Self-Help: American Disabilities Act (ADA)

An accommodation in the court setting is a reasonable change to court practices, policies, or procedures to help meet the needs of court users with a disability, and give them the best opportunity to fully participate in their court case.

Only you can make that decision. If you are a person with a disability who believes an accommodation would be helpful to help you fully participate in your court case, then you may want to consider submitting an accommodation request to the court.

Anyone with a disability. Accommodations can be provided to any qualified person with a disability to help them access the courts. A family member, friend, or caregiver may help you complete your paperwork and put in the request. Court staff are also available to help you fill out accommodation requests

Yes. Accommodations are free.

• Communication boards
• Braille
• Large print
• American Sign Language Interpreters
• Advocate or a supported decision-making team
• Extra time for communicating during court
• Virtual Remote Interpreting
• Computer-assisted real-time transcription (CART)
• Extra space between litigant and staff
• Limited eye contact
• Ample lighting
• Lower lighting
• Alternative location for physical mobility or lighting needs
• Breaks

To make a request for an accommodation you will need to submit a specific form, called a GR 33 Request for Accommodation.

• The GR 33 Request for Accommodation form can be found here: Request for Reasonable Accommodation
• Medical and other health information is not required to submit the request. The court will let you know if you need to provide more information regarding your request. If you decide to provide medical documentation, include a Sealed Medical and Health Information Cover Sheet under GR 33 which can be found here: Medical and Health Information Cover Sheet

Note on Privacy: Court personnel will have access to accommodation paperwork. Requests can become part of the public record if

• Request for Reasonable Accommodation form and supporting documents are not submitted under a Sealed Medical and Health Information Sheet Under GR 33
• You include reference to your disability in a non-sealed court document, such as a motion or request for continuance
• You waive confidentiality yourself

Requests for accommodation should be filled out as soon as possible, and ideally at least 5 days before any court date. The courts will try their best to accommodate court users on short notice, but it may not be possible.

• Call or email the ADA Coordinator for the court your case is in
• Visit the court's website where your case is being held

Accommodations are determined on an individual and case-by-case basis. They are based on the nature of an individual's disability and the feasibility of the requested accommodation.

Accommodations should be approved unless:

• The court cannot provide the requested accommodation on the date of the proceeding;
• The requested accommodation would result in prejudice to a party;
• It would cause an undue burden on the court; or
• It alters the nature of court services, programs, or activities.

Applicants will be informed in writing or on the record whether their request has been approved or denied. Sometimes a partial accommodation is granted. If this is the case, you will be told what part of your accommodation request was approved and how it can be used in court.

The court must tell you why your accommodation was denied. If you are denied accommodation and disagree with the court's decision, you can ask about their appeal or grievance process. You may contact the ADA Coordinator to find out about the grievance process. If you have completed the grievance or appeal process and still feel that your complaint has not been addressed, you may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division: https://civilrights.justice.gov/