NIU Residence Halls offer rooms and facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. A person with a disability may choose from a number of special options to provide the most convenient housing. If you need special housing arrangements because of a disability, you should discuss this with a CAAR coordinator. The coordinator will be able to explain options and recommend the correct procedures to follow. Students must still comply with all University Housing timelines.
There are rooms that have been adapted with visual alerting devices such as fire alarm lights, telephone lights, and doorbell lights throughout the Residence Halls. Requests for accessible rooms can be made to the CAAR Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services coordinator at jmontag@niu.edu, (815) 753-1303 V, (815) 753-3000 TTY. Be sure to indicate any accessibility needs on the NIU Housing application that is returned to the Housing & Dining office with the deposit for the room. A "Request for Accessible or Single Room" form must be completed and returned to CAAR if you require an accessible room.
Accessible rooms are located in Neptune West, Stevenson Towers, and a few rooms in Grant Towers. The NIU Food Service offers assistance in carrying trays and getting foods in the cafeteria if needed. Contact the CAAR office regarding housing needs. A "Request for Accessible or Single Room" form must be completed and returned to CAAR if you require an accessible room. Accessible private bathrooms are available in Stevenson Towers. (NOTE: First year freshmen are ineligible to live in Stevenson Towers.)
Neptune, a centrally located residence hall, may be preferred by students with visual impairments. Please note your need on your "Housing Application" and notify a CAAR coordinator of your request. A "Request for Accessible or Single Room" form must be completed and returned to CAAR.
Single rooms may be available for students who have disability documentation that clearly specifies a need for this accommodation. To request a single room, you must indicate the need based on a disability on your housing application. You must also contact the CAAR office. A "Request for Accessible or Single Room" form must be completed and returned to CAAR. If it is determined that a student qualifies for a single room, they will be given priority for a single room. This accommodation does NOT negate the single room fee.
If you need assistance for emergency evacuation, contact your Community Advisor (CA) and Hall Director regarding procedures.