Crime Survivors’ Right to an Accommodation to Access Courts
Publication date: July 2023
Purpose of this Publication
Every person has the right to go to court. If you are the victim of crime, you have a special right to be in the courtroom. You have rights even if the courthouse or courtroom is not accessible or if you cannot understand what is happening in the court proceedings. The court should provide you with accommodations that allow you to attend court and understand the proceedings.
This publication provides information about how to ask for an accommodation that allows for equal access to courts for people with disabilities.
What is an Accommodation?
An accommodation is a change to the way things are usually done. This change helps you to be able to access the courts, communicate, or participate.
Some examples of accommodations include: providing you with a sign language interpreter, being able to use equipment to better hear proceedings, and having a support person with you. Or, it could be having someone read instructions for you. There are many, many possible accommodations.
What is the Court Required to Do?
The government must make sure that courts are accessible to people with disabilities. If courts are not accessible, then the government has to make reasonable modifications so that they are accessible. The type of accommodation that is made will depend on what you request. You know best what you need.
The government does not have to grant every request for an accommodation. The request must be reasonable. That means that, if your requested accommodation would be very expensive, it can be denied.
Accommodations can also be denied if you are requesting such a big change that it would fundamentally change the services provided. For instance, if you request that the proceeding not be held at all because of your disability, that request will be denied.
How Do I Request an Accommodation?
If you would like to request a court accommodation, you can fill out this form. You can ask someone to help you fill out the request form.
If you are not able to fill out the form, you can call your county’s Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. They can help you request your accommodation.
Is There a Deadline to Request an Accommodation?
Oregon courts want you to ask for your accommodation at least four days before you need them. That is not always possible. You should request what you need, even if you need the accommodation sooner than in four days.
If you have other questions about reasonable accommodations in court, please contact us for more information.
How to Request Help
Call us at 503-243-2081 or 1-800-452-1694 ext. 243.
Send an email at csp@droregon.org
Or, send us a letter at Disability Rights Oregon, 511 SW 10th Avenue, Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97205
Disability Rights Oregon operates its program, services, and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.
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NOTICE: This document is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Federal and state law can change at any time. You may wish to contact Disability Rights Oregon or consult with an attorney in your community if you require further information.
