ADA Information

Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

ADA Coordinator

The court makes all reasonable efforts to meet the needs of people with medical conditions or disabilities. Questions may be directed to the court's ADA Coordinator at (530) 251-8205 or ADACoordinator@lassencourt.ca.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rule 1.100?

California Rules of Court, rule 1.100 is a state court rule that allows lawyers, parties, witnesses, jurors, and other people with disabilities to request accommodations from the court. Information about a request is kept confidential.

Who may get an accommodation?

Individuals may receive accommodations if they have a physical or mental medical condition that limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such a condition, or are regarded as having such a condition.

Major life activities include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

Examples of disabilities include mobility or other motor impairments, psychological and mental illness, vision impairments, hearing impairments, and environmental sensitivities. Some temporary disabilities may also qualify.

How do I get an accommodation? May I get help filling out the request form?

An accommodation may be requested by completing form MC-410, Disability Accommodation Request, which is also available from the clerk's office. A request may also be made in another written format or orally.

The request should describe the accommodation needed and the medical condition that makes it necessary. Supporting documents, such as a letter from a doctor, may be attached.

Requests should be made as far in advance as possible, and no fewer than 5 court days before the accommodation is needed. The court may waive this requirement.

A clerk or other court staff can help write down the information for anyone who needs assistance completing the form.

What may court staff ask about my disability? Will everyone know about my medical condition?

In most cases, the court will not need additional medical or personal information. Rule 1.100 does allow the court to ask for more information about the medical condition if needed. The court must keep all information about a request confidential. Only those involved in deciding on or providing the accommodation will learn the details of the request.

Do I have to tell the court that I need an accommodation?

Yes. The court has an obligation to inform the public that accommodations are available, but an accommodation must be requested. If no accommodation is requested, the court is not required to provide one.

What if the court suggests a different accommodation?

The court may offer a different or alternative accommodation. For example, if a juror who is blind requests that written material introduced at trial be transcribed in Braille, the court may consider alternatives, such as providing a reader or an audio recording of the written material. The court is not required to provide the best accommodation, but it must provide an effective one.

Do I have to accept an alternative accommodation?

The court must provide an accommodation that effectively allows full participation in court proceedings. The accommodation may not be the first or preferred choice, but if a different type of accommodation is requested, the court must consider the request. A decision may be reviewed as described below.

May the court deny my request?

Yes, but only if the court determines that:

• The request does not meet the requirements of Rule 1.100;
• The requested accommodation would create an undue financial or administrative burden on the court; or
• The requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity.

If a request is denied in whole or in part, the court's response must be in writing and must state the reason.

What can I do if my request is denied?

The applicant or any participant in the proceeding may seek review of the decision:

• If the decision was made by court staff: A written request for review may be submitted to the presiding judge or designated judicial officer within 10 days of the date the response was delivered or sent.
• If the decision was made by a judge or other judicial officer: A petition for a writ of mandate may be filed in the appropriate reviewing court within 10 days of the date the response was delivered or sent.

Information about the request remains confidential during any review. See rule 1.100(g) for details.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the court's services, programs, or activities, see the court's ADA Grievance Procedure. The grievance procedure does not replace the review process for accommodation requests described above.