(LONGWOOD COLLEGE)
(The following information was posted to the DSSHE-L listserv by Scott Lissner of Longwood College in response to a question about granting exceptions to housing policies/requests on the basis of disability. Scott’s general comments are followed by the posting of the current Longwood College policy in this area.)

What constitutes a reasonable housing accommodation will depend in part on what your standard housing policies and procedures say, in part on the student's documented need, and in part on the availablity of housing stock.

A key point to rememeber is that you do not accommodate a diagnostic label but the documented impact of the disability. So sometimes an allergy, or ADD may reach the levle of needing accommodations and other times it will not. Have good guidelines for documenting accommodation requests.

A second point to remember is that even with a genuine and documented need there are limits to reasonable accommodations. The limits may be set by a well articulated statements about the goals and functions of the housing requirements, clear notification for requesting time-lines, the impact an accommodation might have on commitments made to other students, etc.

Finally, there may be good reason to grant a request whether or not it is a disability issue. Most colleges make exceptions to most rules at some time or another. Consider the circumstances, should this be one of those times? If so, you may not want to call it an accommodation but you might want to support the request.

Below is the current information that is given out to students who inquire about housing accommodations at Longwood College, Farmville, VA.
-------- -------

HOUSING REQUESTS BASED ON
MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL OR DISABILITY RELATED NEEDS

The learning environment and residential living are central to the Longwood experience, particularly our First Year Program. We evaluate requests for exceptions carefully. To aid this process, requests should include:

Documentation of the condition or need that is the basis of the request;
A clear description of the desired housing configuration;
An explanation of how the request relates to the impact of the condition;
An indication of the level of need for the recommended configuration;
Possible alternatives if the recommended configuration is not possible.
To evaluate requests based on medical, psychological or disability related conditions accurately and equitably Longwood will need documentation. Documentation consists of an evaluation by an appropriate professional that relates the current impact of the condition to the request.

As appropriate to the condition documentation should include:

A diagnostic statement including the date of the most recent evaluation;
The of the diagnostic criteria or tests used;
The current impact of (or limitations imposed by) the condition;
Treatments, medications, devices or services currently prescribed or used to minimize the impact of the condition;
The expected duration, stability or progression of the condition and
The credentials of the diagnosing professional.
In addition to the basic documentation for a condition listed above, recommendations from the treating professional are welcome and will be given consideration in evaluating a request. Recommendations should:

Provide clear description of the recommended housing configuration;
Connect the recommended configuration to the impact of the condition;
Possible alternatives to the recommended configuration; and
A statement of the level of need for (or the consequences of not receiving) the recommended configuration.
Documentation supporting a request or questions concerning the process should be sent to L. Scott Lissner. All Information is considered confidential.

---------------

EVALUATION OF HOUSING REQUESTS BASED ON MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL OR DISABILITY RELATED NEEDS

Housing assignments and the residential learning environment are integral parts of Longwood's programs, particularly our First Year Program. We evaluate all requests for need-based housing assignments carefully. Below is a summary of the factors considered when evaluating housing requests.

SEVERITY OF THE CONDITION

Is impact of the condition life threatening if the request is not met?
Is there a negative health impact that may be permanent if the request is not met?
Is the request an integral component of a treatment plan for the condition in question?
What is the likely impact on academic performance if the request is not met?
What is the likely impact on social development if the request is not met?
What Is the a likely impact on the student's level of comfort if the request is not met?

TIMING OF THE REQUEST

Was the request made with initial housing request?
Was the request made before the deadline for housing requests for the semester in question?
Was the request made as soon as possible after identifying the need. (Based on date of diagnosis, receipt of housing assignment, change in status, etc.)

FEASIBILITY & AVAILABILITY

Is space available that meets the students needs?
Is the student in special interest housing? If so, can the requested configuration be meet within that area?
Can space be adapted to provide the requested configuration without creating a safety hazard (electrical load, emergency egress, etc.)?
Are there other effective methods or housing configurations that would achieve similar benefits as the requested configuration?
How does meeting this request impact housing commitments to other students?
Is the cost of meeting the request prohibitive?

(NOTE: Thanks to Scott Lissner of Longwood College for permission to post these guidelines here. JEJ)