Documentation Guidelines for 
Blindness or Visual Impairment
Visual impairments are considered disabilities under the ADA if a major life activity is 
substantially limited.  Ophthalmologists are the primary professionals involved in 
diagnosis and medical treatment of individuals who are blind or experience low vision.  
Optometrists provide information regarding the measurement of visual acuity as well as 
tracking and fusion difficulties (including by not limited to: eye movement disorders, 
inefficiency in using both eyes together, misalignment of the eyes, lazy eye, focusing 
problems, visual sensory disorders and motor integration).  Documentation from family 
members, immediate or otherwise, is not acceptable. 
The following guidelines are provided to assist the service provider in collaboration with 
each student to determine appropriate accommodations.  Recommended 
documentation includes: 
1.  A clear and current statement of the vision related disability with supporting 
numerical description (usually within three years, the age of documentation is 
dependent upon the condition, the current status of the student and the student's 
request for accommodations); 
2.  A summary of assessment procedures and evaluation instruments used to make the 
diagnosis and the summary of evaluation results including standardized scores: 
3.  Present symptoms that meet the criteria for diagnosis; 
4.  Medical information relating to the student's needs and the status of the individuals' 
vision (static or changing) and its impact on the demands of the academic program; 
5.  Narrative or descriptive text providing both quantitative and qualitative information 
about the student's abilities including the use of corrective lenses on ongoing visual 
therapy (if appropriate); 
6.  A statement of the functional impact or limitations of the disability on a major life 
activity and the degree to which it impacts the individual in the learning context for which 
accommodations are being requested. 
Further assessment by an appropriate professional may be required if comorbid 
condition such as a learning disability or other disabling conditions exist.  
Documentation must be submitted to Student Disability Services in person, by fax (989-
774-1326) or by mail to:  Central Michigan University, Student Disability Services, 120 
Park Library, Mt. Pleasant, MI  48859