Student must make their request to the ADA coordinator in writing using the Disability Accommodation Request Form for Academic/Educational Accommodations. The request form can be obtained from the ADA coordinator or downloaded from this website.

The ADA coordinator will oversee the interactive process of meeting with the student, verifying all documentation, and developing a reasonable accommodation plan. Requests for disability accommodations can be made at any time during the calendar year. It is generally advised to begin the request process at least four weeks in advance, to allow Lakeland University time to review the documentation and to implement an approved accommodation plan. Accommodations are in effect from date of approval and are not retroactive.

Once the Request Form and the Verification of Disability Forms have been received, the ADA coordinator will review the documentation and make a determination as to which accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Accommodations will be individually determined and will be continuous for the student, unless a review is requested by the student or the ADA coordinator.

Student will be notified in writing of the decision in the determination process no later than 14 days following receipt of the Request and Verification forms.

Appeals Process:

Students who are denied accommodations due to a lack of sufficient documentation of their disability may resubmit their request when they have additional documentation. Students wishing to appeal the ADA coordinator’s decision may file an appeal with the Title IX Coordinator. The grievance procedure can be found at https://lakeland.edu/title-ix/policy-process

Confidentiality and Recordkeeping:

In processing requests for reasonable accommodations, Lakeland University will take all steps required by federal, state, and/or local law to protect the confidentiality of any information or documentation disclosed in connection with the requests. Such measures may include limiting access to such information to individuals specifically designated to determine and implement requests for reasonable accommodations. Those individuals will disclose the information only to the extent necessary to determine whether to grant the request, determine if the request is unreasonable, and implement any request granted.

All written requests and accompanying documentation will be kept in a secure area to which only those designated individuals have access, except as otherwise required by law. Confidential records will be destroyed five years following student’s last date of enrollment at Lakeland University.

Lakeland University will not retaliate against any individual because that individual has requested or received an academic/educational accommodation.

Lakeland University relies on documentation and verification from appropriate, licensed professionals as part of the interactive review process in determining the need for academic accommodations.

Diagnostic information will be accepted from the following providers:

DSM-V Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, or LD must be made by a:

• Ph.D. level Clinical or Counseling Psychologist
• Medical Doctor
• State-licensed and certified School Psychologist (for Educational Diagnosis)

Diagnoses of depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders must be made by a:

• Master’s or PhD level Clinical or Counseling Psychologist or Social Worker
• Medical Doctor

Diagnoses of physical or medical conditions that substantially interfere with a major life function must be made by a licensed medical doctor.

The diagnosis must be current, (i.e. within the last three years) unless the Disabilities Office extends the time period, or the disability documented is of a permanent and unchanging nature.

A student may also submit a prior Individualized Education Plan/504 Plan, or accommodations from a prior college/university as verification of the disability, provided the documentation falls within the three-year guidelines.

All evaluators contributing diagnostic and assessment information must be licensed/accredited in the area they are assessing or evaluating. Documentation must include:

• A clear statement of the DSM-5 or ICD-10 diagnosis
• A summary of the procedures and instruments used to assess, evaluate and diagnose the disability
• A summary of the evaluation results, including standardized test scores
• Past and present symptoms that meet the criteria for diagnosis
• Description of the student’s functional limitations in an educational setting as a result of their disability
• Recommendations for specific academic/educational accommodations

Lakeland University is unable to perform evaluations or assessments that diagnose, certify, confirm, or verify that a student does or does not have a disability condition or impairment.

All applicants must submit the Verification of Disability Form for Academic/Educational Accommodations.

Complete and return all documentation to:

Lakeland University Disabilities Office
Attn. Karen Eckhardt, ADA Coordinator
Hayssen Academic Resource Center
W3718 South Drive
Plymouth, WI 53073

Phone: 920-565-1021 ext. 2115
Email: EckhardtKL@lakeland.edu
Fax: 920-565-1068

Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act (1973), the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990, 2008), and the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Act (1968, 1988, 2020) require that colleges and universities do not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants and students with documented disabilities. Lakeland University recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its housing policies and practices where necessary for individuals with disabilities to fully participate in the housing program.

Reasonable housing accommodations may include single room dwellings, certain accessibility features, and Emotional Support Animal requests.

Procedure for Requesting Reasonable Housing Accommodations (Excluding Requests for Service Animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act)

In evaluating requests for housing accommodations, the Disabilities Office will consult with the Office of Residence Life to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary and reasonable. Individuals with a disability who reside or intend to reside in University housing, who believe they need a reasonable accommodation, must contact Karen Eckhardt, ADA Coordinator, to initiate the verification process.

Policies and practices for reasonable housing accommodations are governed by the following requirements:

Complete and return all documentation to:

Lakeland University Disabilities Office
Attn. Karen Eckhardt, ADA Coordinator
Hayssen Academic Resource Center
W3718 South Drive
Plymouth, WI 53073

Phone: 920-565-1021 ext. 2115
Email: EckhardtKL@lakeland.edu
Fax: 920-565-1068

1. Requesting a housing accommodation

   1. An individual with a disability must complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form for University Housing to request a reasonable housing accommodation. Copies of the Request Forms are available from Disability Services, Residence Life Services, and can be found at https://lakeland.edu/title-ix#policy-for-providing-accommodations-to-students-with-documented-disabilities

      If the individual requires assistance in completing the Request Form because of their disability, Disability Services will provide assistance in completing the form.

   2. Lakeland University will accept and consider requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing at any time. The individual making the request for accommodation should complete and provide the Disability Accommodation Request Form to Disability Services as soon as practicably possible before moving into University housing. However, if the request for accommodation is made fewer than 60 days before the individual intends to move into University housing, Lakeland University cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the individual's accommodation request during the first semester or term of occupancy.
   3. If the need for the accommodation arises when an individual already resides in University housing, they should contact Disability Services and complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form as soon as practicably possible. Lakeland cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the accommodation request during the semester or term in which the request is received.
   4. Housing accommodations from previous academic years are not guaranteed. Verification and documentation for housing accommodations are in place for the duration of one academic year and must be renewed prior to the start of each new academic year.
   5. The University will attempt to provide a written response to a reasonable housing accommodation request within fourteen (14) business days of receiving the information described in the verification process.

2. Information that may be requested as part of the verification process for reasonable housing accommodation

   Verification of Disability Form for Housing Accommodations

   Disability Services shall limit its requests for information to only the information necessary to verify whether the individual making the request has a disability and/or to evaluate if the reasonable accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and participate in University housing.

   1. Obvious Disability
      If the individual's disability and the necessity for the accommodation are obvious (e.g. an individual with a physical disability using a wheelchair needs an accessible room), the individual need only explain what type of accommodation they are requesting. No verification of disability and/or necessity is required under these circumstances.
   2. Non-Obvious Disability/Necessity
      1. If the disability is obvious but the need for the accommodation is not obvious, the University may require the individual to complete the Verification of Disability Form and designate a health care provider who can verify that the requested accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and participate in University housing.
      2. If the disability and necessity for the accommodation are not obvious, Disability Services will require the individual to complete the Verification of Disability Form and designate a health care provider who can verify that the individual has a disability and that the requested accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and participate in University housing.
      3. A health care provider is someone who is familiar with the individual, their history, their disability, and the necessity for the requested accommodation. A reliable health care provider includes, but is not limited to, a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner.
      4. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has determined that many websites offer (for sale) documentation from health care professionals who have had limited contact with the individual requesting such documentation. These professionals lack direct knowledge of the individual's disability and are rarely found to provide appropriate and reliable information in support of a request for housing accommodations.
      5. Lakeland University counseling staff is unable to perform evaluations or write letters in support of housing accommodations.

   If the health care provider returns the Verification Form without sufficient information to determine whether an accommodation is necessary, Disabilities Services will inform the individual in writing of the verification's insufficiency and may request additional information, including speaking directly with the individual supplying the verification, within seven (7) business days of receiving the verification.

   The individual making the request for accommodation must cooperate with Disability Services in a timely manner in providing all information needed to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary.

3. Determination of Reasonableness
   1. Disability Services may deny the requested accommodation if it is unreasonable. Disability Services shall consult with Residence Life to determine if implementing the requested accommodation is reasonable.
   2. An accommodation is unreasonable if it: (1) imposes an undue financial and/or administrative burden; (2) fundamentally alters university housing policies; (3) poses a direct threat to the health, safety and well-being of others; (4) causes substantial damage to the property of others, including University property; and/or (5) is otherwise unreasonable to the operation of the University and its residential occupants.
4. Approval of Accommodation

   If Disability Services determines a requested accommodation is necessary and is not unreasonable, they will contact the individual, in writing, within seven (7) business days of its determination, to arrange a meeting to discuss the implementation of the accommodation.

5. Denial of Accommodation/Appeal
   1. If Disability Services determines a requested accommodation is necessary but unreasonable, Disability Services will contact the individual, in writing, within fourteen (14) business days of its determination and engage in an interactive process with the individual to determine if there are alternative accommodations that might effectively meet the individual's disability-related needs.
   2. Following the interactive process, if the individual is unwilling to accept any alternative accommodation offered by Disability Services and the Office of Residence Life, or there are no alternative accommodations available, Disability Services will provide a verbal explanation and written notification to the individual of the denial, the reasons for the denial, the right to appeal the decision, and the procedures for that appeals process. The notification shall be in writing and made within seven (7) business days of the notification from the individual of their unwillingness to accept any of the alternative accommodations offered or the determination that there are no alternative accommodations available.
   3. Students wishing to appeal the decision of their housing accommodation request should contact the Title IX Coordinator. The grievance procedure can be found at https://lakeland.edu/title-ix/policy-process The Owner will be afforded all rights of due process and appeal as outlined in that policy.
6. Confidentiality and Recordkeeping

   In processing requests for reasonable accommodations, the University will take all steps required by federal, state, and/or local law to protect the confidentiality of any information or documentation disclosed in connection with the requests. Such measures may include limiting access to such information to individuals specifically designated to determine and implement requests for reasonable accommodations. Those individuals will disclose the information only to the extent necessary to determine whether to grant the request, determine if the request is unreasonable, and implement any request granted.

   All written requests and accompanying documentation will be kept in a secure area to which only those designated individuals have access, except as otherwise required by law. Confidential records will be destroyed five years following student's last date of enrollment at Lakeland University.

7. Non-retaliation Provision

   Lakeland University will not retaliate against any individual because that individual has requested or received a reasonable accommodation in University housing.

The Fair Housing Act (Housing and Urban Development, 2020) requires a modification to a ‘no pets policy’ for individuals with mental health disabilities, if having the animal will alleviate one or more of the identified mental health symptoms impacting an individual’s residential experience. Although it is the policy of Lakeland University that individuals are prohibited from having animals of any type in university housing, Lakeland will consider a request by an individual with a mental disability for reasonable accommodation from this prohibition to allow an Emotional Support Animal that is reasonable and necessary. However, no Emotional Support Animal may be kept in university housing at any time prior to the individual receiving approval as a reasonable accommodation.

An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic, emotional support for an individual with a diagnosed mental health disability. Unlike a service animal that is trained to perform a specific task that is important to the independence or safety of their disabled handler, an ESA is not trained to perform disability-specific tasks. Their therapeutic support is a function of their presence and interaction with the person with the disability. An ESA is not a pet but is typically an animal commonly kept in households as a pet. An ESA may be a dog, cat, small bird, rabbit, hamster, gerbil, fish, turtle, or other small, domesticated animal that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure.

Under guidelines from Housing and Urban Development (HUD), reptiles, barnyard animals, exotic animals, monkeys, and other non-domesticated animals are not considered common household animals. Exceptions to these guidelines regarding animals serving as ESAs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The question in determining if an Emotional Support Animal will be allowed in university housing is whether the ESA is necessary because of the substantial limitations resulting from the individual’s disability. It must be determined that the provision of an ESA affords the individual an equal opportunity to use and participate in university housing and the ESA’s presence in university housing is reasonable. However, even if the individual with a disability establishes necessity for an ESA and it is allowed in university housing, an ESA is not permitted in other areas of the University (e.g. dining facilities, libraries, academic buildings, ecumenical buildings, athletic buildings and facilities, classrooms, labs, recreation centers, etc.).

An emotional support animal must be prescribed by a health care provider as part of an ongoing therapeutic treatment plan, as it relates to a diagnosed mental health disability. A long-term therapeutic relationship between the individual and their ESA must clearly be verified by a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about this aspect of mental health care. Therefore, a rescue animal, a shelter animal, or a brand-new animal that has not lived with you prior to this request cannot be approved as an Emotional Support Animal.

It is at the discretion of Lakeland University to approve the specific animal once verification has been received. It is recommended that the student start the ESA request process 4-6 weeks in advance to allow for processing and verification. Requests that are received less than 30 days before the student intends to move into university housing will not be considered until the following term.

All requests and inquiries for an emotional support animal should be directed to our coordinator of disability services, at:

Karen Eckhardt
eckhardtkl@lakeland.edu
920-565-1021 ext. 2115

Students must complete the Disability Accommodation Request Form - Emotional Support Animal as part of their initial request.

Lakeland University - Service Animal Policy and Guidelines

I. Policy Statement

It is the policy of Lakeland University that service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are generally permitted in all facilities and programs on the University campus except as described in the body of this policy.

This policy assures compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), as amended, 29 U.S.C.A. § 794. and the Americans with Disabilities Act, (1990), as amended, 28 C.F.R. § 35.104, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in a university program, service, or activity.

II. Definition

“Service animal” is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and IAADP (International Association of Assistance Dog Partners), as an assistance dog, and may include other animals specifically trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate the effects of an individual’s disability.

Service dogs include guide dogs that guide individuals who are legally blind; hearing dogs that alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to specific sounds; and service dogs for individuals with disabilities other than blindness or deafness. Service dogs are trained to perform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to pulling a wheelchair, lending balance support, picking up and retrieving objects, or aiding in a medical crisis, such as alerting the individual to an oncoming seizure or the presence of allergens.

The presence of an animal for comfort, protection, or personal defense does not qualify as training to mitigate the effects of an individual’s disability and therefore does not qualify said animal as a service animal.

III. Reasonable Inquiries Regarding Service Animals

If the need for service animal is not reasonably obvious to the University, the University may ask the owner or handler the following questions:

• Whether the animal is required because of a disability, and
• What tasks or work has the animal been trained to perform
• The University may also inquire into the training cue or other signs given to the animal to perform a task or work in order to distinguish the service animal from an ordinary pet or companion animal.
• The University may not require documentation of the animal’s training or certification. If an owner or handler refuses to provide the above information, the University may refuse to allow the animal to enter or remain on campus property.

IV. When a Service Animal May be Asked to Leave or is Prohibited in a Lakeland University Program or Facility

A service animal may be asked to leave a Lakeland University program or facility if the animal’s behavior or presence poses a direct threat to the health, safety, or well-being of others. Such examples include:

• A service animal that displays vicious or aggressive behavior towards people or other animals
• A service animal whose presence creates an unmanageable disturbance or interference with the general population (noise, odor)
• Service Animals may also be excluded in areas where the presence of a service animal fundamentally alters the nature of a program or activity or is disruptive. Examples may include, but are not limited to, research labs, areas requiring protective clothing and food preparation areas (this does not include dining areas).
• Animals not covered under the ADA service animal definition can be asked to leave a Lakeland University program or facility.

V. Requirements for Service Animals

• Vaccination: Service animals must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal. All vaccinations must be current.
• Dogs must wear a rabies vaccination tag [Wis. Stats. 95.21(2) (f)].
• Licensing: The Town of Herman, following state law [Wis. Stats. 174.07(1)] requires all dogs to be licensed by the time they reach 5 months of age. Service dogs receive the license at no cost [Wis. Stats. 174.055].
• Leash: [Sheboygan County 8.0601] - The owner/handler shall always keep the dog or other service animal under restraint and shall not permit such dog or other animal to be at large on the premises or property.
• Under Control: The owner/handler of the service animal must be always in full control of the animal. The care and supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of owner/handler.
• Cleanup Rule: The owner/handler of a service animal must follow the Sheboygan County ordinance in cleaning up after the animal defecates [Sheboygan County Municipal Code section 18-9].
• Health: Animals to be housed in Residence Life must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian and submit verification to the ADA Coordinator.

VI. Student requests

Student requests for disability accommodations, including requests to have a service animal accompany them in campus facilities, classrooms, and university housing are directed to The Disability Services Office and must undergo an accommodations request and review process.

For more information, students may contact Karen Eckhardt, ADA Coordinator, at eckhardtkl@lakeland.edu or 920-565-1021 ext. 2115.

VII. Employee requests

Lakeland University employee requests for disability accommodations, including requests to have a service animal at work, are directed to the Human Resources Office following the Procedures for Determining Reasonable Accommodations in Employment. Employees can contact the Human Resources Office at 920-565-1035 or HumanResources@lakeland.edu for more information and assistance.

VIII. Visitors

Service animals accompanying individuals with disabilities are welcome in all areas of campus that are open to the public (except in situations determined to apply under section IV above). Specific questions related to the use of service animals on the Lakeland University campus by visitors can be directed to the ADA Coordinator.

IX. Appeal Process

Student: Any student dissatisfied with a decision concerning a service animal may follow the ADA Grievance Procedures for Student that can be found in their student handbook.

Employee: If an employee is dissatisfied with a decision concerning the request, approval or denial of a service animal, the employee can follow the ADA Appeals procedure located in Section IV in Procedures for Determining Reasonable Accommodations in Employment.

X. Service Dogs in Training

Wisconsin law allows service dogs in training to be admitted to facilities and locations which are open to the general public. Service dogs in training must wear a harness or leash and special cape identifying them as a service dog in training. The trainer must present training credentials issued by an accredited school for service dog training and be in the company of the service dog and the individual with the disability.

Service animals in training are not protected by the ADA, which means they

• are not considered a reasonable accommodation for a disability
• do not have the same public access rights as a fully trained service animal
• are subject to restrictions not placed on fully trained service animals that perform work or tasks for a person with a disability.

XI. Resources

Disability Rights Wisconsin

https://disabilityrightswi.org/resource-center/service-animals/

US Department of Justice- Civil Rights Division

https://www.ada.gov/

American Disability Rights- Service Dogs in Training https://americandisabilityrights.org/adr/service-dogs/service-dogs-in-training#SDIT-WI

All residential students enter into a contractual agreement with the university through the room and board application. The contract is valid for one full academic year, not including winter and summer. Students will complete room and board contracts for each winter and summer stay. All residential students must have a meal plan selected when completing the contract, as this portion is a part of the room and board application. Students may request an exemption from the University meal plan under these circumstances only:

• Student requires a special diet due to a disability or medical condition
• Student requires a special diet based on religious observance or practice

Meal plan exemption requests and supporting documentation must be submitted to Karen Eckhardt, ADA Coordinator, at eckhardtkl@lakeland.edu