Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations
Recognizing the need for assistance
in the area of equal access in Louisiana trial courts, the Access to Justice Program
provides the following services to the courts:
Accommodating
a Person with a Disability
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a comprehensive civil rights law for people
with disabilities that became effective July 26, 2000. The United States Department
of Justice enforces the requirements of Title II addressing programs, services and
activities of State and local government. Louisiana’s courts strive to make the courts' programs and services accessible to all. The
ADA home page on the United States Department of Justice website is found at
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm.
The Access to Justice Program assists courts in providing full community access
to programs in existing facilities and provides guidance in planning new construction
and renovations. The Program also provides guidance to the courts in providing auxiliary
aids and services for persons requesting an accommodation for their disability.
By statute, courts shall provide, based on expressed
needs, auxiliary aids or services to interpret any proceeding for a person who is
deaf or hard of hearing. This includes a person who is a party, juror, witness,
spectator, or a juvenile whose parent, guardian or foster parent is deaf or hard
of hearing if the juvenile is brought to any court proceeding. Qualified interpreters
are those licensed and certified and the Court will evaluate the qualifications
of the interpreter. Fees for such services are paid by the Court. (See La.
R.S. 46:2361-2368).
For questions or assistance regarding requirements
of Title II of the ADA with regard to court proceedings, please call 504.227.7850
or send an email to the Operations Manager,
Damon Anderson.
Links to other sites: National Center
for State Courts
http://www.ncsconline.org