Access Coordinator

Communication-Based Disabilities

The Access Coordinators are responsible for coordinating sign language interpreters or other appropriate auxiliary aids and services to participants in federal court proceedings who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or have other communications disabilities.  Counsel of record and parties participating in federal court proceedings who require the assistance of a qualified sign language interpreter or other similar auxiliary aides and services must submit requests for services at least two weeks before the court proceeding.

The Clerk’s Office may not be able to accommodate requests received on shorter notice and, absent good cause shown, may require reimbursement of any expedited charges incurred.

Assistive auditory devices (“hearing loop”) are available in each courtroom for participants and spectators during argument and do not require notice.

Mobility-Based Disabilities

While not required, case participants with mobility disabilities may wish to contact the Clerk’s Office to coordinate access and any adjustment of court furniture, as needed, before the day of argument.  All courtrooms either require no use of stairs to access or have accessible lifts.

The seating and counsel tables in Courtrooms 201 and 203 requires no use of stairs. The seating and counsel tables in Courtroom 402 require the use of stairs, and an access lift is available to access either the seating or counsel tables. A member of the courtroom or security staff can assist with lift access.