What is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. Examples of disabilities include:
- Communication impairments
- Mobility impairments
- Speech and hearing impairments
- Vision impairments
- Learning or cognitive impairments
Who may request an accommodation?
A person with a disability who has business in a Maryland court. This includes litigants, lawyers, defendants, witnesses, potential jurors, and other members of the public using court services.
How do I request an accommodation?
For a court hearing or other scheduled visit:
- Requests for accommodations may be made in writing. Use the form titled Request for Accommodation for Person with Disability (form CC-DC-049). You may download the form or pick up a copy from any Maryland Court.
Note: You must also submit a Notice Regarding Restricted Information (form MDJ-008). Read about the Notice of Restricted Information. - Do you need help completing the form?
- The clerk’s office can answer questions about the form. Call or walk into the courthouse for assistance. See the list of court locations and phone numbers here.
- Each courthouse has an ADA coordinator you may speak to about an accommodation. See a full list of ADA Coordinators.
- For civil cases, a lawyer at a Court Help Center can help you complete the form.
- Tips for Completing the Form
- Fill out the entire form. Do not skip any parts.
- Be specific about what you need.
- You may attach a continuation sheet or other documents that would help the court understand what you need.
- How to Submit the form – Submit the form at the courthouse where your hearing is scheduled. The form may be hand delivered or mailed to the courthouse. You may ask the court to date stamp a copy for your records. Submit the form at least 30 days before your scheduled court hearing. The ADA Coordinator will contact you by phone or mail to let you know if your request was GRANTED or DENIED.
For an Unscheduled Visit to the Court: Call the courthouse in advance and ask to speak with the ADA Coordinator. Tell the Coordinator what accommodations you need to visit the courthouse. See a full list of ADA Coordinators.
American Sign Language Assistance – For a scheduled court appearance, complete and submit a Request for Accommodation for Person with Disability (form CC-DC-049). Follow the instructions listed above.
For an unscheduled visit, most courthouses provide ASL interpretation through video conferencing. Let the clerk’s office know that you need ASL assistance. They will call an interpreter using a video conferencing computer.
How do I find the ADA Coordinator in my court?
Below, click to see a full list of ADA Coordinators including name, email and phone number.
See a full list of ADA Coordinators.
What if I have jury duty in a circuit court?
If you are a prospective juror with a disability and need an accommodation, contact the Jury Office in your court as soon as possible after receiving your Juror Summons. Follow the instructions on the Summons about requesting an accommodation. You can click below to find the phone number to the Jury Office in your county.
See a full list of Jury Offices.
If my request is denied, how do I file a grievance?
Submit a Maryland Judiciary ADA Grievance Form (form CC-DC-050) as soon as possible, but no later than 120 days after the denial. Notify Fair Practices if you need alternative means of filing a complaint (such as a personal interview or tape recording). See the ADA Grievance Procedure for additional information.
How can I request a remote proceeding as an accommodation?
To request to appear remotely as an accommodation, use two forms: Motion for Remote Proceeding or to Appear Remotely CC-DC-110 and Request for Accommodation for Person with Disability CC-DC-049. For more information on the process to request to appear remotely or to have a remote proceeding, visit the Remote Hearing Toolkit.
Last updated: May 2024