Reasonable Accommodation

A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them. There are many types of disabilities, such as those that affect physical body structure or function (such as loss of limb, loss of vision, movement limitations or hearing loss) and those that impact mental function (such as impacts to thinking, remembering, learning or social relationships).

People with disabilities can be affected in very different ways. Some disabilities may be hidden or not easy to see. If a family is requesting an accommodation for a disability that is not obvious or otherwise known, Housing staff will verify that the condition meets the regulatory definition of disability.

A reasonable accommodation is a change which can be made to allow a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to take advantage of DHS housing or programs. Any accommodation considered by the DHS cannot result in an undue financial or administrative burden or create a fundamental change in a program.

For example, in the public housing program, it might be reasonable to install an access ramp for someone in a wheelchair, put grab bars in the bathroom for someone with a mobility impairment, or put in a fire alarm that flashes for someone who has a hearing impairment. It might also be reasonable to allow a person with a mental disability to have rent payments made by a third party.

It would not be reasonable to prevent children from using the playground because the noise bothers someone or to provide a resident with a housekeeper at DHS expense.

To apply for a reasonable accommodation, complete a Reasonable Accommodation Request form.

If you need assistance in completing the form, ask a DHS staff member for help. If necessary, DHS may provide a reader or sign language interpreter.

You may be asked to provide confirmation about your disability from a medical professional or qualified service provider. The medical professional or qualified service provider may also be asked to certify and explain how the accommodation you have requested is related to your disability and will be effective in accommodating your disability. It is important that you meet any deadlines for requests for information. Failure to respond in a timely manner may result in your request being delayed or denied. If you need more time to respond, contact the staff person who have been working with.

DHS staff will review your request for reasonable accommodation. If additional information is needed, you will receive a written request. You should be careful to follow the deadlines in the letter. If you have problems or questions, you should call your initial contact person.

The decision on your request will be made by an appropriate DHS staff person. Whether your request is approved or denied, you will be notified in writing.

Keep in mind:

• The DHS considers each request for reasonable accommodation as a separate request. Just because one person had a change approved does not mean that all requests for that type of change will be approved. The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis with the understanding that each person’s needs and circumstances are unique.
• The DHS may suggest an alternate accommodation from the one you request. The decision on whether an accommodation is approved will be based on reasonable cost and confidence that the accommodation will be effective in reducing the barriers to equal housing opportunity and on whether or not it involves a fundamental change to the DHS housing program or creates an undue financial or administrative burden.
• If your request is approved, the DHS may re-verify your continued need for the accommodation at your annual review.

You can download the form here.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Department of Housing Services' Reasonable Accommodation Policy.