Academic Advising and Student Success: Disability Resources, Requirements, and Forms

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Disability Learning Resource Center (DLRC) requires a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation completed within the past three years, although exceptions may be made for evaluations conducted when the student was 18 years of age or older. Please mail or fax this documentation to the DLRC.

The evaluation must address the following three areas:

  1. Aptitude: A complete intellectual assessment with all sub-tests and standard scores reported.
  2. Achievement: A comprehensive academic achievement battery with all sub-tests and standard scores reported. The assessment should address current levels of academic achievement with regard to reading, mathematics, and oral and written language.
  3. Information processing: Specific areas of information-processing should be assessed, including short- and long-term memory, auditory and visual processing, and processing speed.

Documenting ADD/ADHD

Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) documentation must also be comprehensive. Examples of appropriate forms of assessment include, but are not limited to: clinical interview, WAIS-III, Woodcock-Johnson III, test of variables of attention, and ADHD Rating Scales. Present treatment and functional impact of the disability on the student's daily activities and academic performance must also be documented. Documentation forms should be completed by a qualified professional.

Click here for ADD/ADHD Documentation Form.

Documenting a Physical Disability

Physical disability documentation must include a formal diagnosis, current symptoms, expected duration, and progression of the disability, as well as present treatment. In addition, the current functional impact of the disability on the student's daily activities and academic performance must be documented so that necessary accommodations can be determined. Documentation forms should be completed by a qualified professional.

Click here for Physical Disability Documentation Form.

Documenting a Psychological Disability

Psychological disability documentation must include a formal diagnosis, current symptoms, expected duration, and progression of the disability, as well as present treatment. In addition, the current functional impact of the disability on the student's daily activities and academic performance must be documented so that necessary accommodations can be determined. Documentation forms should be completed by a qualified professional.

Click here for Psychological Disability Documentation Form.

The DLRC staff is available by appointment Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. in the DLRC office at 116 S. Michigan, 13th floor. Stop in to make an appointment, or call 312.499.4278.