NCJ Number
142001
Journal
Judicature Volume: 76 Issue: 5 Dated: (February-March 1993) Pages: 250-253
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which came into effect in 1992, forbids public entities from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. As a result of this legislation, State courts must modify policies and practices to avoid disability discrimination, remove architectural and communication barriers, and provide accessible services.
Abstract
Program accessibility focuses on program availability rather than on barrier removal. This can be achieved by relocating services, providing a personal assistant, offering services in an individual's home, or providing information by audiovisual means. Clear information about court services must be provided to every user of the system. Courts can designate an ombudsman, install text telephone systems, and train personnel in communicating with disabled persons. Court interpreters and sound enhancement systems may also prove useful. Accessible pathways are a major improvement required at many courthouses; in fact, many facility and procedural changes can be made at low cost. Accommodations can offer opportunities for disabled persons to serve as jurors. Courts can best comply with ADA requirements by collaborating with community resources including disability-related organizations that can provide advice on special access issues and recruit volunteers to perform many court functions. Sources of funding for more expensive improvements could include fees, taxes, fines, private contributions, and donated services.