American Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations

Disability Accommodations in California Courts

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil rights statute, requires all state and local governmental entities, including the courts, to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities who have an interest in court activities, programs, and services.

In accordance with this statute, Rule 1.100 of the California Rules of Court was established and it states: "It is the policy of the courts of this state to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal and full access to the judicial system." Under this rule, any person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment may request an accommodation. According to the rule, access can mean physical accommodation to go into and move about buildings and use accessible restrooms. Access can also mean full participation in the court's programs, services, and activities, with the assistance of technology or other services. For more information regarding Rule 1.100, please read the pamphlet, Persons with Disabilities: Q & A on Rule of Court 1.100.

If your request was denied by a court staff person (not a judge or judicial officer), you must give the ADA coordinator or the court a letter objecting to the denial within 10 days of the date the denial was handed to you or sent in the mail. Give or mail your request for another review to the same court.

If your request was denied by a Judge or Judicial Officer, you must file a PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDATE in the appellate division of that court or with the Court of Appeal within 10 days of the date the denial was personally delivered or sent.

Warning! Even if you received the denial by mail, you do not get any extra time to file for review or petition.

ADA COORDINATORS