Housing Accommodations

OAA works with University Housing to recommend accessible housing for students living on campus. To ensure the best options, students should complete housing contracts first and then submit accommodation requests as early as possible. Requests made less than 60 days before move-in may be harder to fulfill and could delay accommodations during the first semester.

Steps for Requesting Housing Accommodations

Apply for housing through the SIU My Housing Portal
Complete an OAA application for Housing Accommodations
Upload documentation from a qualified medical provider. Requests will not be reviewed until appropriate documentation is provided.
Select your own room during your assigned reservation period. University Housing will monitor selections to ensure they meet OAA’s accommodation recommendations.

Review and Approval

A diagnosis or medical condition alone does not guarantee approval. Decisions are based on the condition, the limitations caused by the condition, and the accommodations and supports available on campus and in campus housing facilities.

Requests are reviewed individually, through an interactive process with the student.
Incomplete applications, including applications submitted without the required medical documentation, cannot be processed.
Accommodation decisions or requests for additional information are sent to the student's SIU email.
Typically, after necessary documentation is received, reviews take 7-10 business days.
Final Housing assignments to fulfill approved accommodations come from the Housing office.
Housing requests are accepted during the semester but may not be fulfilled depending on available space. Some accommodations may require the student to move to a new location.

Accessible Living Spaces

Many students with mobility disabilities who require modified on-campus housing live in the West Campus/Thompson Point area, which is centrally located and offers automatic doors, roll-in showers, and many other accessibility features. Accessible housing is also available at Wall & Grand Apartments and Evergreen Terrace.

Rooms and apartments with visual fire alarms, visual door knockers, Braille signage and other accessibility features are available in several locations.

Single Room Requests

SIU cannot provide a low-distraction living environment based on a diagnosis of ADHD, a learning disability, or any other condition.

Because residence halls and apartments have shared spaces, resources, and many students living together, quiet and distraction-free areas cannot be expected. Learning to share space and respect others is part of the college experience.

Quiet study rooms and lounges are available at all residence halls and other campus locations for students who need a low-distraction space.

Single Room Request Considerations

Single rooms and/or private bathrooms can be granted as a disability related accommodation if there is presence of a disabling condition that creates a significant barrier preventing the student from living with a roommate and/or sharing a bathroom.

OAA requires documentation from a current qualified treating professional.
This documentation must describe the functional limitation related to the student's diagnosis.
It must be clear why the student is unable to have a roommate/suitemate, and must clearly describe the associated barriers.
The presence of a disability, personal preference, or financial burden does not entitle nor guarantee an accommodation.

Food Allergies and Dining Services

SIU Dining Services is able to support a wide variety of food allergies. If you have a food allergy or require a special diet, University Housing Dining Services registered dietitians can provide you with the resources and information needed to make healthy food choices in the dining halls. Special dietary preferences which are not due to a disabling condition may be coordinated directly with Dining Services without OAA involvement. For more information, visit University Housing's dining web page or call 618-453-2301.

Steps for Requesting Dining Accommodations

Students with food allergies should complete an application for Housing Accommodations
OAA will inform Dining Services of the presence of a documented food allergy.
Students can then work directly with Dining Services’ registered dietitians to develop their own plan for allergen-free meals.

Emotional Support Animals

Please carefully review the information found on our ESA website and be sure to follow all associated procedures.

Housing Accommodations