Court Accommodations for Disabilities: How to Ask
Updated 2026-10-06
Going to court is stressful for anyone. For a person with a disability, it can also mean physical barriers, long waits, hard-to-follow proceedings, or forms that do not work with assistive technology. Federal disability law generally requires state and local courts to make their services accessible. This guide explains how that works and how to ask for an accommodation.
The ADA covers state and local courts
The Americans with Disabilities Act has several parts, called titles. Title II applies to state and local governments. The U.S. Department of Justice's ADA page on state and local governments says that under Title II, all state and local governments must follow the ADA regardless of their size. The page lists courts among the programs that must comply, along with schools, voting, and other government services.
The same page says Title II requires state and local governments to give people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from all of their programs, services, and activities.
Federal courts are part of the federal government and follow their own policies. If your case is in federal court, ask the clerk's office how to request an accommodation.
What a court may need to provide
The ADA page describes several specific requirements for state and local governments. In plain terms, a court generally must:
- Communicate effectively with people with disabilities, just as it does with others
- Make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, and procedures when needed so a person with a disability can take part
- Allow service animals, even where there is a no-pets rule
- Provide program access, so people are not shut out because a building is not accessible
The ADA guide on effective communication lists examples of "auxiliary aids and services." For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, these include qualified sign language interpreters, notetakers, and real-time captioning. For people who are blind or have low vision, they include qualified readers, large print, Braille, and electronic formats that work with screen readers.
Examples of accommodations people ask for
Every situation is different, but common requests include:
- An accessible courtroom, entrance, or restroom
- A sign language interpreter or real-time captioning
- Documents in large print or an electronic format
- Extra breaks during a long hearing
- Permission to sit, stand, or move during a proceeding
- A quiet place to wait
- Assistive listening devices
- Remote appearance, where the court allows it
Not every request will be granted in exactly the form asked. The ADA page explains that a government does not need to make a change that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program. Courts may offer a different solution that still works.
Who to contact: the ADA coordinator
The DOJ's Title II primer says public entities with 50 or more employees must designate at least one employee to coordinate ADA compliance and must have a grievance procedure. That person is often called the ADA Coordinator. The primer says the Coordinator is the point of contact for people with disabilities who want to request aids and services or policy changes, or to file a complaint with the entity. Their name, office address, and phone number must be made available.
Many state court systems post accommodation request forms and ADA contact details on their websites. If you cannot find them, call the clerk's office and ask who handles disability accommodations.
How to make the request
- Ask early. Make the request as soon as you know your court date. Some accommodations, such as interpreters, take time to arrange.
- Put it in writing if you can. Use the court's form, if there is one, or a short letter or email.
- Include the basics: your name, case number, hearing date and time, the courtroom if you know it, and what you need.
- Explain how it helps. You usually do not need to share your full medical history. Describe what you need to take part.
- Keep a copy and note who you spoke with.
- Follow up a few days before the hearing to confirm.
If you have a lawyer, tell them about your needs too. They can raise the issue with the court and the judge.
If the court says no
If your request is denied or not handled in time, you have options:
- Ask why and whether another accommodation would work.
- Use the court's grievance procedure, which the primer says covered entities must have.
- Tell the judge at the hearing that you need an accommodation to take part.
- File a complaint with the federal government. The DOJ's file a complaint page explains that complaints against state or local governments can be filed online or by mail with the Civil Rights Division. It notes that the Department cannot investigate every complaint.
A lawyer who handles civil rights matters can tell you whether you have other options.
Jury service and accommodations
Disability can also come up when you are called for jury duty. The U.S. Courts page on juror qualifications lists, among the federal requirements, having no disqualifying mental or physical condition that cannot be addressed with an accommodation. If you are summoned and need an accommodation, contact the court listed on your summons.
Free and low-cost help
USAGov's legal aid page lists the National Disability Rights Network as a way to find legal advocacy providers for people with disabilities by state. It also lists the Legal Services Corporation and LawHelp.org. You can find more background in our legal guides.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ADA apply to my county or city court?
The DOJ says Title II applies to all state and local governments regardless of size, and it lists courts among the covered programs.
Do I have to prove my disability to get an accommodation?
Courts may ask for some information about what you need, but you generally do not need to share your full medical history. Focus on what will help you take part.
What if I need an accommodation on the day of my hearing?
Tell court staff or the judge right away. Asking ahead of time is better, but it is still worth raising the issue on the day.
Who can I complain to if my request is ignored?
You can use the court's grievance procedure and contact its ADA Coordinator. You can also file a complaint with the DOJ Civil Rights Division.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.