Housing Voucher Programs - Policy and Procedures Manual

Chapter XVII Sections

1. Request for Reasonable Accommodation
2. Eligibility
3. Accommodation Requests During Application Process
4. Verification of Disability
5. Approval or Denial of a Request
6. Possible Reasonable Accommodations
7. Conservator/Guardianship
8. Forms Listing

Chapter XVII: Reasonable Accommodation

Section B: Eligibility

To be eligible to request a reasonable accommodation, the requester must verify that they are a person with a disability under the following ADA definition:

1. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual; a record of such impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.

   Note: This is not the same as the HUD definition used for purposes of determining allowances.

2. Physical or mental impairment covers a wide range of impairments, including some that might not be obvious such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, HIV infection or alcoholism. Major life activities are activities that are of central importance to daily life such as seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for one’s self, learning, and speaking.
3. Rehabilitated former drug users and alcoholics are covered under the ADA. However, a current drug user is not covered. In accordance with 24 CFR, 5.403, individuals are not considered disabled for eligibility purposes solely on the basis of any drug or alcohol dependence. Individuals whose drug or alcohol addiction is a material factor to their disability are excluded from the definition. Individuals are considered disabled if disabling mental and physical limitations would persist if drug or alcohol abuse discontinued.
4. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with a disability that requires an advocate or accessible offices. A designee will be allowed to provide some information, but only with the written permission of the person with the disability.