Services Provided to Persons with Communication Disabilities

Pursuant to the guidelines established by the Judicial Conference, the Court is required to provide reasonable accommodations to participants in court proceedings who are deaf, hearing impaired, or have communication disabilities.  Such accommodations may include sign language interpreters or other auxiliary aids and services. 

Participants include parties, attorneys, and witnesses. Court proceedings are trials, hearings, ceremonies, and other public programs or activities conducted by the Court.  Section 341(a) Meetings (meeting of creditors) are not court proceedings, as the meetings are presided over by the United States Trustee.

To request an accommodation, the individual must submit a written request (using the local form) to the Court’s designated Access Coordinator at least two (2) weeks before the court proceeding.  If the proceeding is scheduled with less than two (2) weeks’ notice, the request should be made as soon as possible.