Documentation Guidelines for Housing, Dining and Parking/Transportation Accommodations

The University of Colorado at Boulder recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its housing policies and practices, where necessary, for individuals with disabilities to use and enjoy University-owned housing. Disability Services is responsible for evaluating criteria for accommodation eligibility within University housing.

Students requesting housing accommodations through Disability Services must submit documentation of a disability and information regarding the disability-related need for the requested accommodation(s). This information is used to determine eligibility for accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act.

Please note:

All housing assignments are completed by University Housing, and they will assign you to housing based on:

• Your approved housing accommodations, if any; and
• Preferences listed in your housing application, to the extent they are able.

The following can help your healthcare provider – or other qualified professional – understand what information is needed for housing and dining accommodation requests. Generally, all submitted documentation, support letters, and/or disability verification forms should establish the following:

• Clearly state that the requester meets the definition of having a disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act, including:
  • The condition is a physical or mental impairment that limits or substantially limits one or more major life activities; or
  • The requester has a recorded history of having an impairment that limits or substantially limits one or more major life activities; or
  • The requester is regarded as having a disability
     
• Explain the relationship between the functional limitations associated with the disability, the need for the requested accommodation, and how the accommodation will afford an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.
  • Third party must present the justification (i.e. why and how) for any recommended accommodation and/or modification to University-owned housing rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations are necessary to afford such a person (with a disability) an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.
  • Words such as "necessary," "essential," or "prescribed" should be used if applicable to describe the requester's need for the requested accommodation.
     
• Quick Tip: To show that the requested accommodation may be necessary, there must be an identifiable relationship between the requested accommodation and the resident's disability.  
  • Other ways to demonstrate a disability-related need for housing, dining and parking accommodations:
    • Have your healthcare provider complete our Disability Verification Form.
    • Have your healthcare provider complete the following questions:
      • The student is requesting housing accommodations due to a disability. Please describe functional limitations they experience that impact their ability to use and enjoy university-owned housing.
      • What symptoms impact the student’s ability to use and enjoy university-owned housing? 
      • What are the triggers of the symptoms?
      • What is the frequency of the symptoms? 
      • How long do the symptoms persist once they begin?
      • Please describe how severe the symptoms are.
  • Accommodations are granted if necessary to afford the resident the same opportunity as other residents to use and enjoy their housing. Please explain how the requested accommodation(s) are necessary to afford the student the same opportunity as other residents to use and enjoy campus housing.
  • Contact dshousing@colorado.edu for additional information on how to demonstrate a disability-related need for housing accommodations.