General Description
Policy Summary:
Trinity University is committee to providing accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities by making reasonable modifications in services, programs, and/or activities. It complies with all state and federal laws regarding individuals with disabilities. Students who seek reasonable accommodations must register with the Office of Student Accessibility Services. The University will review all requests for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case, individualized basis.
The learning environment and residential living are paramount to the Trinity University experience. To facilitate equal access to residential experiences at Trinity University, this policy addresses student requests for a personal care attendant to assist them in their on-campus residence.
The learning environment and residential living are paramount to the Trinity University experience. To facilitate equal access to residential experiences at Trinity University, this policy addresses student requests for a personal care attendant to assist them in their on-campus residence.
Purpose:
This policy outlines the main concepts related to requesting a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), clarifies the responsibilities of the student regarding their PCA, and explains the University's role in this process.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act amended in 1988, Trinity University is obligated to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to Trinity’s residence halls and all of the programs and services offered within them.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Fair Housing Act amended in 1988, Trinity University is obligated to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to Trinity’s residence halls and all of the programs and services offered within them.
Scope:
Students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and registered with Student Accessibility Services, and any university employee who is tasked with implementing accommodations approved by Student Accessibility Services
Policy Content
Trinity University permits students with disabilities who have a documented need for assistance with activities of daily living and/or nursing care within a residential setting, to retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services may facilitate higher levels of independent access and participation in College’s programs, services, and activities.Trinity University does not assume coordination of, financial responsibility for, or legal liability for the PCA chosen and hired by the student.
The services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) can be vital to an individual’s quality of life. The carefully planned selection of the right agency and individual to fill the role and ongoing effective communication with the PCA is important for a successful experience.
A PCA works directly for a student with a disability. Students who use PCAs are responsible for securing, training, supervising, and paying their PCAs. Students can make arrangements through agencies or private contacts. Trinity University will not assume any responsibility for the PCA or for the PCA's failure to fullfill their contract with the student. Any student who wishes to bring or use a PCA on campus must:
Students desiring to hire and retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant while on-campus own the following responsibilities.
Students desiring to hire and retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant while on-campus own the following responsibilities.
It is suggested that a student who anticipates needing a Personal Care Attendant should contact Student Accessibility Services as soon as they make a deposit to reserve a space in the residence halls to begin the process.
This documentation should include the following items:
- An indication or statement that the PCA is necessary due to disability-related reasons.
- A description of what level of care is needed (e.g., 24-hour presence, waking hours only, three visits a day).
As a reminder, Trinity University does not assume coordination of, financial responsibility for, or legal liability for the PCA chosen and hired by the student and the PCA must maintain acceptable liability insurance The student will sign a statement indicating that they are aware that the student is responsible for any policy violations committed by the PCA, just as all resident students are responsible for violations committed by their guests.
- The student is responsible for covering the cost of the PCA’s background check.
- Upon request and at the students’ cost, Trinity may be able to assist in securing background checks
A hired Personal Care Attendant is responsible for following all applicable Trinity University policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. The hired PCA must sign an agreement with Residential Life describing the rental conditions (if living-in) and specifying that they will abide by the rules and regulations of the University while on campus. A PCA found in violation of university policies will be removed from campus immediately regardless of the contractual arrangement the PCA has with the student.
The living arrangement will depend on the student’s disability needs. While PCAs are not required to live on campus, a student may choose to arrange for their PCA to do so. The PCA must be of the same sex as the student unless they are the only occupants of the suite. A non-student PCA who lives in the adjoining suite with the student will not have a roommate. Live-in, non-student PCAs will be required to purchase a meal plan and may purchase the following services: technology services, parking permit, and a campus mailbox, if available.
Non-student PCAs will be required to obtain and carry at all times University identification cards.
In collaboration with Residential Life and Student Accessibility Services, a student requesting a PCA may arrange for that individual's access to their residence and any other facilities necessary on-campus. A PCA may use any campus facility which is open to the public. PCAs may use facilities restricted to students and staff only when accompanying the student.
If the student requires the assistance of a relief PCA while their primary PCA is off-duty, the relief PCA will follow the same policies detailed above.
Performance Evaluation
Consequences of Policy Violation:
Failure to follow the proper protocol for requesting a Personal Care Attendant and ensuring compliance with this policy may result in the removal of the PCA from campus and require consultation with Student Accessibility Services for further action.
Terms & Definitions
Terms and Definitions:
|
Term: |
Definition: |
|---|---|
| Personal Care Attendant |
A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is a person who has been hired to support a student with a disability to live a more independent life by performing personal care duties or services (chronic or temporary). A PCA works directly for and is employed by the student. The type of tasks performed by PCAs varies from person to person. Tasks performed by PCAs may include, but are not limited to, the following:
|
| Reasonable Modification | Students approved for accommodations are held to the same standards as their peers and must continue to meet all course objectives and expectations as set by their instructors in the syllabus. "Reasonable and appropriate" refers to the nature of an accommodation, adjustment, and modification made that reflects the student's ability to still meet the course objectives and expectations. |
Related Documents
Revision Management
Revision History Log:
|
Revision #: |
Date: |
Recorded By: |
|---|---|---|
| v2.0 | 1/29/2026 10:40 AM | Pamela Mota |
| v2.0 | 8/12/2025 12:41 PM | Pamela Mota |
| v1.0 | 8/1/2019 8:45 PM | Katharine Martin |
Vice President Approval:
|
Name: |
Title: |
|---|---|
| Megan Mustain | Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs |