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1. I will be visiting a Judicial Branch building. Will there be an accessible entrance?
   
2. I will be visiting a courthouse, but I do not have a court case. Can I still make a request for an accommodation?
3. I have a service dog. Can I bring the service dog with me to court?

4. What is the difference between an Administrative Accommodation and a Judicial Accommodation?

5. May I request an accommodation before I come to court?
6. How do I make a request for accommodation?
7. I have a disability and have been summoned for jury service. How do I make a request for an accommodation? If I am unable to serve, can I get a medical exemption?
8. What information should I include on my Request for Accommodation form?
9. Do I need to prove that I have a disability?
10. If I provide information about my disability, is it confidential?
11. Is there a cost for any of these services?

12. Can I request specific equipment or services to assist me?
13. Does the Judicial Branch have to provide services or devices of a personal nature?
14. Can a person with a disability bring a support person to court to assist them?

15. How long will it take for my request to be reviewed?
16. Can my request be denied?
17. If my request is denied, can I appeal the denial?
18. If I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), does that guarantee that my request for an accommodation will be granted?
19. I made an ADA request and was not given what I asked for. Instead, I was offered an alternative accommodation. Do I have to accept it?

20. What is the role of the ADA contact person?
21. I do not like the Judge’s ruling in my case. Can I file an appeal?
22. What is the Judicial Branch doing to improve access for people with disabilities?
23. Who do I contact if I have any suggestions for improvement?

24. What types of accommodations are available to assist people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
25. What types of accommodations are available to assist people who are legally blind or visually disabled?
26. What types of accommodations are available to assist people with cognitive or developmental disabilities?
27. What types of accommodations are available to assist people with psychiatric or other hidden disabilities?

Visiting a Judicial Branch Facility

1. I will be visiting a Judicial Branch building. Will there be an accessible entrance?
Yes. Every Judicial Branch facility has an accessible entrance and is wheelchair accessible. You can learn more about the accessibility of our facilities on our website, at https://jud.ct.gov/directory/court_directions.htm. If you do not have Internet access, please contact the Clerk’s office.

2. I will be visiting a courthouse, but I do not have a court case. Can I still make a request for an accommodation?
Yes. Anyone with a disability can make a request, whether that person is an attorney, a party to a case, a juror, or a member of the public who simply wants to observe court proceedings.

3. I have a service dog. Can I bring the service dog with me to court?
Service dogs are welcome in Branch facilities, subject to the Department of Justice guidelines. You will be asked two questions by the Judicial Marshal as you enter the facility: “Is that a dog for a disability?” and “What is the work, task or cue the dog has been trained to perform?” You will not be asked to demonstrate the dog’s trained work. There is no certification process for service dogs, so you will not be required to show a certificate or doctor’s note, nor does the dog have to wear a vest or other identifying information that it is a service dog.

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Types of Accommodations

4. What is the difference between an Administrative Accommodation and a Judicial Accommodation?
The Judicial Branch provides two types of accommodations: administrative and judicial. Administrative Accommodations include, but are not limited to, requests for assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, audio recordings, document remediation, and, in most instances, a support person. Requests for Administrative Accommodations are submitted to and decided by court staff, not a judge.

Judicial Accommodations include, but are not limited to, requests for a continuance, extensions of time or adjournments, to participate in a proceeding via videoconference or teleconference, to modify the way testimony is to be given, to take frequent breaks during court proceedings, or to be permitted to remain seated during a proceeding. These requests must be decided by a judge.

All requests impacting court processes – such as a request for a continuance or to participate in a proceeding via videoconference or teleconference - must be sent to all counsel and self-represented parties of record before being submitted to the CAO or Court Clerk and will become part of the public court file. If, however, the request only impacts the judge’s control of their courtroom, such as taking frequent breaks or remaining seated, the request does not need to be sent to all counsel and self-represented parties of record.

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Making a Request for an Accommodation

5. May I request an accommodation before I come to court?
Yes. While a request for an accommodation can be made at any time, it is best to make the request as soon as possible. Giving at least 10 days’ notice is preferred for timely processing.

6. How do I make a request for accommodation?
Qualified individuals under the ADA can request an accommodation from the Judicial Branch orally, in writing, or by using our ADA Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. Completed forms should be emailed to the Judicial Branch’s Centralized ADA Office (CAO) at ADAProgram@jud.ct.gov or given to the Court Clerk or local ADA Contact at the location where the case will be heard. Completed forms should not be submitted using E-Services. In some situations, you may be asked to put your request in writing.

7.I have a disability and have been summoned for jury service. How do I make a request for an accommodation? If I am unable to serve, can I get a medical exemption?
If you have been summoned for jury service and need a reasonable accommodation, you may call Jury Administration at 1-800-842-8175, or you may complete the Juror Accommodation form. If you are unable to serve because you have a physical or mental disability, you must complete the form Request for Medical Disqualification from Jury Service (JD-JA-47), have your licensed health care provider sign it, and return it to Jury Administration by fax or e-mail. For more information, you can also e-mail Jury Administration at Jury.Administration@jud.ct.gov or call Jury Administration at the phone number above.

8. What information should I include on my Request for Accommodation form?
The accommodation request should include your full name, address, and contact information. If known, provide the court date, case name, docket number, and type of case. The request should state the nature of the disability that makes the accommodation necessary and suggest a reasonable accommodation for the disability. This information helps us better understand your situation and provide you with an appropriate reasonable accommodation. The easiest way to request an accommodation is by completing the ADA Request for Reasonable Accommodation form.

9. Do I need to prove that I have a disability?
Generally, no. Sometimes, however, it may be necessary to provide additional information or medical documentation from a qualified licensed professional for the Judicial Branch to determine whether you are a “qualified” person with a disability under the ADA and/or to help identify an appropriate reasonable accommodation. Do not submit medical documentation unless you are asked to do so.

10. If I provide information about my disability, is it confidential?
Title II of the of the Americans with Disabilities Act does not mandate that requests for accommodation remain confidential. However, the Judicial Branch is committed to maintaining your privacy. For example, requests for an Administrative Accommodation or a Judicial Accommodation that impacts the judge’s control of their courtroom will not be disclosed unless ordered by the Court or otherwise provided by law.

Judicial Accommodations that impact court process must be sent to all counsel and self-represented parties of record and will become part of the public court file.

11. Is there a cost for any of these services?
No.

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ADA-related Assistance and Services

12. Can I request specific equipment or services to assist me?
Yes. For example, the Judicial Branch can provide assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, printed material in alternate formats, and real time translation services when appropriate. For a list of some available equipment and services, please visit the Branch’s website, contact the Centralized ADA Office, or reach out to the local ADA Contact Person at the facility you will be visiting.

13. Does the Judicial Branch have to provide services or devices of a personal nature?
No. The ADA does not require the Judicial Branch to provide services or devices of a personal nature, such as wheelchairs, help with feeding, legal representation, or transportation. You can find information regarding these resources on the Branch’s website.

14. Can a person with a disability bring a support person to court to assist them?
The Judicial Branch has developed Guidelines for Use of a Support Person in Proceedings, which details how a qualified individual with a disability can bring a support person to proceedings, including confidential proceedings. For more information on this type of request, please contact the Centralized ADA Office at 860-706-5310 or ADAProgram@jud.ct.gov. You may also contact your local ADA Contact Person.

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Accommodation Request Review Process

15. How long will it take for my request to be reviewed?
All requests will be reviewed in a timely manner. Certain requests may require further consideration and additional time. When possible, requests for accommodations should be submitted with at least 10 days’ notice. Filing a request does not automatically postpone or stop a proceeding.

16. Can my request be denied?
Yes. Your request can be denied if:

• You are not eligible;
• Your request would cause an undue financial or administrative burden;
• It would fundamentally alter the basic nature of the service, program, or activity; or
• You requested a service or device of a personal nature.

18. If I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), does that guarantee that my request for an accommodation will be granted?
No. The definition of disability under the Social Security Administration is not the same as the definition of disability under the ADA. The Social Security Administration defines disability in terms of “inability to perform substantial gainful activity”, by which it means “work paying minimum wage or better.” The ADA defines disability as having, having a record of, or being perceived as having a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.”

19. I made an ADA request and was not given what I asked for. Instead, I was offered an alternative accommodation. Do I have to accept it?
No. Sometimes a person makes a request that could cause a fundamental alteration, such as holding court during nighttime hours. While the Branch cannot grant these types of accommodations, we can often work to find a reasonable alternative to the original request, but it does not have to be accepted by the requestor.

If Judicial Branch staff, not a judge, offers an alternative Administrative Accommodation and you do not agree with it, even if you accept the Alternative Accommodation, you may still file a Complaint. If the court offers you an alternative Judicial Accommodation and you do not agree with it, you may appeal the decision by following the normal appellate process.

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Miscellaneous Questions

20. What is the role of the ADA contact person?
A local ADA Contact Person is available at many Judicial Branch facilities so that members of the public have an individual who can provide specific information about accommodations available at that location. The local ADA Contact Person cannot act as an ADA attorney, expert, advocate, or ADA compliance officer.

21. I do not like the Judge’s ruling in my case. Can I file an appeal?
If you disagree with a ruling in your case made by a judge, you may appeal the ruling by following the normal appellate process.

22. What is the Judicial Branch doing to improve access for people with disabilities?
The Judicial Branch recognizes the importance access plays in our court system and the ADA initiative is always ongoing. An Advisory Board on the Americans with Disabilities Act was created in 2011 to oversee the ongoing implementation of the recommendations approved by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator and to offer new recommendations as appropriate.

23. Who do I contact if I have any suggestions for improvement?
You may call the Centralized ADA Office at 860-706-5310 or email suggestions to ADAProgram@jud.ct.gov. Please limit suggestions to general observations about programs or processes.

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Disability-Specific Accommodations

24. What types of accommodations are available to assist people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
The Judicial Branch has a variety of auxiliary aids and services to assist Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HOH) people, including American Sign Language, Certified Deaf Interpreter Relay Service (CDI), Frequency Modulator (FM) Kits that are portable and can be connected to a courtroom’s audio recording system, and Pocket Talkers that amplify sound for those who may be hard of hearing but do not use a hearing aid. Additionally, the Judicial Branch can provide Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) for those who do not sign. To request such an accommodation, please contact the Centralized ADA Office at 860-706-5310 or ADAProgram@jud.ct.gov. You may also contact your local ADA Contact Person.

25. What types of accommodations are available to assist people who are legally blind or visually disabled?
The Judicial Branch can offer materials in different formats, such as Braille and large print. Additionally, the Branch can provide printed materials in a format that will allow a computer screen reader to read those materials aloud. In some cases, it is also possible to convert font sizes and spacing. To request such an accommodation, please contact the Centralized ADA Office at 860-706-5310 or ADAProgram@jud.ct.gov. You may also contact your local ADA Contact Person. These services can take extra time to accomplish.

26. What types of accommodations are available to assist people with cognitive or developmental disabilities?
Every request is individual to the person and there is no “blanket approach” to providing an accommodation. For example, an individual with a cognitive or developmental disability may need extra time to answer questions, or to process information, or the help of a support person who can help with organization or be a calming influence. To request such an accommodation, please contact the Centralized ADA Office at 860-706-5310 or ADAProgram@jud.ct.gov. You may also contact your local ADA Contact Person.

27. What types of accommodations are available to assist people with psychiatric or other hidden disabilities?
Requests for hidden disabilities, including disabling anxiety, are increasingly common to the Judicial Branch. One of the most frequent requests is to have a non-party accompany a person to proceedings, including mediations. The Judicial Branch has developed Guidelines for the Use of a Support Person in Proceedings, which spells out who can be a support person, and the role that person may play to assist someone with a hidden disability. Another potential accommodation may include the ability to take a break in a private room. To request such an accommodation, please contact the Centralized ADA Office at 860-706-5310 or ADAProgram@jud.ct.gov. You may also contact your local ADA Contact Person.

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Revised July 2023