ADA ACCOMMODATION PROCESS

      The Rhode Island Judiciary will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment.  In addition, the Judiciary will provide reasonable accommodations upon request to individuals with disabilities so that they can access the programs, services, and proceedings of the courts. 

 State Law Library Users

      Please see the Rhode Island State Law Library Policy Statement for Individuals with Disabilities.

 Potential Jurors

      Potential jurors should request accommodation for a disability as soon in advance as possible as directed in the questionnaire or summons or by contacting the Office of the Jury Commissioner at (401) 222-3245 (voice), (401) 222-3269 (TTY users only - Providence), or at the relevant county court office.  Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or with communications disabilities and who use a TTY device, may call the Office of the Jury Commissioner at voice numbers through RI RELAY at 7-1-1 (TTY) or directly to the TTY number in the relevant court building as indicated in the Contact Person Postings. 

            All Other Court Users (Litigants, Attorneys, Witnesses, and Others)

      Requests should be made to court staff assigned to the particular court or program involved (as listed in the Contact Person Postings) through the Request Form.  The request should be made in advance, if feasible, when accommodation for disabilities is needed.  

     Contacts can be made in person, or in writing, by fax, or over the telephone (through voice numbers), or through court TTY numbers or court voice numbers through RI RELAY at 7-1-1 (TTY).  Accommodation requests should be as specific as possible as indicated on the form.   

     An individual with a disability or his/her attorney (if any) may complete the Request Form and present the request to that court's contact person who will forward the request to the appropriate persons.  Court staff shall notify the requester whether the request can be filled as soon as possible, but no later than two business days, prior to the court hearing or meeting, if feasible. 

Sign Language Interpreter Services

      Interpreter requests should be made by filling out the Request Form as soon as possible in advance, since often four weeks' notice is needed.  The request should indicate the specific accommodation needed, and the details regarding the location, length, and docket number for the court proceeding as indicated in the form. 

     If more than one individual in the same case needs a sign language interpreter, that other person should also make a request noting whether they can share one or need different interpreters.  If an individual making the initial request knows or thinks that another person in the proceeding or meeting will also need a sign language interpreter or other ADA accommodation, the individual should alert the court staff to contact the second person in advance of the proceeding to clarify the ADA accommodation need.  

      Questions, comments, or complaints about the accommodation process can be directed to:

 Gail Higgins Fogarty, Esquire
ADA Deputy Coordinator
Five Hill Street
Pawtucket, Rhode Island  02860
(401)722-4059 or through RI RELAY at 7-1-1
via facsimile at (401)721-2653 or gfogarty@courts.ri.gov

       For further information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA accessibility matters, see the Rhode Island Governor's Commission on Disabilities at www.disabilities.ri.gov or the federal ADA website at www.ada.gov/adahom1.htm.