Disability and Access Services
On-Campus Housing Accommodations
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo welcomes all students and recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodation(s) in its housing policies and practices where necessary for residents with disabilities to use and enjoy University housing.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo University Housing is in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
Apply for Disability and Access Services
As a partner of Hilo’s University Housing, the Disability and Access Services (DS) handles and reviews all student housing disability accommodation requests (e.g., single room, ADA-compliant shower, air conditioning, service or assistance animal, or personal care attendant). Accommodation requests and disability-related information and documentation should be provided directly to DS Staff and are considered confidential. Any current or prospective resident with a qualifying disability who needs a disability-related housing accommodation must:
- Meet Housing’s published application and payment deadlines;
- Submit a "Disability and Access Services Application Form,” and disability documentation associated with the need for the Housing accommodation. Once determined eligible for DS services, the DS office will contact you.
- Complete a Zoom or phone intake appointment with the DS Director.
- All residents are expected to abide by the responsibilities and policies set forth by University Housing. Policy found in the Terms of Assignment.
Accommodation Request Process
Current or prospective residents with a qualifying need are responsible for submitting their housing accommodation requests to DS before the designated Housing deadline. Since the DS review and processing of requests typically take 2 to 3 weeks, early submission to the DS office is strongly encouraged.
Please note that official notification of accommodation from Disability and Access Services needs to be received by Housing no later than July 15th for the Fall semester and November 7th for the Spring Semester. If notification is not received by this date, a student’s provisional accommodation will be rescinded. Provisional accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Housing Administration.
It is the responsibility of the student who has a qualifying need for a housing accommodation to submit their accommodation request(s) directly to Disability and Access Services by the Housing application priority deadline of March 1st to best ensure receipt of requested accommodation.
There is no guarantee that accommodations will be provided for the requested term if requests are received after stated priority deadlines. On-campus housing is limited; a student with a disability is not guaranteed accommodations if their request is received late.
Requests that are incomplete, lack sufficient documentation, or are submitted after the deadline may result in delays and could affect the ability to secure appropriate accommodations. Due to limited on-campus housing availability, accommodation requests received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be fulfilled. Housing administration has the authority to determine placement based on housing availability in relation to the type of housing accommodation requested.
Residents must renew their accommodation requests if residing in Housing for the Summer term—or, upon returning to Housing after a term of absence greater than one semester. The student would need to follow the DS application process to reapply if absent from being a UH Hilo student for more than one semester.
All student residents are expected to follow the policies and responsibilities established by Student Housing Services. Once DS has verified the need for a disability related housing accommodation, and student Housing staff have been formally notified in writing, it is the responsibility of the student resident to follow up directly with the Associate Director of Resident Life. During this follow-up, Housing will confirm the approved accommodation and review the assigned living arrangement, including the applicable housing rate.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy for University Housing
In compliance with federal laws, the University permits individuals with disabilities to keep an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in their assigned University housing and designated areas within University Housing grounds. Students who wish to have an ESA while residing in university housing must first meet with the Disability and Access Services Office to initiate the approval process.
Once DS has verified the need for a disability related housing accommodation, and student Housing staff have been formally notified in writing, it is the responsibility of the student resident to follow up directly with the Associate Director of Resident Life. During this follow-up, Housing will confirm the approved accommodation and review the assigned living arrangement, including the applicable housing rate.
ESAs are not permitted in other University buildings, including dining facilities—even those located within the student’s assigned residential facility.
Dining Accommodations
The Housing dining team consists of professional chefs and trained staff dedicated to working with residents to address food allergies and other special dietary requirements. For residents with documented disabilities whose dietary needs cannot be adequately supported through standard dining services, an accommodation request must be submitted through the appropriate process.
Renewal of Accommodations
Residents are required to renew their housing accommodation requests with Disability and Access Services each academic year, or for each term as needed, unless the accommodation has been approved for the duration of the student’s university enrollment.
Questions about Accommodations
For more information about disability accommodation requests, please visit the Disability and Access Services website. Disability and Access Services can be contacted at (808) 932-7623; TTY (808) 932-7002 or by email at uds@hawaii.edu