Disability Accommodation

University Residences adheres to the University's Accommodating Persons with Disabilities policy (POL-U1600.03), which is in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-11) and 45 C.F.R. Part 84; Fair Housing Act of 1968 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3601 et seq., Chapter 49.60 RCW; and Chapter 288.20 RCW.

University Residences recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its policies and practices and is committed to supporting the University's educational purpose and mission. University Residences work in partnership with the Disability Access Center (DAC) to provide comparable, convenient, and accessible housing to students with disabilities, without charging higher room rates for a DAC approved disability accommodation.

Disability Access Center
Find an accessible Residence Hall

 

Students requesting accommodations in University Residences must complete both a Housing application and a request with DAC. Requests should adhere to housing deadlines and priority dates. Requests submitted after fall quarter deadlines, and all requests made for winter/spring quarters, will be processed as soon as space becomes available, but may be added to a waitlist.

  • University Residences works in partnership with DAC to provide accommodations that meet individual student needs.
  • Accommodations in housing are determined by DAC on a case-by-case basis. For more information on receiving accommodations, contact the Disability Access Center.

Steps to Receive Disability Accommodation in University Residences

  1. Apply for Housing
  2. Apply for services with the Disability Access Center (DAC) and submit documentation from your healthcare provider. Specifically for housing accommodations, DAC recommends students apply at least two weeks before the dates listed in Step 5.
  3. DAC engages in an interactive process with the students about the accommodations that need to be in place to address barriers on their housing experience. Please allow at least two weeks for this step, which may include DAC scheduling appointments, reviewing medical documentation, and coordinating any necessary follow-up with the student or their healthcare provider.
  4. DAC notifies the student of approved accommodations and if any additional steps are required.
  5. DAC informs University Residences of approved accommodation and type of room assignment required, on the following schedule:
    • Returning residents: February 15
    • New residents for Fall Quarter: June 15
    • New residents for Winter Quarter: November 15
    • New residents for Spring Quarter: February 15
    • New residents for Summer Quarter: May 15
  6. University Residences places students in housing consistent with their DAC-approved accommodations.
    • All new students, including students with DAC-approved accommodations, who meet the housing deadlines, are guaranteed on-campus housing their first year at Western, or remainder thereof if admitted mid-year. For students who do not meet housing deadlines or who apply mid-year, housing may be unavailable or housing options may be limited due to space availability. DAC-approved accommodations are given priority, although applications submitted after the deadline(s) are assigned on a space available basis and may include a waitlist.
  7. University Residences posts assignments in [MyHousing](https://wwu.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortal/B24B529B/1/1/Home-Home) per stated dates (By August 1 or September 1 for fall start).
  8. Requests submitted after fall quarter deadlines, and all requests made for winter/spring quarters, will be processed as soon as space becomes available, but may be added to a waitlist.
  9. For more information regarding service animals or emotional support animals in University Residences, please refer to the [Community Standards](/living-on-campus/policies/community-standards) Animals in Residence section, and Disability in University Residences section.

Examples of Possible Housing Accommodations

  • Single room options
  • Wheelchair accessible room and bath
  • Room equipped with a visual fire alert
  • Medical related dietary consult
  • Special bathroom needs
  • Furniture adjustments
  • Early arrival
  • Housing with a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The process for requesting disability accommodations is separate from the housing application process. Students need to first apply for housing and then request disability housing accommodations through the Disability Access Center. The process to request housing accommodations is the same as the process to request classroom accommodations and both types of accommodations can be requested at the same time.

Yes, if you have followed housing deadlines (applied for housing by the priority application period and paid by the Housing payment deadline). Housing applications with disability accommodations requested by the listed deadlines receive priority in assignments. Applications submitted, with accommodations requested, after the deadline(s) will be assigned on a space available basis and may include a waitlist.

Yes, housing applications with disability accommodations requested by the listed deadlines receive priority in assignments. However, University Residences are typically full during fall quarter. This means that applications submitted for winter and spring quarter will be assigned on a space available basis and may include a waitlist.

Yes. Accommodation requests are processed after the priority application period deadline. However, if you request an accommodation after June 1 for fall quarter, there is a high likelihood that you will be on a waitlist, especially if assignments have already been made for the quarter.

Yes. With an approved accommodation, this can be arranged with advance notice.

No. Generally, single rooms are not assigned to provide for a quiet study space. University Residences staff can help work out agreements that allow both roommates to successfully study in their room. In addition, study areas within residence halls, academic study areas, and the various campus libraries are alternative places where students can study.

No. Students with disabilities approved for housing accommodations are not subject to surcharges.