Missouri State University

Learning Diagnostic Clinic Policies and Practices

Op3.25 Learning Diagnostic Clinic Policies and Practices

Mission

The Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC) is responsible to the Office of Academic Affairs through the College of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Psychology. The primary mission of the LDC is to assist Missouri State in complying with certain aspects of the American's with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) laws and guidelines. More specifically, the clinic reviews psychological/psychiatric documentation to determine appropriate academic accommodations for students who are currently enrolled at Missouri State University. The LDC serves students who are diagnosed as having a learning disability, psychological disorder, and/or neurological disorder. This service is provided to students at no charge.

A second function of the LDC is to provide psychoeducational assessments of learning disabilities for Missouri State students, as well as individuals in the community. These services are provided on a fee for service basis.  This component of the clinic provides graduate students valuable clinical experiences and training under the guidance of licensed psychologists. The clinic also conducts research in a myriad of different areas which also enhances the experiences of both undergraduate and graduate students. 

Administration

Director

The Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic is responsible for coordinating services and the provision of reasonable accommodations to qualified students which ensure their access to programs, services and facilities of the University’s Springfield campus. The Director is responsible for maintaining Project Success and clinical evaluations provided through the Learning Diagnostic Clinic. The Director supervises the Assistant Director, the Project Success Coordinator, clerical staff, graduate assistants, student workers, volunteers, and temporary staff.

The essential duties and responsibilities of the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic include:

  • Reviewing documentation submitted by students and/or clients for determination of appropriate academic accommodations.
  • Ensuring that qualified students with disabilities have access to programs, services and facilities of the University by arranging for services such as note-takers, textbooks in alternative format, and testing accommodations, coordinating the provision of reasonable accommodations, and providing information and referral concerning admissions, access, and participation in University and community programs and services.
  • Supervising assessments provided by the clinic to individuals with learning, psychological, or neurological disabilities. This includes intake interviews, the evaluation process, report writing, and individual conferences.
  • Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses and/or training.
  • Develops a competent and effective staff of clerical staff, graduate assistants, student workers, and
    volunteers by recruiting and selecting qualified persons.
  • Manages funds through preparation, submission, and execution of a departmental budget.
  • Conducting public relations for the clinic.
  • Participating in committees aimed at assisting the clinic to operate more effectively.
  • Encourage and participate in psychological research by faculty and students.

The required qualifications for this position include a doctorate in clinical, counseling or educational/school psychology, APA approved program, APA approved internship, Missouri Licensure eligible, experience evaluating and diagnosing learning disabilities and mental illness, evidence of excellence of teaching and research, strong communication skills.

The Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic will also hold the position of ranked faculty member in the Psychology Department and the College of Health and Human Services. This position is a 12-month position and is tenure eligible.

Assistant Director

The Assistant Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic will also hold the position of ranked faculty in the Psychology Department and the College of Health and Human Services. This position is a 12-month position and is tenure eligible.

The qualifications for this position include a doctorate in clinical, counseling or educational/school psychology.

The Assistant Director and ranked faculty member in the psychology department is responsible for teaching  coursework in areas of competence and expertise, consulting with students and other referrals regarding accommodations for learning disability, mental illness, head injury and other psychological disabilities, psychological testing, supervision of graduate and undergraduate student work in the clinic, and conducting research in areas of interest in the field of psychology.

Clinician

The Clinician for the Learning Diagnostic Clinic is a 12-month position.  The Clinician will hold at least a Master’s degree from a clinically oriented program in Clinical, Counseling, Developmental, or Educational/School Psychology. 

The Clinician is responsible for developing, promoting, and managing the program, assisting college students with learning difficulties through the determination and implementation of educational accommodations and therapeutic interventions; meeting with students on a weekly basis; developing and implementing academic strategies with these students; conducting intake interviews; administering psycho-educational assessments; writing psychological reports; and coordinating and supervising graduate students in the assessment process and therapeutic interventions.

Administrative Secretary

The Administrative Secretary relieves the administrator of routine operational details and performs responsible and moderately complex secretarial, clerical, and general office functions that require a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and politics and the exercise of independent judgment in the absence of established procedures and discretion in the dissemination of information. The Administrative Secretary generally provides secretarial support to a department or office, which may include many faculty members and/or staff professionals, with primary responsibility to the department senior administrator. The Administrative Secretary maintains departmental records and files, performs keyboarding (which requires speed and accuracy) in preparing multi-copy forms, correspondence, and related documents, and utilizes word processing/personal computer equipment and machine formatting and/or utility capabilities to input, revise, store, and retrieve such documents, and exercises supervision of other clerical employees, student and part-time workers.

The qualifications for this position include a high school diploma or equivalent, at least three years of general office experience which includes knowledge of the use and operation of standard office machines such as photocopiers, facsimile, multi-line telephone, and ten-key calculator. However, two years of specialized training or education beyond high school level which emphasizes the skills and experiences required for the position may be substituted for two of the three years of required work experience. A keyboarding rate of 50 words per minute, skill in rapid note taking may be required in some positions. Computer application skills in the use of personal computers and/or mainframe computers are required and include keyboarding ability and a functional knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, data entry retrieval or database management. Strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to operate electronic, photocopier or other standard office machines, maintain moderately complex filing systems and records, and make mathematical calculations and budget reconciliations are required. Supervisory skills and the ability to train and/or review the work of others are required.

Duties and responsibilities include relieving the administrator of routine operational details; preparing routine to complex reports, correspondence, performing receptionist duties by greeting University employees, students, and visitors; scheduling department activities with appropriate offices; performs records management of a complex filing system; assists with development and management of department budget; safeguards the confidentiality of department information; assists in the development of a competent office staff; and contributes the overall success of the department by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Academic Accommodations

Accommodation Policy
Student Disability Accommodation Policy and Procedure

Within the guidelines set forth in this policy, Missouri State University is committed to providing an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities. Equal access for qualified students with disabilities is an obligation of the University under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Missouri State does not discriminate on the basis of disability against otherwise-qualified individuals in any program, service or activity offered by the University. The University is committed to insuring that no otherwise-qualified individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids or other appropriate services; however, accommodations cannot result in an undue burden to the University or fundamentally alter the requirements essential to a program of instruction.

Notifying the Disability Resource Center of a Request for Accommodation:

Students requesting academic accommodations for a disability are responsible for notifying the University of their disability and their request for accommodations. To initiate a request for academic accommodations, students must contact:

On the West Plains Campus, students must contact:

  • the Coordinator of Disability Services,
    Academic Support Center (ASC)
    128 Garfield
    417-255-7222 (voice)
    417-255-7981 (TTY).

The student should notify the aforementioned offices as soon as the need for the academic accommodation becomes evident. In order to receive accommodations, students must provide disability documentation that meets University guidelines. Accommodations will not be provided for undocumented disabilities, except that accommodations may be provided on a provisional basis pending receipt of documentation for disabilities that are readily apparent. Only persons interested in disability-related accommodations or services need provide disability information. Accommodations must have a legitimate educational purpose, and cannot be based simply on applicants’ preferences. Students must initiate a request for every semester in which accommodations are sought. If eligibility for services and the request for academic accommodations are approved, the Disability Resource Center (Academic Support Center at the West Plains campus) or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic will provide the student a letter to be shared with instructors outlining the approved recommended accommodations.

DRC Referrals to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC):

Students seeking accommodation for any type of disability should direct the initial request for accommodation to the Disability Resource Center. DRC refers students seeking accommodations for psychological or learning disabilities to Missouri State’s Learning Diagnostic Clinic. The West Plains Disability Services Coordinator will oversee the administration of DS and/or LDC recommended accommodations at the West Plains
Campus.

Learning Diagnostic Clinic Testing Services:

The LDC provides assessments of learning and psychological disabilities. Students who simply wish to inquire about LDC’s diagnostic or testing services do not need to seek referral through the Disability Resource Center, but may instead directly contact the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, Alumni Building, Suite 502. To inquire about testing services, contact the Director, LDC, http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc/. The LDC charges a sliding-scale fee for its testing services.

Appeal Process

If the student’s eligibility for services and/or request for academic accommodations are denied. The Disability Resource Center or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic will provide to the student written notification of denial, including the basis for denial as well as information on the appeal process. Student appeals related to eligibility for services or the request for academic accommodations shall be directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer, Office of Human Resources, Siceluff 296, 901 S. National, Springfield, Missouri 65804, 417-836-4252 (voice) or 417-836-6874 (TTY). At the West Plains campus, appeals are initiated with the Affirmative Action Liaison, West Plains Civic Center, 128 Garfield, 417-255-7966. The student has the right to file a disability-related grievance at any time.

A faculty member who believes that accommodations recommended by the Disability Resource Center or LDC can be shown to alter or compromise fundamental course or program goals has the right to appeal the provision of those accommodations; however, recommended accommodations should be provided until the appeal is resolved. A faculty member should first address his/her concerns through discussions with the Disability Resource Center or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, and may initiate a formal appeal of a recommended academic accommodation by submitting a written statement to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), clearly documenting the fundamental academic goals and demonstrating that the recommended accommodation necessarily compromises those goals. At the West Plains Campus the formal appeal would be initiated with the dean of the appropriate school. A faculty member who is not satisfied with the decision may file a grievance with the Equal Opportunity Officer at the Springfield
Campus, or with the Affirmative Action Liaison at the West Plains Campus.

Rights and Responsibilities

The following information outlines the rights and responsibilities of Missouri State University in its relationship with students with disabilities and the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities while enrolled at the University.

Rights and Responsibilities of the University and Its Faculty:

Missouri State recognizes that its basic responsibility is to identify and maintain the academic and technical standards that are fundamental to providing quality academic programs while insuring the rights of students with disabilities. Missouri State also recognizes that shared governance and cooperation between faculty and campus administration is necessary to insure that reasonable and timely accommodations exist for students with disabilities. To meet these obligations, the University:

  • Has the right to require students who desire academic accommodations for disability to provide documentation of disability to the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
  • Has the right to establish guidelines for what constitutes appropriate documentation of disability. Disability documentation will be reviewed by the DRC and/or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC), and will be maintained in confidential files in these offices.
  • Has the right to refuse a request for academic accommodation that is not supported by documentation that meets University guidelines.
  • Has the right to deny an accommodation based on undue hardship or burden to the University and its faculty.
  • Has the responsibility to locate and provide auxiliary aids, as defined by law, without cost to an applicant entitled to such aid; however, devices or services of a personal nature, such as attendants, individually prescribed devices, or readers for personal use or study, will not be provided.
  • Has the responsibility to evaluate applicants based solely on their abilities. If an evaluation method or the criteria have a disproportionately adverse effect on an applicant with a disability, the University will seek reasonable alternatives.
  • Has the right to identify and establish the means by which the student’s abilities are evaluated for academic accommodation, and to evaluate applicants on this basis.
  • Has the responsibility to insure that all of the programs (not necessarily all physical facilities) are accessible.
  • Has the responsibility to make reasonable adjustments in the delivery, instructional method and evaluation system for a course when these have a disproportionately adverse impact on a disability.
  • Has the responsibility to make reasonable adjustments (or substitutions) to any requirement/course that has a disproportionately adverse impact on a disability and is not fundamental to the student’s academic program.
  • Has the right to identify abilities, skills, and knowledge that are fundamental to academic programs/courses and to establish standards that are defined in meaningful ways that relate to the goals of the course. Fundamental program/course goals and course standards are not subject to accommodation. Accommodations will be determined following discussion between the student, the faculty member, and either the Disability Resource Center (Academic Support Center at the West Plains Campus) or the Learning Diagnostic Clinic. Faculty members have the right to appeal the provision of recommended accommodations that can be shown to alter or compromise fundamental course or program goals.
  • Has the right to select among equally effective methods of accommodating a student with a disability.
  • Has the responsibility to inform applicants and students about the availability and the range of academic accommodations. The Faculty Handbookrequires all faculty members to include a disability policy statement in all course syllabi. The suggested wording is:

    For Springfield:

    "To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC), Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, 417-836-4192 (voice); 417) 836-6792 (TTY); http://www.MissouriState.edu/disability/.

    Students are required to provide documentation of disability to DRC prior to receiving accommodations. The DRC refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC). For a sliding-scale fee, the LDC also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. To inquire, contact the Director, LDC, 417-836-4787, http://psychology.MissouriState.edu/ldc/."

    For West Plains:

    "To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Coordinator of Disability Services (DS), Academic Support Center (ASC), 128 Garfield, 417-255-7222 (voice) or 417-255-7981 (TTY).

    Students are required to provide documentation of disability to DS prior to receiving accommodations. DS refers some types of accommodation requests to the LDC. For a sliding-scale fee, the LDC also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities."

Rights and Responsibilities of Students with Disabilities:

A student with a disability has a right to an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs offered at Missouri State. To insure this right, a Missouri State student with a disability:

  • Has a responsibility to notify the university of the need for accommodation in a timely fashion. The student must provide documentation of the disability from an appropriate professional. Documentation must meet established University guidelines.
  • Has a responsibility to demonstrate or document how the disability affects a particular delivery system, instructional method, or evaluation criterion when requesting accommodation.
  • Has a responsibility to actively participate in the search for accommodations and auxiliary aids. This responsibility extends to working with the institution to seek financial assistance from governmental agencies and private sources.
  • Has the same obligation as any student to meet and maintain the institution’s fundamental academic and technical standards.
  • Has a right to be evaluated based on ability, not disability. If the disability disproportionately affects the outcome of an evaluation method, the student is entitled to an evaluation by alternative means.
  • Is entitled to an equal opportunity to learn. If the location, delivery system, or instructional methodology limits access, participation, or ability to benefit, the student has a right to reasonable alterations in those aspects of the course (or program) to accommodate the disability.
  • Is entitled to an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the academic community. This includes access to services, extracurricular activities, housing, and transportation at a comparable level as that provided to any student.
  • Has a right to appeal the institution’s decisions concerning accommodations internally by filing a grievance with the University’s Equal Opportunity Office, or externally by filing a complaint with the regional Office of Civil Rights or through the Civil Court System. Students have a responsibility to file a grievance in a timely manner.
Guidelines for the Documentation of a Disability

In order to fully evaluate requests for accommodations or auxiliary aids, Missouri State will need documentation of the disability that consists of an evaluation by an appropriate and qualified professional and describes the current impact of the disability as it relates to the accommodation request.
 
The Disability Resource Center does NOT accept documentation hand-carried by the student requesting services. All documentation of disability must be provided to the Disability Resource Center directly from the appropriate professional and be presented on official letterhead from the professional, agency, clinic, or organization providing the information.
 
The Disability Resource Center and Missouri State assume NO financial responsibility for the acquisition of documentation of disability.
 
Documentation provided will be used by the Disability Resource Center to evaluate requests for accommodations or auxiliary aids. The evaluation process includes a review of the documentation itself and in the context of the fundamental goals and essential requirements of the program, course, service or benefit in question.
 
The evaluation process will generate a list of potentially reasonable accommodations that will then be reviewed based on potential effectiveness, preferences of the requester, maximum level of integration, and the potential for an undue financial or administrative burden on the institution.
 
As appropriate to the disability, documentation should include:

  1. a) Diagnosis statement identifying the disability, date of the current diagnostic evaluation, and the date of the original diagnosis.

    The diagnostic systems used by the Department of Education, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or other State agencies and/or the current editions of either the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems of the World Health Organization (ICD) are recommended diagnostic taxonomies.
  2. b) Description of the diagnostic criteria and/or diagnostic test used.

    This description should include the specific results of diagnostic procedures, diagnostic tests utilized, and when administered. When available, both summary and specific test scores should be reported as standard scores and the norming population identified. When standard scores are not available, the mean, standard deviation, and the standard error of measurements are requested as appropriate to the construction of the test.
  3. c) Description of the current functional impact of the disability.

    The current functional impact on physical, perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral abilities should be described either explicitly or through the provision of specific results from the diagnostic procedures. Currency will be evaluated based on the typical progression of the disability, its interaction with development across the life span, the presence or absence of significant events (since the date of the evaluation) that would impact functioning, and the applicability of the information to the current context of the request for accommodation.
  4. d) Treatments, medication, assistive devices/services currently prescribed or in use.

    A description of treatment, medications, assistive devices, accommodations and/or assistive devices in current use and their estimated effectiveness in ameliorating the impact of the disability. Significant side effects that may impact physical, perceptual, behavioral or cognitive performances should be noted.
  5. e) A description of the expected progression or stability of the impact of the disability over time should be included.

    This description should provide an estimate of the change in the functional limitation of the disability over time and/or recommendation concerning the predictable needs for reevaluation.
  6. f) The credentials of the diagnosing professional(s).

    Information describing the certification, licensure, and/or the professional training of individuals conducting the evaluation should be provided.

Clinical Services

Evaluation

Documentation of a disability is essential in determining appropriate accommodations. Personnel of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic conduct testing and evaluation to provide such documentation.

Fee Scale
Income1 dependent
in the home		2 dependents
in the home		3 dependents
in the home		4 dependents
in the home		5 dependents
in the home		6 or more
dependents
in the home
$0-10,000  $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10
$10,001-12,000 $12  $12 $12 $12 $10 $10
$12,001-14,000 $14 $14 $14 $14 $12 $10
$14,001-16,000 $16 $16 $16 $16 $14 $12
$16,001-18,000 $18  $18 $18 $18 $16 $14
$18,001-20,000 $20 $20 $20 $20  $18 $16
$20,001-22,000 $22 $22 $22 $22 $20 $18
$22,001-24,000 $24 $24 $24 $24 $22 $20
$24,001-27,000 $26  $26  $26  $26 $24 $22
$27,001-30,000 $28  $28 $28 $28 $26 $24
$30,001-32,000 $30 $30 $30 $30 $28 $26
$32,001-34,000 $32 $32 $32 $32 $30 $28
$34,001-36,000 $34 $34 $34 $34 $32 $30
$36,001-38,000 $36  $36 $36 $36  $34 $32
$38,001-40,000 $38 $38 $38 $38 $36  $34
$40,001-42,000 $40 $40 $40 $40 $38 $36
$42,001-45,000 $42 $42 $42 $42 $40  $38
$45,001-48,000 $44 $44 $44 $44 $42 $40
$48,001-52,000  $46 $46 $46 $46  $44  $42
$52,001– and up  $50 $50 $48 $48 $46 $44

  * fees are assessed hourly
  ** fees subject to change without notification

Project Success

Project Success is an academic support program for college students who have concerns that may affect learning. This may include individuals diagnosed with a learning disability, ADHD, or other diagnoses.  Those enrolled in Project Success will be offered a wide variety of services tailored for the student with learning problems. Research has shown that students enrolled in a comprehensive support program, such as Project Success, generally have a higher GPA and are more likely to graduate than students receiving minimal assistance. Based on experience, students who have achieved success in this type of program were average or above average in ability, highly motivated, and hard working.

Goals

Our immediate goal is to give students the individualized attention/assistance that they need to provide them with an opportunity to perform on an equal basis with their non-disabled peers. In addition, we provide students with both academic and emotional support that will help ease the transition to higher learning. The ultimate goal is to impart professional and academic related skills which will enable the student to function independently, first in the academic environment, and later in the competitive job market.

Courses/Confidentiality

Students in Project Success are enrolled in regular college courses and must meet the same academic requirements as their non-disabled peers. They receive degrees in a variety of areas, and are not restricted as to course offerings/selections because of their disability. Project Success students are full-fledged members of the Missouri State community. Their participation in the program is known only to the students themselves and those who they give permission or choose to tell.

Services

In addition to the basic types of services institutions are required to provide (e.g., alternate testing, test proctoring) Project Success offers tutorial support, developmental writing skills, computer assistance, study skills training, time management and organizational strategies. Each student is assigned to a case worker to help track their progress and provide personal consultation.

Staff

Our staff includes educational, clinical and neuro–psychologists, learning specialists, graduate assistants, and secretary and student employees. In addition, we utilize a number of professional consultants.

Cost

The current Project Success program fee is $1,000 per semester.

Application Procedures

As soon as possible, interested applicants to Project Success should contact the Learning Diagnostic Clinic to discuss the application procedure. To facilitate the application process, the following items should be sent prior to the interview:

  • Completed Project Success application
  • Copies of SAT or ACT scores
  • High school and/or prior college official transcripts
  • Copies of prior testing that has been conducted
  • Three letters of recommendation

After the above information is received, an interview may be scheduled. Project Success is under the direction of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC) in the College of Health and Human Services at Missouri State University. For additional information, contact the Learning Diagnostic Clinic at 417-836-4787.