Document Your Disability

Documentation Overview

GW provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students who disclose their disability to Disability Support Services (DSS). Reasonable accommodations are adjustments to policy, practice, and programs that provide equal access to GW's programs and activities. Accommodations ad other related services are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration each student's disability-related needs and GW requirements. 

In order to establish disability status with the university, please upload your supporting documentation with your DSS Registration Form to finalize your eligibility determination and register with DSS.

Documentation Guidelines

Disability Support Services (DSS) will review and consider all pieces of documentation submitted. Documentation will assist DSS in understanding how the disability impacts the student in an academic setting and the current impact of the disability as it relates to the accommodations requested. Once documentation is uploaded the DSS Registration Form, it will be reviewed in order of receipt; therefore it is recommended that documentation be submitted well in advance of any accommodation related needs. 

There are multiple ways to provide DSS with documentation of your disability. Documentation should provide proof of diagnosis and/or prior accommodations. Some examples of disability documentation include:

  • Disability Verification Form
  • Full evaluation/diagnostic report (e.g. ETR, MFE)
  • Accommodation letter from previous postsecondary institution
  • IEP/504 plan
  • Letter from a healthcare professional, on letterhead, including a signature, and confirms a diagnosis

We understand that it may be difficult for you to obtain disability documentation for registration. Please know that this is no cause to delay reaching out to our office. We are here to work with you. Please contact us if you have documentation concerns at ([email protected]).