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ADA Accommodations and Accessibility Resources

Student Housing Guide

Reasonable Accommodations for Housing

  • The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at UDC processes accommodation requests confidentially through an interactive process that includes documentation review and coordination with housing and faculty.
  • Each semester, students receive a formal accommodation letter outlining approved adjustments and how to access them.
  • Common accommodations include modified housing features, accessible living arrangements, assistive technology, extended exam time, note-taking services, and adaptive furniture.

Rights and Responsibilities

  • Students have a right to privacy—disability information will not be disclosed to faculty or classmates without consent.
  • UDC must process requests promptly, maintain confidentiality, and provide equally effective accommodations.
  • Students are responsible for submitting complete documentation and renewing accommodation requests each semester.

ARC Services

ARC offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including:

  • Adaptive technology, interpreters, FM systems
  • Note-taking support, priority registration, extended exam times
  • Assistance with alternative media formats and housing/navigation aids
  • Formal grievance procedures if accommodations are denied or mismanaged.

How To Get Started

  1. Contact ARC by phone, email, or in person at Building 39.
  2. Complete the ARC Registration Form with current semester details.
  3. Submit recent and relevant disability documentation that includes functional limitations.
  4. Meet with an ARC counselor to develop your accommodation plan (processing time: 1–2 weeks).
  5. Coordinate with Residence Life using the HRL-ARC form for housing adjustments or ESA approval.
  6. For ESAs, submit the ESA form along with veterinary and vaccination documentation.

Policies and Required Forms

  • Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Explains how accommodations are determined and administered. Available through ARC or the student portal.
  • Service and Emotional Support Animal Policy:
    • Service animals (dogs or miniature horses trained to perform disability-related tasks) do not require registration but must comply with ADA guidelines.
    • Emotional support animals (ESAs) fall under Fair Housing regulations. ESA registration is required to secure approval for residence accommodations.
    • Service/ESA Animal Registration Form: Submit this form with current documentation each semester to remain registered with ARC.
  • HRL-ARC Information Request Form: Used to initiate or modify housing accommodations in coordination with Residence Life.

Pro Tips

Apply early—preferably before the semester begins—to avoid delays.

If transitioning from previous accommodations (e.g., IEP or 504 plan), submit documentation early each semester.

Service animals do not require registration but must be reported to Residence Life for appropriate housing arrangements.

ESAs require additional steps and are not treated the same as service animals under ADA regulations.

By connecting with ARC and Residence Life early, you can ensure a smooth, supportive, and personalized housing experience that meets your accessibility needs.

Contact ARC

For support with accommodations, service animals, and accessibility needs, contact ARC.

Accessibility Resource Center

University of the District of Columbia
Van Ness Campus, Building 39, Room 106B
Phone: 202-274-6417
Voice: 202-274-5579 (TTY)
arc@udc.edu

Contact Us

For full details, housing applications and policy updates, contact our office:

Office of Housing and Residence Life

202-274-6570
housing@udc.edu

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