18 NSU STUDENT HANDBOOK 2022-23 The following forms and documents are necessary to complete your request: NSU Service and Assistance Animal Acknowledgement, Information and Registration Form Disability Assessment Form (generally completed by a provider in either South Dakota or the student’s home state) NSU Service and Assistance Animal Emergency Contact Information NSU Service and Assistance Animal Roommate Agreement Form Evaluation is based on the following two questions: 1. Does the person seeking to use and live with the animal have a disability as defined by the ADA: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity? 2. Does the person making the request have a disability-related need for an assistance animal? • Does the animal work, provide assistance, perform tasks or services for the benefit of a person with a disability, or does the animal provide emotional support that alleviates one or more of the identified symptoms or effects of a person’s existing disability? Where the answers to questions (1) and (2) are “yes,” the FHA and Section 504 require the university to modify or provide an exception to a “no pets” rule or policy to permit a student with a disability to live with and use an assistance animal(s) in all areas of the premises where students are normally allowed to go, unless doing so would impose an undue financial and administrative burden. If documentation of the disability and/or the need for the animal is requested, such documentation must be current and be prepared by a licensed medical professional. The Disability Assessment Form must be completed by the said medical professional. If the person involved also requests a single room, the person will be charged the single room rate. The request may also be denied if: 1. The specific assistance animal in question poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced or eliminated by another reasonable accommodation, or 2. The specific assistance animal in question would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others that cannot be reduced or eliminated by another reasonable accommodation. Breed, size, and weight limitations may not be applied to an assistance animal. A determination that an assistance animal poses a direct threat of harm to others or would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others must be based on an individualized assessment that relies on objective evidence about the specific animal’s actual conduct — not on mere speculation or fear about the types of harm or damage an animal may cause and not on evidence about harm or damage that other animals have caused. Conditions and restrictions that housing providers apply to pets may not be applied to assistance animals. For example, Residence Life may not require applicants and residents to pay a deposit for an assistance animal. Expectations for Service and Assistance Animals Because service and assistance animals are in close proximity to students and others, they must be quiet, obedient and well-groomed. Specifically: • The animal must be up-to-date with check-ups and vaccinations. • Vaccination and license tags must be displayed on the animal (when applicable). • All animals must be in compliance with the provisions of the City of Aberdeen’s Animal Ordinance. • All animals must be well-behaved as defined by the university. • If the student leaves his/her residence hall overnight, it is not the roommates’ responsibility to act as caregiver for the animal.
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