Navigating the legal system with disabilities can be challenging, but accommodations can help make the process more accessible. Oregon courts are required to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes making reasonable accommodations to remove barriers and provide accessible services for people with disabilities. This guide will help explain the process of requesting these accommodations.
Disability Accommodations for Court Proceedings in Oregon
If someone’s disability creates barriers to navigating the legal system, they can request accommodations. A disability is a physical, intellectual, cognitive, or neurological impairment that significantly limits important parts of life, like physical movement, caring for yourself, sleeping, learning, thinking, working or communicating. This disability needs to be recorded or established in some way, such as diagnosis, medical history, or proof of past accommodation. While the accommodation request form does not require documentation, the court may follow up requesting enough information to reasonably prove a disability.
When requesting accommodations, it is important to consider how a court proceeding may impact your disability, and be specific about what could help. Accommodations can include:- Adjusting courtroom layout,
- Modifying materials into audio or larger print,
- Providing access to transcripts, allowing service animals or other support,
- Providing a sign language interpreter,
- Assistance with reading or writing,
- Providing additional breaks, or
- Providing designated waiting areas.
Completing the ADA Accommodation Request Form
To request accommodations, the general Request Form can be found here. If accommodations are related to lactation or pumping, there is a separate form. These forms can be completed on the computer, and then printed, or filled out by hand. Additionally, Multnomah County has an online submission process here.
If these options are not accessible, the ADA Coordinator at the courthouse can help fill out the form or provide an alternative format. ADA Coordinators for each county can be found here. If possible, budget extra time when seeking guidance from an ADA Coordinator, due to the potential of reaching a voicemail and waiting for a call back.
Filing the Request for ADA Accommodations
Accommodation requests should be filed as early as possible, but the deadline is four days before the scheduled court date. With the exception of Multnomah County’s online form, request forms must be submitted in person or by mail to the ADA Coordinator at the courthouse. Generally hours are Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, from 8am - 12pm and 1pm - 5pm.
Disability accommodation requests are usually processed by the coordinator and not entered into the public court system, but if confidentiality and privacy are concerns, check with your specific county’s ADA Coordinator to confirm county specific processes.
After the request is submitted, the court may request additional information to assist in their decision. After review, the request will be approved, partially approved, or denied. Denials will include an explanation and requests may be updated based on this information and resubmitted. While there are allowable reasons for a court to deny a request, if a denial is discriminatory, a complaint can be filed locally here or with the US Department Civil Rights Division here.
Additional Disability Accessibility Resources
Visit the Oregon Judicial Branch Accessibility webpage for more information about court accessibility accommodations as well as ADA Complaints and lawyer referral services here: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/services/ada/pages/default.aspx
Visit Disability Rights Oregon for a variety of resources, including support navigating the legal system for crime survivors.
Visit the Northwest ADA Center website for State Resources and ADA accessibility requirements for state buildings.