Contact Disability Resources
University housing accommodation
*Note: Excluding requests for service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
Disability Resources (“Disability Resources”) is responsible for evaluating whether to grant or deny requests for accommodation in University housing. In evaluating the request, Disability Resources will determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary and reasonable. Individuals with a disability who reside or intend to reside in University housing who believe they need a disability related accommodation must contact Disability Resources.
Requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing policies and practices are governed by the following requirements:
1. Requesting a housing accommodation
a. To begin the process of requesting an accommodation an individual with a disability should submit a “Self-Identification Form” to Disability Resources. This form is available from Disability Resources and on the Disability Resources website. If the individual requires assistance in completing the Request Form because of a disability, Disability Resources will provide assistance in completing the form. Disability Resources may need documentation of an individual’s disability related needs in order to evaluate the request. It is recommended that individuals submit such documentation along with the Self-Identification Form.
b. NAU will accept and consider requests for accommodation in University housing at any time. The individual making the request for accommodation should complete and provide the Self-Identification Form to Disability Resources as soon as practicably possible before moving into University housing. However, if the request for accommodation is made fewer than 60 days before the individual intends to move into University housing, NAU cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the individual’s accommodation needs during the first semester or term of occupancy.
c. If the need for the accommodation arises when an individual already resides in University housing, the student should contact Disability Resources and complete the Self-Identification Form as soon as practicably possible. NAU cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation needs during the semester or term in which the request is received.
d. Absent exceptional circumstances, the University will attempt to provide a written response to a reasonable accommodation request within fourteen (14) business days of receiving the information described in paragraph 2 below.
2. Information that may be requested for housing related accommodation requests
Disability Resources shall limit its requests for information to only the information necessary to verify whether the individual making the request has a disability and/or to evaluate if the accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.
a. Obvious disability Accordion Closed
If the individual’s disability and the necessity for the accommodation are obvious (e.g. an individual with a physical disability using a wheelchair needs an accessible room), the individual need only explain what type of accommodation they are requesting. No verification of disability and/or necessity is required under these circumstances.
b. Non-obvious disability or necessity Accordion Closed
i. If the disability is obvious but the need for the accommodation is not obvious, the University may require the individual to complete the Disability Resources eligibility process and provide information from a reliable third party who can verify that the requested accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing, but may not seek information about the individual’s disability.
ii. If the disability and necessity for the accommodation are not obvious, Disability Resources will require the individual to complete the Disability Resources eligibility process and provide information from a reliable third party who can verify that the individual has a disability and that the requested accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.
iii. A reliable third party is someone who is familiar with the individual’s disability and the necessity for the requested accommodation. A reliable third-party includes, but is not limited to someone who provides medical care, therapy or counseling to persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers.
iv. Absent exceptional circumstances, within seven (7) business days of receiving the necessary information and completing an intake interview, Disability Resources, will determine if the accommodation is necessary because of a disability to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.
v. If the information provided through the interactive process is not sufficient for Disability Resources to determine whether an accommodation is necessary, Disability Resources will inform the individual in writing of the insufficiency and may request additional information, including speaking directly with the individual supplying third-party verification, within seven (7) business days of completing the eligibility process.
vi. The individual making the request for accommodation must cooperate with Disability Resources in a timely manner in providing all information needed to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary.
3. Determination of reasonableness
a. Disability Resources may deny the requested accommodation if it is unreasonable. Disability Resources shall determine on a case by case basis, if implementing the requested accommodation is reasonable.
b. An accommodation is unreasonable if it: (1) imposes an undue financial and/or administrative burden; (2) fundamentally alters the nature of the university’s operations; (3) poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or would cause substantial property damage to the property of others, including University property; and/or (4) is otherwise unreasonable to the operation of the University.
4. Approval of accommodation
If Disability Resources determines a requested accommodation is necessary and is not unreasonable, it will contact the individual, in writing, within seven(7) business days of its determination, to arrange a meeting to discuss the implementation of the accommodation.
5. Denial of accommodation/appeal
a. If Disability Resources determines a requested accommodation is necessary but unreasonable, Disability Resources will contact the individual, in writing, within seven (7) business days of its determination to determine if there are alternative accommodations that might effectively meet the individual’s disability-related needs.
b. If Disability Resources determines a requested accommodation is not necessary, Disability Resources will contact the individual, in writing, within seven (7) business days of its determination with an explanation of its determination.
c. If the individual is unwilling to accept any alternative accommodation offered by Disability Resources or there are no alternative accommodations available, Disability Resources will provide a verbal explanation and written notification to the individual of the denial, the reasons for the denial, the right to appeal the decision, and the procedures for that appeals process. The notification shall be in writing and made within seven (7) business days of the notification from the individual of their unwillingness to accept any of the alternative accommodations offered or the determination that there are no alternative accommodations available.
d. An individual may also use the Disability Resources Complaint procedure.
6. Confidentiality and record keeping
In processing requests for reasonable accommodations, the University will take all steps required by federal, state, and/or local law to protect the confidentiality of any information or documentation disclosed in connection with the requests. Such measures may include limiting access to such information to individuals specifically designated to determine and implement requests for reasonable accommodations, who will disclose the information only to the extent necessary to determine whether to grant the request, determine if the request is unreasonable, and implement any request granted, keeping all written requests and accompanying documentation in a secure area to which only those designated individuals have access, except as otherwise required by law.
7. Non-retaliation provision
NAU will not retaliate against any individual because that individual has requested or received a reasonable accommodation in University housing.