The term "qualified individual" means an individual who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.

"Qualified individuals with disabilities" are persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. This includes individuals who have physical or mental impairments which substantially limit one or more major life activities; have a record of such an impairment; or are regarded as having such an impairment.

• Who can make the request?

Any lawyer, party, witness, juror, or any other individual with an interest in attending any proceeding before any court of this state may make a request for accommodations.

• What accommodations can the court make?

Accommodations may include making reasonable modifications in policies, practices, and procedures; furnishing, at no charge, to persons with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services, equipment, devices, materials in alternative formats, readers, or certified interpreters for persons with hearing impairments; relocating services or programs to accessible facilities; or providing services at alternative sites.

• Is the request for accommodations available to the general public for viewing?

No. Confidentiality applies to the identity of the applicant in all oral or written communications, including all files and documents submitted by an applicant as part of the application process.

Applications requesting accommodations pursuant to this rule may be presented ex parte in writing, on a form approved by the Judicial Council (MC-410) (external site pdf ) and provided by the court, or orally as the court may allow. Applications may be made to the ADA Coordinator, at the designated Office of the Clerk, or to the courtroom clerk or judicial assistant where the proceeding will take place, or to the judicial officer who will preside over the proceeding.

• What information should be in the request?

All applications for accommodations shall include a description of the accommodation sought, along with a statement of the impairment that necessitates such accommodation. The court, in its discretion, may require the applicant to provide additional information about the qualifying impairment.

• When should the request be made?

Request for accommodation should be made as far in advance as possible, and in any event, should be made no less than five court days prior to the to the date needed. The court may, in its discretion, waive this requirement.

The court must promptly inform the applicant of the determination to grant or deny an accommodation request. If the accommodation request is denied in whole or in part, the response must be in writing. The court may provide an accommodation for an indefinite period of time, for a limited period of time, or for a particular matter or appearance.

• The applicant has failed to satisfy the requirements of this rule.
• The requested accommodations would create an undue financial or administrative burden on the court.
• The requested accommodations would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity.

Note: If the request is denied, parties may seek a review of the decision.

Please refer to California Rule Court, Rule 1.100 (external site ) for guidance on this issue.

If you would like to file an ADA related complaint, please see the Americans With Disabilities Act Grievance Procedure (pdf ).

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the ADA Coordinator’s Office at:
 951.777.3023
or email the ADA Coordinator at:
 ADA@riverside.courts.ca.gov

Please note that the ADA coordinator is responsible only for providing guidance and assistance with accommodation requests and will not address or discuss with you the specifics of your court case.  The ADA coordinator is prohibited by law from giving legal advice.  For legal advice, please consult an attorney.

Please visit the court locations page for access to information regarding each court facility.