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Frequently Asked Questions ...
Regarding University Housing for Students with Disabilities

Main Office: A255 Murphy Hall, (310) 825-1501 voice, (310) 206-6083 tty, (310) 825-9656 fax
Proctoring Center: A242 Murphy Hall, (310) 825-2651

The Disabled Student Housing Appeals Board (DSHAB) is administered through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). The board membership consists of representatives from OSD, Ashe Student Health Center, Housing and Hospitality Services, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

What is a Disabled Student Housing Appeal?
An appeal is a formal request completed by the student which includes appropriate professional documentation requesting specific university-owned housing based on a disability or medical reason.

What would, why would, or when should a student appeal?
A student would appeal to request university housing or to change her/his housing assignment. For example, a student with a respiratory issue may make an appeal to request an air-conditioned room, a student with ADHD may request a double occupancy room, a wheelchair user may request a roll-in shower, or a student may need a specific furniture configuration in the room.

How does a student get the appropriate DSHAB forms?
A student with a disability or medically-based need who requires a specific housing accommodation can get the DHSAB forms on the OSD website www.osd.ucla.edu/forms.htm or by contacting the OSD at (310) 825-1501.

Do returning students need to appeal to the DSHAB every year?
Yes, students who have disability or medically-based needs for housing need to file an appeal every year. Returning students who meet the eligibility requirements for university housing should file their appeals well before the much-publicized Room Sign- Up date. Please go to www.housing.ucla.edu for more information.

Who completes the forms?
The student making the appeal completes an Information Sheet and writes a self-statement of a few paragraphs regarding his/her necessity for university housing and/or disability-related accommodations. A physician, psychologist or other licensed professional completes the verification forms. Verification forms from relatives ARE NOT accepted.

How soon does a student need to file an appeal?
The sooner the better. For returning students it is best to appeal before the advertised application deadline for room sign-up. For new students, it is best to file an appeal after your acceptance to the University.

What if the housing offer doesn't meet the student’s needs?
The student should accept the offer and then submit the appeal; otherwise, the housing offer will be cancelled.

How does the student know the status of his/her appeal?
The DSHAB meets on a fairly regular basis and reviews each appeal individually. After careful review, the Board either makes a recommendation to the Housing Assignment Office or the appeal is denied. Appealing students receive notification from the Housing Assignment Office informing them of their housing offer.

Can a student have a service animal?
The Board has received and reviewed appeals for service animals. Students planning to have a service animal should contact the OSD and request to speak with the DSHAB Chairperson. Students who receive a recommendation from the DSHAB for service animals are responsible for the care and maintenance of their animals.

What can the University do for a student who needs 24 hour a day personal assistance?
Though the University does not provide care-givers or personal care attendants, the University allows a personal care attendant to live with the student needing this accommodation. The student would include this information on the Information Sheet and submit documentation from a professional verifying the need for a personal care attendant. Depending on the verification and need, a student can receive a bed space free of charge for an attendant. In conjunction with other offices and departments on campus, attendants can obtain parking permits, UCLA Bruin Cards, dining privileges and the like. Please note: these may not be free of charge.

What is the eligibility policy in regard to students with disabilities at Weyburn Terrace and other graduate student housing locations?
Weyburn Terrace generally allows one year of residency and other graduate housing allow a maximum of seven years per family. As with undergraduate students, the DSHAB does review appeals for graduate students.

What is the eligibility policy for undergraduate students?
University policy states that freshmen who apply and pay fees on time are guaranteed three consecutive years of university housing, and transfer students are guaranteed one year. This policy applies to students with disabilities as well. In rare cases, appeals to recommend extending eligibility may be heard by the DSHAB. Such cases may include the need for a 24-hour personal care attendant and/or adaptive architectural features or equipment.

Are there student rooms on the ground (entry) level?
In most undergraduate Residential Facilities, the ground floor (entry level) does not have student rooms; instead there are lobbies, study rooms, offices and other general use rooms. The exception to this is that there are student rooms on the ground floor of Sunset Village, Saxon Suites and Hitch Suites. The University Apartments have many ground floor units.

Can the university remove a bed or mattress?
With appropriate, professional documentation, the DSHAB can review appeals to have a mattress or bed removed for students with back issues or other medical/disability needs. This does not apply to a furnished Weyburn Terrace or Hilgard apartment. In these instances, the Board would recommend an unfurnished unit.

Are students with disabilities assigned to housing in the same area?
No, there is not a specific area, floor or building reserved for students with disabilities.

If a student has a dependent (spouse, child, domestic partner) who has a disability or medical condition that requires accommodations in University Housing, can he/she appeal based on this?
Yes. The DSHAB can review appeals for UCLA students and their dependents. The student should contact the DSHAB chair at 310-267-2004 to learn more.

If you would like this "Frequently Asked Questions ..." in an alternative format, contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at (310) 825-1501 voice, (310) 206-6083 tty or (310) 825-9656 fax.

Revision 01/03/11 HousingFAQ