Disability vs diagnosis

As a result of a number of inquiries about this topic, we have developed a response to the question of whether or not medical documentation should be necessary in order to substantiate a claim for disability-related accommodations or compensation.  There is considerable controversy about the need for medical documentation when providing benefits or resources.  Some say it is essential — otherwise how do we ensure that the limited pot of resources stretches to meet the needs of all those with legitimate claims?  Others say that requiring medical documentation unduly medicalizes disability, and denies the autonomy and dignity of disabled claimants.  The answer is simple, as long as we focus on DISABILITY rather than on diagnosis.   Here is CDPA’s response after several years of experience with this issue and policy associated with it.