Written documentation must be completed by a medical specialist or licensed professional such as a doctor, psychologist, school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, Vocational Rehabilitation diagnostician, optometrist or audiologists. These professionals should have two or more years of direct assessment experience with adults or late adolescents who manifest specific learning disabilities and be trained in administration and interpretation of that particular assessment tool.
An Individual Education Plan (IEP), Summary of Performance or Section 540 Plan from high school alone does not necessarily meet documentation standards. This is because postsecondary education presents different demands than high school education and what you need to meet those demands may be different. In some cases, the nature of the disability may have changed.
Students are responsible for finding and paying for assessment and diagnostic services. The cost can range from $450.00-$1500.00. Students may be able to use one or more of the following methods of finance to pay for their assessment.
- Savings or income.
- Financial aid.
- Vocational Rehabilitation. If you are working with a vocational rehabilitation counselor through the Dept. of Human Services, talk to your counselor about your concerns and options.
- Health insurance. Some health insurance policies will cover learning disability testing and/or psychological evaluations. Please talk to your insurance provider and/or a psychologist for assistance.
- Other.
