Reasonable Accommodation
Section 8 HCV Program: Understanding Reasonable Accommodation - Power Point Presentation
Q: When can I request a reasonable accommodation?
Q: When can I request a reasonable accommodation?
A: You must be a person who is otherwise eligible for Section 8 and have a disability in order to request a reasonable accommodation. To be considered a person with a disability, you must have:
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A physical or mental disability (including hearing, mobility and visual impairments, chronic alcoholism, chronic mental illness, AIDS, AIDS related complex, or mental retardation) that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or
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Have a record of such disability, or are regarded as having such disability.
Q: What kinds of reasonable accommodations are available?
A: Some examples of reasonable accommodations are: conducting home visits for a person with a disability who cannot come to the Section 8 office, providing a list of units accessible to the disabled, providing special assistance in finding a unit or referral to an agency that can help, rescheduling appointments, allowing a larger unit for medical equipment or a live-in aide, extending the period of a Housing Choice Voucher, allowing a special "exception payment standard to make the unit more affordable.
Q: How can I let the Housing Authority know that I need a reasonable accommodation?
A: You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time by completing a Special Requirements Questionnaire. Your disability and your need for any requested accommodation must be verified by your doctor. Talk to your worker to see what you need to do for your case.
Q: What if I ask for a reasonable accommodation but the Housing Authority refuses to give it?
A: The accommodation must be "reasonable." It cannot be against the law or change the nature of the assisted housing program like asking to pay less rent or no rent when the law says that you need to pay a certain portion of your income toward the rent.
Sometimes it is difficult for your worker to determine whether your request is reasonable and allowable. In these cases, your worker will generally check with his or her supervisor. You can appeal the supervisor's decision to the next higher level in Section 8. If you are still not satisfied, your final appeal is to the Housing Authority Accessibility Coordinator.
Q: May I request more than one reasonable accommodation?
A: Yes, but remember your need for the accommodation must be verified as medically necessary.
Q: I am a registrant and a person that has disabilities. How will I be able to request accommodations and/or auxiliary aids?
A: When a Section 8 Application is sent to you, it will include a "Reasonable Accommodations Questionnaire" that you may complete and return with your Section 8 Application. This form will enable you to clarify your needs to us so that we can provide assistance.
Reasonable Accommodation Request Forms:
Last Updated: October 25, 2012
