Housing Accommodations
University Housing and Residential Life attempts to offer options for undergraduate, professional and graduate students who require disability-related housing accommodations. Wheelchair access or other barrier free spaces can be arranged upon request, and depending on availability.
When admitted to the University, students interested in University housing are required to pay a housing deposit. Upon receipt of the deposit, students are sent a housing license that must be completed and returned to University Housing and Residential Life immediately. Requests for specific accessible housing and medically-related accommodations should be made on the license agreement. Students who require housing accommodations should present their written requests as early as possible. If uncertain of particular housing needs, ask professional staff members at DRS and University Housing and Residential Life.
Each year, students are required to reapply for University Housing. Students with documented disabilities and other medical needs are offered priority consideration if their condition continues to warrant housing accommodation. Students requesting special consideration for Housing based on disability or medical conditions must submit current documentation to the appropriate Temple University office at least one month before the priority room selection process begins. University Housing and Residential Life makes decisions on specific room assignments on a space available basis.
Students requesting special University-sponsored housing accommodation because of a medical or disability-related condition must present documentation that establishes eligibility for accommodation under applicable laws, including The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and supports a request for specific housing accommodations. Consideration is given in situations where a student can demonstrate that they would not be able to attend the University without on-campus, University-sponsored housing accommodations.
Documentation must:
- be prepared and signed by an objective, qualified professional in the appropriate field of concern who is not a family member;
- contain the name and license number of that professional; describe current function; be typed on letterhead with callback telephone number; clearly state diagnosis and examples of “substantial limitation of function”; describe the functional limitations that would necessitate special housing accommodations; include suggested housing accommodations; be supported by complete relevant medical history;
- if appropriate, include the names and scores of testing assessments used to make specific determinations.
Requests and documentation should be addressed to
Assistant Director, Disability Resources and Services
100 Ritter Annex
1301 C. B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19122
215-204-1280
215-204-6794 Fax
Temple University reserves the right to request additional information if necessary to support eligibility or determine the severity of the need. Documentation is maintained in a secure file at DRS. Documentation is not shared with others, although if requested, general information about the student’s accommodations may be discussed on a need-to-know basis with administrators. DRS is committed to maintaining utmost discretion in matters involving students’ disabilities and related matters. Pertinent information related to records may be shared with University personnel only when deemed necessary and appropriate to facilitate the student’s access to programs and services.
Students with significant physical or medical conditions are encouraged to meet with their Resident Directors and Resident Advisers to discuss ways that accommodations can be most efficiently implemented.
In addition to University-sponsored housing, private, community housing units are located in the immediate campus area. A list of other apartments and roommate postings is available through University Housing and Residential Life Office at 215-204-7184 and http://www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/housing.
Housing and Urban Development Authority, supported by the City of Philadelphia, maintains a listing of accessible units available to qualified applicants. Since there is a waiting list for wheelchair accessible housing, interested people should plan early to reserve appropriate space. For information, contact
Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUD)
The Wanamaker Building
100 Penn Square East
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3380
215-656-0500 (Voice)
215) 656-3452 (TTY)
215-656-3433 (Fax)
http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=pa&topic=offices