Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act · 24 CFR Part 8 · ADA Title II

Requesting a reasonable accommodation.

If you have a disability and you need HACSC to do something differently so that you can fully use our programs, you have the right to request what's called a "reasonable accommodation." HACSC will provide it unless doing so would fundamentally alter the program or impose an undue burden. This page explains what a reasonable accommodation is, gives examples, and lets you request one online, and it explains how to file a formal grievance if your request is denied.

A note on this page

A page like this is required under 24 CFR 8.53 for HUD-funded agencies with 15+ employees, and it does not currently exist on the live HACSC website. The live site links to a 2017-era scanned PDF form (060104-Req-for-RA-3.pdf) but does not name the Section 504 Coordinator or publish the formal grievance procedure. This redesign adds both as the default.

What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change to HACSC's rules, policies, practices, or procedures, or a structural change to a unit or common area, that lets someone with a disability use HACSC's housing programs on equal footing with someone without a disability.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time, when you apply for housing, when you're on a waiting list, when you're already a tenant, when you're being recertified, or when you're facing termination. HACSC cannot charge you for the accommodation.

Examples of accommodations HACSC has granted

Larger-print copies of HACSC mail and notices for residents with low vision
A live-in aide added to the household composition for medical caregiving
An extra bedroom to store dialysis or oxygen equipment
Permission to keep an assistance animal in housing that otherwise has a pet restriction
A deadline extension for an annual recertification because the resident was hospitalized
A designated representative who can talk to HACSC on the resident's behalf
Mail delivered by HACSC in audio (CD or email attachment) rather than print
Relocation to a ground-floor unit for a resident with mobility limitations
A different inspection time when the resident cannot be present during normal business hours due to a medical condition

What HACSC needs from you

HACSC does not need a diagnosis or detailed medical information. We need to understand two things:

That you (or a household member) have a disability, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
How the accommodation you're asking for is related to that disability. A short note from a doctor, therapist, social worker, case manager, or other knowledgeable person is enough.

If you can't easily get this documentation, tell us, HACSC will help you. We can request the verification on your behalf with your written consent.

Request an accommodation

Submit this form online and HACSC's Section 504 Coordinator will respond within 15 calendar days. If you need a decision more quickly because of an emergency (an imminent move-out, a medical crisis), say so in the request and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Your information

Full legal name

HACSC account number, if you have one Not required. Find this on any mail or recertification packet from HACSC.

Are you requesting an accommodation for yourself or for someone else?

Best phone number

How should HACSC contact you?

Your request

What accommodation are you requesting? In plain language. If you're not sure how to ask, describe the problem and we'll figure out what to call it. Examples: "I can't read the small print on my recertification packet, so I need it in large print." "I use a wheelchair and I can't get to my third-floor unit; I need to move to a ground floor."

How is this accommodation related to a disability? You do not have to share a diagnosis here. A short description is enough, for example, "I have low vision," "I have a mobility impairment," "My household member has a developmental disability."

Is this request time-sensitive? Examples: a pending move-out, an upcoming inspection, a hospital discharge date.

Verification (optional now; required before final decision) A short note from a doctor, therapist, social worker, case manager, or other knowledgeable person confirming the disability and the need for the accommodation. You can upload it now, mail it later, or ask HACSC to request it for you with your written consent.

You will receive a confirmation number on the next screen. The Section 504 Coordinator will respond within 15 calendar days. This form is for prototype purposes only and is not submitted to HACSC.

Section 504 grievance procedure

If HACSC denies your reasonable accommodation request, or if you believe HACSC has discriminated against you because of a disability in any other way, you have the right to file a written grievance under 24 CFR 8.53. The procedure below is HACSC's formal disability grievance process. You do not have to exhaust this internal procedure before filing a complaint with HUD or with the U.S. Department of Justice, the paths are independent, you can use any of them, and you cannot be retaliated against for doing so.

Step 1: File a written grievance with HACSC

Send a written description of what happened to:

HACSC Section 504 Coordinator
Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz
2160 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 454-5955 ext. [Coordinator extension]
TTY: 711 (relay)

Your written description should include: your name and contact information, what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and what you would like HACSC to do to resolve the issue. If you need help writing the grievance because of a disability, HACSC will provide assistance, call the number above.

Step 2: Section 504 Coordinator review

The Section 504 Coordinator will conduct an investigation, which may include interviews with HACSC staff, review of records, and a meeting with you. The Coordinator will issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of receiving your grievance.

Step 3: Appeal to the Executive Director

If you disagree with the Section 504 Coordinator's decision, you have 15 calendar days to appeal in writing to:

Jennifer Panetta, Executive Director
Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz
2160 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
jennyp@hacosantacruz.org

The Executive Director will issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of receiving the appeal. The Executive Director's decision is HACSC's final administrative decision.

Independent paths: you don't have to use HACSC's process first

HUD Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity (FHEO): File a complaint at hud.gov/online-complaint or call 1-800-669-9777. You generally have one year from the date of the discrimination to file with HUD.
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division: civilrights.justice.gov
California Civil Rights Department: calcivilrights.ca.gov
You can sue. Section 504 and the ADA each give you a private right of action in federal court. You can also sue under California Government Code §11135 in state court.

HACSC will not retaliate against you for requesting an accommodation, filing a grievance, participating in a grievance investigation, or filing a complaint with HUD, DOJ, the California Civil Rights Department, or a court. Retaliation is itself a violation of Section 504, the ADA, the Fair Housing Act, and California law.

Other accessibility services HACSC provides

TTY relay: Dial 711 from any phone to reach HACSC through the California Relay Service.
Large print, audio, and Braille: Any HACSC mail can be provided in large print or audio. Braille is available with two weeks' notice through the Society for the Blind. Just call HACSC.
Sign language interpreters: HACSC provides a qualified sign language interpreter at no cost for any meeting if you request one at least 72 hours in advance. Call (831) 454-5955 ext. 201.
Service and assistance animals: Service and emotional support animals are not pets and are not subject to pet rules in HACSC-administered units, regardless of any landlord pet policy. HACSC accepts a reasonable accommodation request to verify, but cannot charge a pet fee or pet deposit.