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INFORMATION
FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHO NEED ACCOMMODATIONS TO ACCESS THE COURTS
Who may receive an accommodation?
Anyone with a disability who needs assistance in order to participate in a court
proceeding, service, program or activity. This form may be used by anyone. What
is a disability is defined by federal and state laws, including the Americans
with Disabilities Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination and applicable
regulations.
What information does the court need?
Applicants must tell the court why they need an accommodation and what accommodation
they would like. This information will allow the court to decide if the request
may be granted. Medical records and medical information submitted under form
WPF All Cases 01.0300, Sealed Medical and Health Information (Cover Sheet) shall
be sealed automatically and will not be available to the public. If the court
lacks enough information to decide, it may ask the applicant for more information.
What accommodations may be requested?
Applicants may request accommodations that allow them to fully and meaningfully
participate in a court proceeding. Applicants should request the accommodation
that will best allow them to do that. A reasonable accommodation could be a
sign language interpreter; changes to a courtroom’s layout to improve lighting,
hearing, or mobility; large print or high contrast documents and forms; hearings
held by teleconference; extended time for hearings and recesses; or assistive
listening and seeing devices; personal assistance or someone who can help present
the case or claim to the court.
When should the form be filed?
The form should be filed as soon as applicants know they need an accommodation.
The court will usually need to receive the request at least five days before
the accommodation is needed. Requests coming in later than that will be granted
if they are possible.
Who gets this information?
The request should be given to the court. The request is presented ex parte,
but may be filed in the public court record file where the public and other
participants may see it. Other participants or the public are not entitled to
see any medical or health information that is filed under form WPF All Cases
01.0300, Sealed Medical and Health Information (Cover Sheet).
Must all requests be granted?
No. If, however, the applicant qualifies, the court will deny an accommodation
request only if it would cause an undue burden, if it would fundamentally alter
the court proceeding; or it would threaten someone’s safety or well-being.
The court must explain how the requested accommodation meets one of these criteria.
FORMS:
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