Accessible Housing Requests

Guidelines for Housing Accommodation Requests Due to Disability

Students may qualify for housing accommodations based on the functional limitations of the documented disability. To request a disability-related housing accommodation, a student must submit verifying professional medical documentation from a licensed provider who has been responsible for the ongoing treatment (or one who has access to past medical history) of an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of the individual.

• For disability due to a medical condition, diagnosis by a licensed medical professional with expertise in the area of concern is required (physician, physician assistant or advanced practice nurse practitioner).
• For requests related to a psychological or mental health disorder, diagnosis by a licensed mental health professional is required (licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist or advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner).

Please note that a medical diagnosis and recommendation for a particular accommodation alone do not establish a disability-related need for housing accommodations. A student's professional healthcare provider documentation, in English, must establish the following for a condition to be considered a disability:

1. Compelling evidence, including treatment history, to indicate the impact of a physical or mental health impairment that limits the student's participation in a significant life activity
2. A substantial degree of functional impairment
3. Sufficient explanation of how the requested housing assignment relates to the current impact of the condition

The diagnostician must be an impartial evaluator who is not a family member nor in a dual relationship with the student. Providers should follow ethical standards for their licenses to practice in the student’s home state or in the same state as the residential campus location.

SAS and Housing and Residence Life work collaboratively to provide appropriate accommodations for students who are eligible to live on campus. Housing and Residence Life staff assign rooms based on availability.

While applications and documentation can be submitted year-round, SAS encourages students to observe the priority consideration deadlines to ensure the student has the best chance of receiving an on-campus assignment that meets the approved accommodations.