Service & Assistance Animal Policy

UNIVERSITY HOUSING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY

Section I. Introduction and Background

Doane University (or the “University”) recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its housing policies and practices where necessary for individuals with disabilities to use and enjoy University housing. This Policy explains the specific requirements and guidelines which govern requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing. Doane reserves the right to amend this policy at any time as circumstances require.

Section II. Procedure for Requesting Reasonable Accomodation (Excluding Requests for Service Animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act)

The Office of Disability Services for Students (“Disability Services”) is responsible for evaluating whether to grant or deny requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing. In evaluating the request, Disability Services will notify the Office of Residence Life (“Residence Life”), as to whether the requested accommodation is necessary and reasonable. Individuals with a disability who reside or intend to reside in Doane housing who believe they need a reasonable accommodation must contact Disability Services.

Requests for reasonable accommodation in Doane’s housing policies and practices are governed by the following requirements:

1. Requesting a Housing Accommodation

An individual with a disability must complete the “Disability Accommodation Request Form For University Housing” (the “Request Form”) to request a reasonable accommodation. Copies of the Request Form are available from Doane’s website. If the individual requires assistance in completing the Request Form because of his/her disability, Disability Services will provide assistance in completing the form.
Doane will accept and consider requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing at any time. The individual making the request for accommodation should complete and provide the Request Form to Disability Services as soon as practicably possible before moving into University housing. If the request for accommodation is made fewer than 60 days before the individual intends to move into University housing, Doane cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the individual’s accommodation needs during the first semester or term of occupancy.
If the need for the accommodation arises when an individual already resides in University housing, he/she should contact Disability Services and complete the Request Form as soon as practicably possible. Doane cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation needs during the semester or term in which the request is received.
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 Reasonable Accommodation Requests

Disability Services 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 reasonable accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.

Obvious Disability: 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 he/she is requesting. No verification of disability and/or necessity is required under these circumstances.
Non-Obvious Disability/Necessity
1. If the disability is obvious but the need for the accommodation is not obvious, the University may require the individual to complete the Reasonable Accommodation Verification Form for University Housing (“Verification Form”) and designate 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.
2. If the disability and necessity for the accommodation are not obvious, Disability Services will require the individual to complete the Verification Form and designate 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.
3. 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, a doctor or other medical professional, a peer support group, or a non- medical service agency (e.g., National Association of the Deaf)

Absent exceptional circumstances, within seven (7) business days of receiving the completed Verification Form from the third-party, the Doane ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, will determine if the accommodation is necessary because of a disability to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.

If the third party returns the Verification Form without sufficient information for Disability Services to determine whether an accommodation is necessary, the Disability Services will inform the individual in writing of the verification’s insufficiency and may request additional information, including speaking directly with the individual supplying the third-party verification, within seven (7) business days of receiving the verification.

The individual making the request for accommodation must cooperate with Disability Services in a timely manner in providing all information needed to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary.

Determination of Reasonableness
1. Disability Services may deny the requested accommodation if it is unreasonable. Disability Services shall consult with Residence Life to determine if implementing the requested accommodation is reasonable.
2. An accommodation is unreasonable if it: (1) imposes an undue financial and/or administrative burden; (2) fundamentally alters university housing policies; (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.
Approval of Accommodation a. If Disability Services 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.

Denial of Accommodation/Appeal
1. If Disability Services determines a requested accommodation is necessary but unreasonable, Disability Services will contact the individual, in writing, within seven (7) business days of its determination and engage in an interactive process with the individual to determine if there are alternative accommodations that might effectively meet the individual’s disability- related needs.
2. If the individual is unwilling to accept any alternative accommodation offered by Disability Services or there are no alternative accommodations available, Disability Services 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 his/her unwillingness to accept any of the alternative accommodations offered or the determination that there are no alternative accommodations available.
3. All appeals are reviewed by the Doane’s Executive Director of Student Support Services. If the appeal is denied, the Director shall provide written notification of the denial to the individual and a written explanation with all of the reasons for the denial.
Confidentiality and Recordkeeping In processing requests for reasonable accommodations, Doane 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.
Non-retaliation Provision

Doane will not retaliate against any individual because that individual has requested or received a reasonable accommodation in University housing.