5767 REQUEST FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

5767.1 A person with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process or participation in the RAD/PBV Programs of DCHA. All requests must be reduced to writing by the individual, any person identified by the individual, or by the Project Owner or DCHA staff member to whom the request is made.

5767.2 Reasonable accommodation methods or actions that may be appropriate for a particular program and individual may be found to be inappropriate for another program or individual. The decision to approve or deny a request for a reasonable accommodation is made on a case by case basis and takes into consideration the disability and the needs of the individual as well as the nature of the program or activity in which the individual seeks to participate. The following provisions apply to Requests for Reasonable Accommodations:

1. (a) All applicants will be provided the Request for a Reasonable Accommodation Form with the application, and upon request.
2. (b) All participants will be provided the Request Form again at the time of recertification, and upon request.
3. (c) DCHA will respond in writing to all requests for reasonable accommodation.
4. (d) All decisions to grant or to deny reasonable accommodations will be communicated in writing and in the form requested by the individual.

5767.3 Examples of reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

1. (a) Making a unit, part of a unit or public and common use element accessible for the head of household or a household member with a disability that is on the lease;
2. (b) Permitting a family to have a service or assistance animal necessary to assist a family member with a disability;
3. (c) Allowing a live-in aide to reside in an appropriately sized RAD Covered Project unit;
4. (d) Transferring a participant to a larger size unit to provide a separate bedroom for a person with a disability;
5. (e) Transferring a participant to a unit on a lower level or a unit that is

completely on one level;

(f) Making documents available in large type, computer disc or Braille;

(g) Making interpreters available to meet with staff or at resident meetings;

(h) Installing strobe type flashing lights and other such equipment for a family member with a hearing impairment; or

(i) Permitting an outside agency or family member to assist a participant or an applicant in meeting screening criteria or meeting essential lease obligations.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking at 64 DCR 12956 (December 22, 2017); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 66 DCR 6831 (June 7, 2019).