Who will determine if I can receive an accommodation?

A. The decision regarding your accommodation depends on the nature of your request.
Requests that do not require the involvement of a judge or judicial officer will be reviewed by the Head Clerk or District Administrator, sometimes in consultation with the Statewide ADA Coordinator. This includes most requests for “auxiliary aids and services” as defined by the ADA, such as sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or CART (real-time) reporting for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It also includes requests for copies of documents in large print, Braille, screen readable, or audio formats for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
The Head Clerk or District Administrator will also make decisions on requests to modify administrative practices or procedures, such as relocating a proceeding to a physically accessible courtroom or allowing the submission of documents in a physically accessible location for individuals with mobility impairments. Additionally, they will provide assistance in filling out forms for individuals with manual impairments. However, they do not have the authority to grant any requests that require a judicial balancing of rights or the Judge’s or judicial officer’s inherent power to manage the courtroom and the proceeding. Examples of such requests may include, but are not limited to, extensions of time or adjournments, changes in the scheduled time for a case, permission to participate via phone or video, the presence or absence of individuals in the courtroom, and modifications in the manner of giving testimony. These requests must be decided by the judge or judicial officer overseeing the case.
If your request to the Head Clerk or District Administrator includes an accommodation that only a judge or judicial officer can provide, they will refer that part of the request to the judge or judicial officer presiding over your case.