The University of Louisville will accept and consider requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing at any time. The individual making the request for accommodation should make the request and provide appropriate supporting documentation to the Disability Resource Center before moving into University Housing, generally at the time of application for housing. However, if the request for accommodation is made after the priority deadline, the University cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the individual’s accommodation needs during the first semester of occupancy.

The priority deadlines are:

• Fall semester - June 1
• Spring semester - November 1
• Summer terms - April 1

In order to determine appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities residing within University Housing, it is often necessary for the Disability Resource Center to obtain information about the nature of a student’s disability, its impact, and the student’s disability-related needs within the residential environment from the student’s doctor, mental health provider, or other medical professional.  The Housing Accommodation Documentation (PDF) form may be shared with the student's provider if desired to offer guidance on the information necessary to document the need for an accommodation in University Housing. Students requesting the accommodation of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) may share the Emotional Support Animal Documentation (Word) form with their provider, which offers further guidance on the information the DRC needs to review ESA requests.

Please note the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) warning regarding documentation from the internet:
“Some websites sell certificates, registrations, and licensing documents for assistance animals to anyone who answers certain questions or participates in a short interview and pays a fee. Under the Fair Housing Act, a housing provider may request reliable documentation when an individual requesting a reasonable accommodation has a disability and disability-related need for an accommodation that are not obvious or otherwise known.  In HUD’s experience, such documentation from the internet is not, by itself, sufficient to reliably establish that an individual has a non-observable disability or disability-related need for an assistance animal.”

To request accommodation in University Housing, students should submit the Housing Accommodation Request Form to share their needs with the Disability Resource Center, and may attach supporting documentation to that form.

Housing Accommodation Process Overview:

1. Apply for University Housing.
2. Submit the Housing Accommodation Request Form with any supporting documentation (or ESA documentation).
3. The DRC will review the request and documentation and enter an interactive process with the student. DRC staff may correspond, request additional information, ask more specific questions of the student, or request to meet with the student to discuss their needs.
4. The DRC will direct the student as to any next steps needed prior to approval.
5. The DRC will inform the student and University Housing of any approved housing accommodations.
6. Students are advised to participate in the room selection process and attempt to self-select a space that meets their needs and preferences. (See Timeline for Room Selection and Retention for relevant dates.)
7. If the student is unable to self-select a space that meets their approved accommodations during the room selection process, they should contact University Housing at uoloch@louisville.edu for support with identifying a housing assignment that meets their approved accommodations.

Students approved for the housing accommodation of an ESA have annual requirements to maintain their ESA approval.  They must submit their ESA Verification Form with vaccine records before the start of their University Housing License Agreements each year.  Please refer to the Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy.

Students approved for housing accommodations other than an ESA will remain on file for the student’s time in University Housing. Students do not need to request Housing Accommodations each year unless there is a new disability-related barrier and related request. Students should continue to follow the University Housing Timeline for Room Selection and Retention as returning students and reach out to University Housing if they are unable to self-select a space that meets their approved accommodations.

Students with disabilities who may need assistance with exiting University Housing in the event of an emergency can find information relevant to their residence hall on the University Housing Areas of Refuge page.

For additional information about housing accommodations, please see the Housing Accommodation Policy. For additional information about Service Animals and ESAs, please see the Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.

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