THA will reasonably accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Please ask for help if you have a disability and need assistance to comply with your program obligations or use our services. Perhaps you need us to modify a rule, change your THA apartment, or change how we communicate with you. If so, THA will try to accommodate you.
To do that, we must determine:
- That you are disabled;
- That you need the accommodation because of your disability;
- That it would not cause THA an undue burden or cost; and
- That it will not fundamentally alter THA’s programs.
You can also download printable versions of our forms using the links below:
- Request Form for Reasonable Accommodation or Modification
- Request for Information from Third Parties Concerning Reasonable Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a change THA makes so that a person with a disability has an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their home. A change may also help a person fulfill their program obligations. This can be a change to a rule, policy, practice, or service. It may also be a change to the unit, or a public, or common space.
Who can request an accommodation?
People with a disability or anyone can submit a request on behalf of the disabled person.
Who qualifies as a person with a disability?
A person with a disability includes:
- Individuals with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
- Individuals who are regarded as having such an impairment; and
- Individuals with a record of such an impairment.
Individuals with temporary disabilities are also covered.
What type of information do I need to provide to request an accommodation?
To process a request, THA must verify that the client has a disability and that what they are asking for is directly related to their disability. We do not need to know the disability or medical condition, only how it impacts the needs of the client.
In some cases, we need a qualified professional who knows the client to verify that a client has a disability and that what they are asking for is a result of the disability.
For instance, if a client has a disability that makes it impossible to climb stairs, they might request a single-story unit. The connection between a single-story unit and their inability to climb stairs is clearly related. However, if the client requested a ground floor unit, we need to understand why a unit on the second floor with elevator access will not meet their needs. The request only mentions an inability to climb stairs – it does not address why they cannot use an elevator.
How long will it take to process my request?
Generally, THA will give an initial response within twenty (20) working days of receiving a request. However, these are only general guidelines. THA reviews requests on a case-by-case basis. Several factors may affect how long it should take.
Requests for a change to a policy or ones that include matters related to safety may be approved and implemented quickly.
Requests that are unclear may take more time. THA will need time to seek clarification to make a sound decision. It takes less time to answer requests when the basis for the request is clear. For example, it shouldn’t take long to approve a service animal for a tenant who is clearly visually impaired. Requests for unit changes may take more time for a decision and implementation because THA may need to get bids.
How do I explain why I need an accommodation without stating my disability or medical condition?
We do not need to know what your diagnosis is – only how it impacts you. You can use phrases like:
My disability makes it difficult to ____. As a result, I need ______ to _________.
Due to my medical condition, I can/cannot ____ and need ______ to _________.
Who qualifies as a live-in aide?
A live-in aide is a person who resides with one or more elderly persons, near elderly persons or persons with disabilities and who is:
- determined to be essential to the care and well-being of the persons;
- is not obligated for the support of the persons; and
- would not be living in the unit except to provide the necessary supportive services.
A live-in aide is not a member of the assisted family and is not entitled to the HCV as the remaining member of the tenant family. The live-in aide must be identified by the family and approved by the Public Housing Authority first. A daily in-home worker, housekeeper, or rotating shifts does not qualify as a live-in aide.