As student mental health becomes a priority concern among colleges and universities across the U.S., so are the ways to help promote positive feelings in an atmosphere where stress from immense academic and social pressure is typically found. Although schools are spending more capital on bolstering student mental health services and giving youth access to resources through the college or university, more novel avenues of care still face barriers at institutions of higher education.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that emotional-support animals (ESAs) are becoming increasingly common in the academic sphere. Historically, schools have shied away from allowing animals in student housing over the fear they would be disruptive to others in the building. Yet, the legal case to allow ESAs on campus to assist students in their studies has strengthened.

Disabled Students Accessing Emotional Support Animals

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), an ESA is not a pet but an “assistance animal…that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified effects of a person's disability.” Housing providers—in this case, colleges and universities—may not refuse reasonable accommodations in affording a person with a disability the “equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.”

Reasonable accommodation requests for an ESA may include, for example:

• A student requesting to reside with an ESA at a property where the housing provider posts a “no-pets” policy
• A student requesting that a housing provider waive a fee or deposit to include an ESA

Disability Access Approval

Most schools require students seeking approval for an ESA for mental health reasons to provide the administration with “reliable documentation” from a licensed mental health professional. Yet, the nature of reliable documentation is fleeting as the definition for such changes from school to school.

To combat this, some schools have designated some student housing as “pet-friendly.” However, lawmakers and mental health advocates have claimed that such a designation may endanger trained service animals and even the people they support.

Institutions that fall behind the curve in mental health support for college students may believe there will be widespread fraud in the ESA system. However, do not let this misconception deter you from gaining access to what you need to have an outstanding academic career.

Unparalleled Student Disability Advocate

Disability accommodations are offered for students to minimize obstacles in academia. There is no reason that a disability or a school's allowance of mental health services should dissuade you from doing your best in your studies.

Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento is unmatched in his experience with student defense matters. He and his passionate team at the Lento Law Firm are known for defending their clients challenging protection under disability rights. Do not sit back and wait for the issues with disability access to become worse. Call 888-535-3686 today, or schedule a Lento Law Firm consultation via the online service.