Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information

• Disability Accommodations in California Courts
• Disability Accommodations in California Courts (for court’s use)

A person with a disability might have a physical or medical condition that limits major life activities, has a history of such a condition, or is seen as having one. A major life activity is something that a person does every day that is important for living. This can include but is not limited to things like taking care of oneself, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working 

Who can ask for an accommodation?

Any lawyer, party, witness, juror, or other person with an interest in attending a court proceeding may request an accommodation.

What kind of help or accommodations can the court provide?

Accommodations may include making reasonable modifications in practices and procedures or furnishing auxiliary aids and services, equipment, devices, or materials. Providing free legal counsel is not an accommodation. A court also cannot extend the statute of limitations for filing an action because of a disability.

Are requests for accommodations private?

Yes.  The court keeps all information about accommodation requests private, unless the law says otherwise or the person asking for the accommodation gives written permission to share it. 
 

You can ask for accommodations using the Disability Accommodation Request form (Form MC-410), in writing, or by speaking to the court’s ADA coordinator. Your request should include: 

• A description of what you need;
• A statement of the medical condition that needs accommodation; and,
• An explanation of why you need these accommodations

The court may require the applicant to provide additional information about the medical condition.

When should you make the request?

Requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible, but at least five court days before you need them. The court can choose to overlook this five-day rule.

The court will promptly let you know if your request is approved or denied. If it’s denied, the court will provide a written explanation. Accommodations can be granted for an unlimited time, for a specific time period, or for a particular court hearing. 

The request for accommodation may be denied if:

• It doesn't meet the requirements of California Rule of Court 1.100, including not providing enough explanation why a medical condition needs an accommodation.
• It would cause undue financial or administrative burdens or problems for the court.
• It would change the service, program, or activity in a fundamental or significant way.
   

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of a disability, you can file a complaint using the ADA Grievance Procedures for the following:

• Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal Grievance Procedure
• Local superior or trial court: contact the court directly by visiting their websites.  See a listing of all trial courts and their websites.
• The Judicial Council’s Grievance Procedure

The California Courts website is made to help individuals with disabilities access the courts and the judicial branch.  To achieve this, the website includes features that are widely recognized as helpful for providing on-line resources and information to individuals with disabilities.  

Contact Us for Web Accessibility Assistance

If you have a disability and the format of material on our website interferes with your ability to access that information, please email us at JCCAccessCoordinator@jud.ca.gov. To enable us to respond, please indicate:

• The nature of the accessibility problem; 
• Your preferred electronic format;
• The web address of the requested material; and 
• Your contact information so we can reach you if we have questions about your request.

Your request will be routed for response.