Disability Policy
CIRCUIT COURT OF ILLINOIS Sixth Judicial Circuit POLICY ON ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
I. Introduction The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil rights statute for individuals with disabilities, requires all state and local governmental entities, including the courts, to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to court activities, programs, and services (programs). The Sixth Circuit Court of Illinois (Court) has adopted the following policy and procedures consistent with the ILSC policy to ensure reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services to persons with disabilities who wish to participate in Court programs. II. Policy It is the policy of the Court to ensure that communications with and accommodations for individuals with disabilities and without disabilities are equally effective, consistent with the requirements of Title II of the ADA. Whenever necessary, the Court will provide, free of charge, the appropriate auxiliary aids and services to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from any Court program. This policy applies to all members of the public who seek to participate in the Court's programs. III. Services and Accommodations Auxiliary aids and services include a wide range of services and devices that promote effective communication with persons with disabilities. Examples of auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities include qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and real-time transcription services. The Court may also provide any other reasonable accommodation necessary to permit a person with impairments or disabilities to fully and equally participate in or to observe Court programs. IV. Notice that Accommodations are Available The Court Disability Coordinator (CDC) shall provide notice that appropriate accommodations are available to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in Court programs by posting notice containing the information on the form attached as Exhibit A in the Circuit Courts Clerk's offices. V. Request for Accommodations The CDC shall provide a request form to individuals who wish to request services or accommodations for persons with disabilities. The request form, attached as Exhibit B, shall be available in the Circuit Courts Clerk's Office. Whenever possible, a request for accommodation or services shall be made ten (10) business days in advance of the proceeding or program. The request shall be as specific as possible and include a description of the accommodation sought and the date the accommodation is needed. The request shall be mailed to the Court Disability Coordinator. The Circuit Court Disability Coordinator shall respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the requestor, within seven (7) business days from the date the request was received. The CDC will give "primary consideration" to the request of individuals with disabilities. "Primary consideration" means that the Court will honor the choice of the individual, unless it demonstrates that another equally effective accommodation is available, or that the requested accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration of Court activities or undue financial and administrative burdens. VI. Grievance Procedure Individuals have the right to file a grievance when they believe the Court and its employees have not complied with the provisions of this policy or the request for accommodations procedure. The grievance shall be filed within fifteen (15) business days afterthe person filing the complaint becomes aware of the action or inaction. A complaint shall be in writing, using the Court's grievance form, attached as Exhibit C. The grievance shall contain the name and address of the person filing the complaint, and briefly describe the alleged violation. The complaint may be mailed or e-mailed to the attention of the Presiding Judge of the county. Within ten (10) business days after receipt of a grievance, the Presiding judge or a designee may meet with the grievant, either in person or by telephone, to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions, if the Presiding Judge or designee determines such a meeting would be helpful to a determination. Within ten (10) business days after the meeting, or within twenty (20) business days after receipt of the complaint if there is no meeting, the CDC shall respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the grievant. If the response by the Presiding Judge does not resolve the issue to thesatisfaction of the grievant, the grievant may within fifteen (15) business days of the date of the Presiding Judge's written response, appeal the decision to the Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, c/o the Administrative Assistant, at the mail or e-mail address provided. Any appeal shall be in writing within twenty (20) business days after receipt of the appeal, the Chief Judge will respond in writing to the grievant with a final resolution of the grievance or complaint. Effective immediately. Exhibit A - Notice of Accommodation Availability Exhibit B - Request Form Exhibit C - Grievance Form