All disability-related information including documentation, accommodation letters, correspondence, and consultations are considered confidential and will be managed in accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects students’ educational records and prevents disclosure without written consent. However, there are instances that may necessitate student documentation being released without consent, including disclosure electronically, verbally, and any other types of communication.
Under FERPA, educational records related to a student’s disability, may be released, without consent, under the following exceptions:
- To individuals identified as having an educational need to know for the purpose of providing and coordinating appropriate disability accommodations or services;
- To individuals identified as having an educational need to know for the purpose of providing academic adaptation of curricula
- When required by state and federal laws (e.g., in the event that the student might pose a serious risk of harm to themselves or others, or to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena).
Additionally, to ensure the rights of students are fully protected regarding disclosure and in compliance with FERPA, students must sign a Release of Information form specifically naming any individual to which the University is authorized to disclose personally identifiable, disability-related information.
Updated: July 18, 2023