Accommodations & Services

Examples of Accommodations
The Circuit Court provides a wide range of auxiliary aids and services to provide access to persons with disabilities. Examples of auxiliary aids and services include:

• Assistive listening devices, qualified sign language interpreters, and real-time transcription services to assist the deaf and hard of hearing
• A reading scanner and magnifying devices to assist the visually impaired; and signage regarding access to buildings, battery-operated scooters, and wheelchairs to assist those with limited mobility

The Circuit Court may also provide any other reasonable accommodation necessary to permit a person with impairments or disabilities to fully and equally participate in or observe Circuit Court programs. For more information, visit the Types of Accommodations page.

Notice That Accommodations are Available
The current list of services and accommodations provided by the Circuit Court is available on the court’s website and by contacting the CDC.

Request for Reasonable Accommodations
The current list of services and accommodations provided by the Circuit Court provides contact information for accessing specific services or devices. Individuals may also contact the CDC for more information.

Individuals seeking an accommodation that is not listed should fill out a Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form. The request form is available on the court’s website and by contacting the CDC. The request should be submitted in person or via mail or email to the CDC at least 10 calendar days in advance of the proceeding or program. The request shall be as specific as possible and include a description of the accommodation sought and the date the accommodation is needed. The CDC shall respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the applicant, within 5 calendar days from the date the request was received.

Granting an Accommodation
The CDC shall grant an accommodation as follows:

1. In determining whether to grant an accommodation and what accommodation to grant, the CDC shall consider, but is not limited by, the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and related state and federal laws.
2. The applicant will be informed of the decision of the CDC that the request for accommodations is granted or denied, in whole or in part, and the nature of the accommodations to be provided, if any.
3. The CDC will give “primary consideration” to the request of individuals with disabilities. “Primary consideration” means that the Circuit Court will honor the choice of the individual, unless it demonstrates that another equally effective accommodation is available, or that the requested accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration of Circuit Court programs or undue financial and administrative burdens.
4. The CDC may grant accommodations for a particular appearance, for all appearances for a party, or for indefinite period of time. The duration shall be indicated in the CDC’s written response to the individual making the request.

Denying an Accommodation
The CDC may deny an accommodation request under certain circumstances. Examples of aids or services that the Circuit Court cannot provide as an accommodation under the ADA include:

• Transportation to and from the courthouse
• Legal counsel or advice
• Personal services such as medical or attendant care

The CDC cannot administratively grant, as an ADA accommodation, requests that impact court procedures within a specific case. Requests for an extension of time, a change of venue, or participation in court proceedings by telephone or videoconferencing must be submitted by written motion to the judge hearing the case. The judge may consider an individual’s disability, along with other relevant factors, in granting or denying the motion.

Similarly, the CDC cannot exceed the law in granting a request for an accommodation. For example, the CDC cannot extend the statute of limitations for filing an action or modify the terms of agreements among parties as an ADA accommodation.

Reasons for Denial
The CDC may also deny a request for an accommodation for the following reasons:

1. The individual making the request has failed to satisfy the requirements of this policy
2. The requested accommodation(s) would create an undue financial or administrative burden on the Circuit Court
3. The requested accommodation(s) would fundamentally alter the nature of the court program.