letter. You will be send a copy of that letter for your records. If you do not wish for CSD to disclose your accommodations to a professor, please let us know. We will still send you the virtual accommodation letter should you choose to self-identify at another time.
If you have any other questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us via phone ((718) 262-2191), email (csd@york.cuny.edu) or by stopping by our office in room 1G02.
