On-Campus Housing Consideration Based on Disability

The Fashion Institute of Technology believes that the opportunity to participate in a learning/living environment is an integral part of the college experience for all students. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FIT has established the procedure described below to provide students with documented disabilities access to campus housing accommodations that reasonably meet their needs, as required by law. 

FIT-ABLE recommends students request housing accommodations at the earliest possible time. We cannot guarantee placement, but earlier requests are more likely to be met if approved.

Procedures

Choose the link below for the procedure to request disability related housing accommodations based on your needs:

Evaluation of Requests

Requests for housing accommodations are carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis to provide access in accordance with FIT’s policies and with federal, state, and local law and regulations. Requests for housing accommodations based on disability are reviewed by the FIT-ABLE Office and by the FIT Housing Accommodations Committee. The committee is led by FIT-ABLE, and is comprised of representatives from Health Services, Counseling, Residence Life, and the Office of the Dean of Students.

FIT-ABLE is responsible for:

  • reviewing students’ housing accommodation requests
  • collaborating with other FIT offices, as needed, to evaluate accommodation requests
  • making a final decision based upon individual student’s needs and the reasonableness and availability of the requested accommodation
  • providing students with an email notification of the decision
  • maintaining disability related information in the FIT-ABLE Office

Please note that submitting documentation does not mean that a student’s request for housing accommodations will be approved. On-campus housing accommodations are subject to a determination about the need for and reasonableness of the requested accommodation and the availability of the requested accommodation. Specific roommate requests will generally not be considered in determining a reasonable accommodation.  

Residence Hall Disability Accommodation Request Procedure

Students requesting housing accommodations MUST still follow the Residential Life application process to request campus housing. 

  1. Complete the FIT-ABLE Accessibility Request Form. Students must login to our portal using their FIT credentials. Once logged into our portal, please select "Accommodation" from the left-side menu and then click "Accessibility Request". 
  2. Complete the documentation requirements. Have your healthcare provider complete the Medical Information For Housing Accommodation Request Form (.pdf)  and return it to the FIT-ABLE office. 
  3. After sufficient documentation is submitted, you will receive an email from FIT-ABLE to schedule a Housing Intake Meeting. That appointment should be scheduled using the FIT-ABLE portal.
  4. Your request will be reviewed and you will be notified via email of the Residence Hall Disability Accommodation decision.

Emotional Support Animal Request Procedure

Before starting the request procedure, please review the  Disability Accommodations for Service and Emotional Support Animals Policy .

  1. Complete the FIT-ABLE Accessibility Request Form. Students must login to our portal using their FIT credentials. Once logged into our portal, please select "Accommodation" from the left-side menu and then click "Accessibility Request". . 
  2. Complete the Emotional Support Animal Agreement Form (.pdf).
  3. Complete a Personal Written Statement that includes the following information:
      a. Type and Name of ESA you are requesting 
      b. Why you are requesting the ESA
      c. What will the impact be on you if the ESA is not approved
      d. Plan to meet the care needs of the ESA in the residential hall environment given academic, work and/or        extracurricular schedule. Care of the ESA is the student’s responsibility if approved 
       e. Plan to comply with NYC Regulations regarding animal registration if applicable
       f. Continued plan of care/treatment with the healthcare provider recommending the ESA   
       g. Name and phone number of emergency contact for care of animal in event student is unable to care of ESA
       h. Photo of the ESA 
  4. Complete the documentation requirements. Have your healthcare provider complete the Medical Information For Emotional Support Animal Request Form (.pdf) and return it to the FIT-ABLE.
  5. After sufficient documentation is submitted, you will receive an email from FIT-ABLE to schedule a Housing Intake Meeting. That appointment should be scheduled using the FIT-ABLE portal.
  6. Providing Proof of Rabies Vaccination of cats and dogs and Proof of Licensure for dogs. These requirements are required annually by New York City regulations.
  7. Complete a Housing Intake Meeting with FIT-ABLE staff, which is includes meeting your ESA over Google Meet.
  8. Notified via email of the decision from FIT-ABLE.

Housing Accommodation Renewal

Returning students previously approved for a housing accommodation must complete a Housing Accommodation Continuation Request Form prior to each new academic year to be considered for a continuation of their accommodation. Dates for submitting the request to FIT-ABLE are above.  After students reapply, FIT-ABLE will advise students if updated documentation is needed to support the requested accommodation. 

On-Campus Dining Accommodations

Students needing accommodations due to dietary concerns should first connect with FIT Dining Services Nutritionist, Kayla Kirschner. 

Email Dining Services Nutritionist Kayla Kirscher ([email protected])

Call Dining Services Nutritionist Kayla Kirscher (908.926.4706)

Text Dining Services Nutritionist Kayla Kirscher (908.926.4706)

You will be able to discuss your concerns and what options are available for you to meet your dining needs. FIT Dining Services will work with you and if needed will refer you back to our office to request dining accommodations.

Questions 

Any questions should be directed to FIT-ABLE at 212.217.4090, [email protected], or in person at the FIT-ABLE Office, Dubinsky Student Center, Room A570.