Little difference was found among levels of courts, although town and village courts had the greatest accessibility because their informality allows more flexibility in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Our courts will play an important role in enforcing the law to make these promises a reality. Courts must be an exemplar of the accessibility that the ADA requires. As this study shows, however, there are still promises to keep. The report underscores the importance of equal access for all citizens to the judicial system, which is the focal point in each community for resolution of disputes and enforcement of rights.
Courthouses also are the common location for accessing records and filing important documents.
The ADA requires courts to provide not only ready accessibility to people with disabilities, but also the necessary aids or assistance to make services usable and to ensure effective communication, as long as these accommodations do not unduly burden or alter the government service or judicial activity. Equal access also is expected to be integrated, meaning, for example, that non-disabled and persons with disabilities should share a common entrance wherever possible. Site visits were made by staff from the Commission, local independent living centers, and by volunteers from the State Bar Association. OCA reports TDD communication with all courts is now available through the telephone relay system, and assistive listening devices are reportedly available in every court and sign interpreters are available upon request. The Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled is an independent state agency administering three federally-funded statewide advocacy programs for persons with disabilities, which provide attorneys and other advocates in a wide range of administrative and legal proceedings.