As a defendant, there are many things to worry about, but your ability to access the courthouse and courtroom should not be one of them. To put our client’s minds at ease, here are some of the accessibility accommodations you can expect in a state or federal courthouse.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 protects people with disabilities, including in public places such as courthouses. To request accessibility accommodations in Massachusetts courthouses under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form to your local court’s ADA Coordinator or file a Motion for Accommodation.
Types of Accommodations
Building Access
Building accommodation features may include ramps to enter the building, automatic doors, elevators with modern features such as widened doors, tactile buttons, Braille signage and handles. There should also be accessible restrooms.
Courtroom Access
Accommodations within the courtroom can include access lifts to the witness stand, accessible jury box access, wheelchair seating in the gallery, and mother’s rooms.
Communication & Information Access
For the defendant and others in the courthouses to have access to information about the case and procedures. Accessibility includes large print options, Braille signage, screen-readable formats, audio formats, assistive listening devices, and qualified sign language interpreters.
Modifications of Procedures
Special circumstances can allow modifications in typical court proceedings. For instance, courts can make reasonable modifications to practices or procedures, such as permitting service animals or relocating a proceeding to a physically accessible courtroom, to ensure compliance with the ADA.
Asking For Accommodations
Any court user with a disability may request an accommodation, such as an attorney, a juror, a probationer, a party member, or any other member of the public who has a reason to visit a court location.
To request an accommodation, it is advised to fill out the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form and submit it to the local court’s ADA Coordinator. An ADA Coordinator is also available to speak in person and assist in understanding the accommodations allowed within the court system.
For more information on available accommodations, explore the state ADA – Accessibility in the Courts page on the website. To discuss your legal defense and how your accessibility needs will be handled in the courthouse or courtroom, talk to our team about your unique circumstances.