Accessibility in the courts: 32 years on from the Americans with Disabilities Act

▤ Summary

Equal access to legal processes and the wider justice system is a fundamental right, granted by the U.S. Constitution and further reinforced by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Requirements under the Act include the obligation to provide reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures to ensure equal and effective communication can occur with people with disabilities. Targeted, yet versatile, technology improves access for all Building on these financial benefits, it is more cost-effective for courts to utilize a multi-purpose, yet tailored, service that addresses a range of requirements at the same time, leading to meaningful engagement from all participants. Attorneys can focus on proceedings and strategy instead of taking extensive notes, and court administration can reduce the costs and difficulties associated with hiring a specialist to transcribe legal proceedings—especially given the national supply gap facing stenographers. Courts can lead the way in equity and inclusion The positive impact on someone with a disability is profound when opportunities and resources are made available to support their equal access to, and increase their comfort in, complex environments such as a courthouse or the wider justice system.

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For The Record

$10M to $25M