Disabled students are entitled to confidentiality of their disability information under federal laws, i.e., the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which requires written consent to share details with others and restricts disclosure to only those with a legitimate educational interest. Students have the choice to disclose their disability, and colleges must not include specific diagnoses on accommodation letters, but rather list the approved accommodations and how to provide them. Information is protected, and students can grant or revoke permission to share their information at any time.
Key Aspects of Confidentiality:
Student Choice and Control:
Students control whether they disclose their disability and to whom.
FERPA Protection:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student disability records and information.
Limited Sharing: Disability information can only be shared with a written release of information form signed by the student.
Legitimate Educational Interest:
Information can be shared with university officials who have a "legitimate educational interest" to fulfill professional responsibilities, but this does not include divulging specific diagnoses to instructors.
No Diagnosis on Letters:
Accommodation letters provided to instructors should not include the student's specific diagnosis.
Exceptions for Safety: Disclosure may occur in cases of health or safety emergencies or if required by law.
