[nfbmi-talk] good idea but not followed

[joe harcz Comcast]

>From Michigan Courts. But, why should they follow this when MCB doesn't?

Anyway this is actually well written and instructive about what all Title II entities must do including information in alternate formats upon request and in a timely manner.

Joe
American with Disabilities Act – Frequently Asked Questions 
 Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with 
disabilities in all programs, activities, and services of public entities, including 
courts. The ADA applies to all state and local governments, their departments 
and agencies, and any other instrumentalities or special-purpose districts of 
state or local government.1 
1 http://www.ada.gov/t2hlt95.htm  1. What is a "disability" under the ADA? 
A “disability” is a physical, mental, or communication condition that substantially limits one 
or more of the major life activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, 
walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working. Some examples include 
mobility or other motor disabilities, vision disabilities, speech and hearing disabilities, 
environmental sensitivities, learning disabilities, and psychological disorders. The disability 
makes it hard for the person to do activities that most other people can do. It also may 
restrict the person’s way of doing things and/or where and for how long the person can do a 
certain activity or function. People who have a record of such disability or are regarded as 
having such disability also meet the definition of "disabled" for purposes of having a 
reasonable accommodation made. 
 2. Who is a "qualified" person with a disability? 
A qualified person with a disability is one who meets the essential eligibility requirements 
for the program or service offered by the court with or without reasonable accommodation. 
For example, in order to be eligible for jury service the statute requires that persons be able 
to read, speak, and understand the English language. A deaf person reads, speaks, and 
understands the English language, so that person is qualified. However, an accommodation 
must be made in order for that person to fully participate in jury service. Because the 
attorney, who must use a wheelchair, is a qualified person with a disability, and is licensed to 
practice law in the state, the court must make a reasonable accommodation to assure that the 
courtroom is accessible for all facets of any proceeding in which the attorney must 
participate. 
 3. How does Title II affect participation in a court’s programs, activities, and 
services? 
A court must eliminate any eligibility criteria for participation in programs, activities, and 
services that screen out or tend to screen out persons with disabilities, unless it can establish 
that the requirements are necessary for the provision of the service, program, or activity. The 
court may, however, adopt legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation if they 
are based on real risks, not on stereotypes or generalizations about individuals with 
disabilities. Finally, a court must reasonably modify its policies, practices, or procedures to 
avoid discrimination. 
 4. Are there any limitations on the program-accessibility requirement? 
Yes. A public entity does not have to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in 
a fundamental alteration in the nature of its program or activity, or in undue financial and 
administrative burdens. This determination can only be made by the head of the public 
entity or his or her designee and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons 
for reaching that conclusion. The determination that undue burdens would result must be 
based on all resources available for use in the program. If an action would result in such an 
alteration or such burdens, the public entity must take any other action that would not result 
in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that individuals with 
disabilities receive the benefits and services of the program or activity. 
 5. What are some examples of the types of modifications in policies and practices 
that would be reasonable in most cases? 
Examples include rewriting policies that categorically exclude people with disabilities from 
serving on juries, such as people who are deaf or blind; permitting a witness or spectator 
with diabetes to consume a snack, such as candy, as needed to maintain blood sugar levels; 
permitting persons with celiac disease who require gluten free meals to bring them to court; 
or explaining the words on an instruction sheet to a citizen who is mentally challenged. 
 6. Who may request an accommodation? 
Any qualified person with a disability who has business in a state court, including attorneys, 
litigants, defendants, probationers, witnesses, potential jurors, prospective employees, and 
public observers of court services and programs may request reasonable accommodation by 
contacting the local ADA Coordinator. 
 7. May spectators obtain reasonable accommodation in the courtroom? 
Yes, the courts must provide auxiliary aids to courtroom spectators as needed to ensure their 
equal participation in and benefit from court programs and services. Access to these services 
must be provided unless the court can demonstrate that the accommodation would result in a 
fundamental alteration of the nature of a service, program, or activity, or cause an undue 
financial or administrative burden. For example, an untimely request for accommodation by 
a spectator need not be granted if it would require a continuation of the court proceedings 
that would cause the undue administrative burden of rescheduling the parties, attorneys, and 
witnesses. 
 8. How is a request for reasonable accommodation submitted? 
Each court has an ADA Coordinator who is responsible for arranging reasonable 
accommodations for people with disabilities. You can access the list of court ADA 
Coordinators at: 
http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/services/access/ADA-Coordinators.pdf  In addition, the ADA Online Request form is available at: 
http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/services/access/MC70.pdf  The request should identify the particular court activity or service for which accommodation 
is sought; the date, time, and location where the accommodation is needed; a description of 
the disability; and the type of accommodation being requested. All requests for an 
accommodation will be held confidential. 
9. When must the request for accommodation be made? 
To avoid causing undue disruption of court proceedings or processes, requests for 
accommodation must be given with reasonable notice. If the request relates to a jury 
summons, the individual should contact the Jury Clerk for the court in question as soon in 
advance as possible. If the request concerns a particular court proceeding, the request should 
be made as soon in advance as practicable to allow time to consider the request and arrange 
for reasonable accommodation. 
 10. Is the court required to provide the requested accommodation? 
The court, with assistance from the local ADA coordinator, decides what reasonable 
accommodation can be made. Primary consideration is given to the request of the individual 
with the disability; however, an alternative accommodation may be offered if equally 
effective. The court is not required to make modifications that would fundamentally alter the 
service or program or cause an undue administrative or financial burden. 
 11. Who pays for the auxiliary aids and services? 
Auxiliary aids and services necessary for effective communication or to enable participation 
in services, other than devices of a personal nature, are to be provided at no cost to the 
person with the disability. The court is responsible for providing the accommodation and 
paying the incurred costs. 
 12. What kinds of accommodation are available? 
The court must ensure that court programs are physically accessible to people with 
disabilities by removing architectural barriers. Examples of architectural accommodations to 
facilitate accessibility to people with disabilities are: providing wheelchair ramps (at proper 
pitch and in safe locations) and wheelchair accessible restrooms in compliance with ADA 
accessibility standards, as described in the response to FAQ 21; allowing sufficient time for 
people with disabilities to travel to and from a barrier free restroom; adjusting the height of 
public information counters; labeling facilities with Braille lettering; providing adequate 
lighting in the courtrooms for those with vision disabilities; providing adjustable 
microphones for witnesses; altering openings to the well so that wheelchairs can pass 
through; allowing jurors and prospective jurors to sit outside the jury box or allowing 
witnesses to sit outside the witness box, as applicable, if those are not accessible for a 
wheelchair or if steps are required for persons who cannot easily climb up or down them. 
For additional accommodations that may be provided to people with specific disabilities, see 
the answers to FAQs 14 through 18. 
 13. What does the requirement for effective communication mean in a court? 
The court must ensure that its communications with people with disabilities are as effective 
as communications with others so that all can fully participate and enjoy the services and 
programs provided. The provision of auxiliary aids and services, at no charge, may be a 
reasonable accommodation to ensure effective communication for a person with a hearing, 
visual, or speech disability. The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective 
communication will vary in accordance with the length and complexity of the 
communication involved and the individual’s specific disability and preferred mode of 
communication. Every effort shall be made to meet the specific needs of the individual. The 
court is not responsible, however, for providing devices of a personal nature such as 
prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and/or personal medical or attendant care. 
 14. What types of accommodations are available to assist people who are deaf or 
hard of hearing? 
Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the impairment, an 
accommodation may involve: 
? allowing the person to sit where he or she can hear better; 
? allowing use of a telecommunication system to communicate; 
? providing a qualified sign interpreter appointed by the court; 
? or providing an assistive listening system or computer-aided transcription device. 
 Some deaf and hard of hearing people rely on written notes to communicate with hearing 
people. Although writing can supplement other modes of communication, using it 
exclusively is tedious, cumbersome, and time-consuming. Also, because literacy levels vary, 
it is not accurate to assume that written notes will be effective for all deaf or hard of hearing 
people. 
 A common misconception is that all deaf and hard of hearing people can read lips. However, 
very few people can read lips well enough to understand speech, even under optimum 
conditions. 
 Below are several effective ways to telecommunicate with deaf, hard of hearing, and speech 
impaired people: 
 A. Text Telephone (TTY) 
This is a special type of telephone with a keyboard and a small screen where typed 
text appears. Every court should consider having a TTY to handle incoming calls 
and for the public to use - the equivalent of a public phone booth. 
 B. E-mail 
Another text-based way to communicate is to use e-mail through a computer, a webenabled 
pager system, or a personal digital assistant. 
 C. Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) 
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is a telephone service that allows persons 
with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls. TRS is 
available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. 
territories for local and/or long distance calls. TRS providers – generally telephone 
companies – are compensated for the costs of providing TRS from either a state or a 
federal fund. There is no cost to the TRS user. 
1. How Does TRS Work? 
TRS uses operators, called communications assistants (CAs), to facilitate 
telephone calls between people with hearing and speech disabilities and other 
individuals. Either a person with a hearing or speech disability, or a person 
without such disability may initiate a TRS call. When a person with a hearing or 
speech disability initiates a TRS call, the person uses a TTY or other text input 
device to call the TRS relay center, and gives a CA the number of the party that 
he or she wants to call. The CA in turn places an outbound traditional voice call 
to that person. The CA then serves as a link for the call, relaying the text of the 
calling party in voice to the called party, and converting to text what the called 
party voices back to the calling party. 
2. What Forms of TRS are Available? 
There are several forms of TRS, depending on the particular needs of the user 
and the equipment available. 
a. Text-to-Voice TTY-based TRS - With this type of “traditional” TRS, a 
person with a hearing or speech disability uses a special text telephone, called 
a TTY, to call the CA at the relay center. TTYs have a keyboard and allow 
people to type their telephone conversations. The text is read on a display 
screen and/or a paper printout. A TTY user calls a TRS relay center and 
types the number of the person he or she wishes to call. The CA at the relay 
center then makes a voice telephone call to the other party to the call, and 
relays the call back and forth between the parties by speaking what a text user 
types, and typing what a voice telephone user speaks. 
b. Voice Carry Over - Voice Carry Over (VCO) is a type of TRS that allows a 
person with a hearing disability, who wants to use his or her own voice, to 
speak directly to the called party and receive responses in text from the CA. 
No typing is required by the calling party. This service is particularly useful 
to senior citizens who have lost their hearing, but who can still speak. 
c. Hearing Carry Over - Hearing Carry Over (HCO) is a type of TRS that 
allows a person with a speech disability, who wants to use his/her own 
hearing, to listen to the called party and type his/her part of the conversation 
on a TTY. The CA reads the words to the called party, and the caller hears 
responses directly from the called party. 
d. Speech-to-Speech (STS) Relay Service - This form of TRS is used by a 
person with a speech disability. A CA, who is specially trained in 
understanding a variety of speech disorders, repeats what the caller says in a 
manner that makes the caller's words clear and understandable to the called 
party. No special telephone is needed. For more information regarding STS 
visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/speechtospeech.html. e. Shared Non-English Language Relay Services - Due to the large number 
of Spanish speakers in the United States, the FCC requires interstate TRS 
providers to offer Spanish-to-Spanish traditional TRS. Although Spanish 
language relay is not required for intrastate (within a state) TRS, many states 
with large numbers of Spanish speakers offer this service on a voluntary 
basis. The FCC also allows TRS providers who voluntarily offer other 
shared non-English language interstate TRS, such as French-to-French, to be 
compensated from the federal TRS fund. 
f. Captioned Telephone Service - Captioned telephone service, like VCO, is 
used by persons with a hearing disability but some residual hearing. It uses a 
special telephone that has a text screen to display captions of what the other 
party to the conversation is saying. A captioned telephone allows the user, 
on one line, to speak to the called party and to simultaneously listen to the 
other party and read captions of what the other party is saying. There is a 
“two-line” version of captioned telephone service that offers additional 
features, such as call waiting, *69, call forwarding, and direct dialing for 911 
emergency service. Unlike traditional TRS (where the CA types what the 
called party says), the CA repeats or re-voices what the called party says. 
Speech recognition technology automatically transcribes the CA’s voice into 
text, which is then transmitted directly to the user’s captioned telephone text 
display. 
g. Video Relay Service (VRS) - This Internet-based form of TRS allows 
persons whose primary language is American Sign Language (ASL) to 
communicate with the CA in ASL using video conferencing equipment. The 
CA speaks what is signed to the called party, and signs the called party’s 
response back to the caller. VRS is not required by the FCC, but is offered 
by several TRS providers. VRS allows conversations to flow in near real 
time and in a faster and more natural manner than text-based TRS. TRS 
providers that offer VRS must provide it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 
must answer incoming calls within a specific period of time so that VRS 
users do not have to wait for a long time. For more information regarding 
VRS visit: www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/videorelay.html. h. Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service - IP Relay is a text-based form of TRS 
that uses the Internet, rather than traditional telephone lines, for the leg of the 
call between the person with a hearing or speech disability and the CA. 
Otherwise, the call is generally handled just like a TTY-based TRS call. The 
user may use a computer or other web-enabled device to communicate with 
the CA. IP Relay is not required by the FCC, but is offered by several TRS 
providers. For more information regarding IP Relay, visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/iprelay.html. i. IP Captioned Telephone Service – IP captioned telephone service, one of 
the newest forms of TRS, combines elements of captioned telephone service 
and IP Relay. IP captioned telephone service can be provided in a variety of 
ways, but uses the Internet – rather than the telephone network – to provide 
the link and captions between the caller with a hearing disability and the CA. 
It allows the user to simultaneously listen to, and read the text of, what the 
other party in a telephone conversation is saying. IP captioned telephone 
service can be used with an existing voice telephone and a computer or other 
Web-enabled device without requiring any specialized equipment. For more 
information regarding IP captioned telephone service, visit 
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/ipcaptioned.html.  3. 711 Access to TRS 
Just as you can call 411 for information, you can dial 711 to connect to certain 
forms of TRS anywhere in the United States. Dialing 711 makes it easier for 
travelers to use TRS because they do not have to remember TRS numbers in 
every state. Because of technological limitations, however, 711 access is not 
available for the Internet-based forms of TRS (VRS and IP Relay). 
For more information regarding 711, visit 
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/711.html  D. Sign Language and Interpreters 
Many deaf and hard of hearing people use American Sign Language (ASL) rather 
than spoken English as their primary mode of communication. ASL is a natural 
language recognized globally and used by members of the deaf community here in 
the United States. It is linguistically complete with unique rules for language 
structure and use that include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and 
discourse. 
 Family members or amateurs who know some sign language should never interpret 
for a court-related process. They may lack the techniques and skills needed for 
effective interpretation, generally are not familiar with court terminology and 
protocols, and have difficulty being neutral in the process. 
 Not all deaf or hard of hearing people are proficient in American Sign Language. 
Occasionally, it will be necessary to use other means of ensuring communication. A 
person who is both deaf and blind may need an interpreter skilled in tactile 
communication. Some deaf and hard of hearing people do not use sign language but 
require an "oral" interpreter who silently mouths the speaker’s words to them. 
 Complete information on sign language interpreters can be found at: 
http://www6.dleg.state.mi.us/interpreter/  E. Assistive Listening Systems 
Assistive Listening Systems transmit sound as directly as possible to a hearing aid. 
Such systems should not be confused with audio systems that are designed to make 
the sound louder. Rather than enhancing all the sounds in the room, an assistive 
listening device can bring specific sounds directly to the user's ears. 
 F. Real-Time Transcription 
Real-time transcription works effectively for individuals who have strong reading 
skills and for those who do not know sign language. Because of the speed of the 
transcription, it will not work for slow readers. 
 15. What types of accommodations are available to assist people who are legally 
blind or visually disabled? 
Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the disability, accommodation 
may involve: providing forms and instructions in Braille, large print, or on audio tape; 
providing assistance at the counter in filling out necessary paperwork; having written 
materials read out loud in the courtroom; allowing the person to sit closer than usual if they 
have limited vision; or providing additional lighting if the lighting is a problem. 
 People who are blind or visually disabled often can be assisted by increasing the size of an 
object, by changing viewing distance, by improving illumination, and by improving contrast. 
Changing size and distance go hand in hand. Size can be changed in several different ways: 
an object can be made larger (such as a big-button telephone), materials can be reproduced in 
a larger size (such as large print), a nearby object can be enlarged (using a magnifier), or a 
far-away object can be enlarged (using a telescope). Devices can be set into glass frames, 
some of which are bi-optic. 
 The most critical consideration for a low-vision individual is lighting. The midday offers the 
best light. Halogen bulbs and lamps that place direct light on a subject are highly 
recommended. When considering which bulbs to use, incandescent bulbs with a high 
wattage are preferred over florescent. Florescent bulbs throw off a glaring blue light. If the 
person with a visual disability is referring to notes, additional light (such as a gooseneck 
lamp) may be necessary. 
 Contrast in written materials also can be important. The more words crowded onto a page 
and the more similar the ink and paper colors, the less one can discriminate. Using 14-point 
or larger black type on yellow paper will greatly increase the readability of materials. 
 16. What types of accommodations are available to assist people with mobility 
disabilities? 
Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the disability, accommodation 
may include: having the clerk mail out forms to a person limited in his or her ability to visit 
the courthouse; or holding a proceeding in a more accessible location. 
 Depending on the nature of the disability and the preferences of the person with the 
disability, it may be a reasonable accommodation to allow the testimony of a witness to be 
videotaped, or the use of video conferencing technology in lieu of a personal appearance. 
These types of accommodations may be offered, but should not be forced on a person with a 
mobility disability. Often, the types of accommodations discussed in the response to FAQ 
12 are preferable to the person with the disability and are perceived to be more respectful of 
that person’s individual rights to appear and participate in court proceedings. 
 Many persons with limited mobility do not initially appear to have a disability, particularly if 
they do not use a cane or other assistive device. A disability may become apparent only 
when the person moves about the court facility with difficulty or when a crowd or rush of 
people affects the person’s balance. Signs of a limitation of mobility include unsteadiness, 
walking slowly, aberrations in gait, holding back, or requiring unusual time to get around the 
court facility or to follow instructions related to movement. When these conditions are 
observed, it may be appropriate for court personnel to ask if any assistance is required and, 
when necessary, to alert the judge that the individual may need more time. Accommodations 
for such persons usually require no extra court personnel or other additional expense. 
 Loss of balance and falling are significant risks to persons of limited mobility in unfamiliar 
public places. What accommodations are reasonable and helpful to minimize these risks? 
 ? Proactively anticipate and minimize these risks. Conspicuously mark changes in 
elevation and mark the top of steps or stairs. Don't overly polish floors, and use 
products that minimize slipperiness. Have consistent and adequate lighting. 
 ? Have adequate seating for persons who have to wait. 
 ? Offer adequate time for breaks when a person with limited mobility is in the 
courtroom so the person does not have to rush. 
 ? Offer the person access to elevators, when available, and opportunities to sit and 
remain seated when others are expected to stand. 
 ? Offer alternate restroom facilities if the public facilities are not close to the 
courtroom involved. 
 ? Avoid risks for an individual who has difficulty climbing even a few steps or 
accessing positions in a jury box with different elevations by either offering a chair 
nearby or having a security person extend an arm to help steady the individual. This 
can be particularly problematic if a prospective juror of limited mobility is excused 
during voir dire and has to pass by other prospective jurors who are seated. 
 ? Encourage court personnel to recognize and be responsive to mobility limitations, 
such as by avoiding unnecessary rushing, not walking closely behind a person who is 
moving slowly, and not passing the person from behind on the right side as opposed 
to the left side. These and other similar actions can be surprising and can affect a 
person’s balance. 
 ? Refrain from giving hands-on assistance without first asking (except when a person 
is in the process of falling), as an unexpected touching may affect the person’s 
balance. 
 ? Ask how best to help a person who has fallen; don't attempt to assist the person 
without consent. Falls are inherently unexpected. The person may need time to 
gather composure, assess whether there is an injury, or use individual means that 
work best for that person to get to a standing position. After the person is up, it is 
helpful to offer a chair and offer water. 
 ? Don't move a person who has fallen and cannot move, does not want to move, or is 
unconscious. Call an emergency medical service or other trained personnel to 
minimize further injury. Block off the area until help arrives. 
 Re-evaluate handicap parking. All too frequently, handicap spaces are not the closest to the 
main building entrance. At least some spaces should be near the entrance. If a ramp starts at 
some distance from the entrance, some handicap spaces should be near the entrance and 
some near the bottom of the ramp. 
 17. What types of accommodations are available to assist people with cognitive or 
developmental disabilities? 
Developmental disability is an umbrella term referring to disabilities present before an 
individual reaches 22 years of age. Examples of developmental disabilities are cerebral 
palsy, epilepsy, autism, hearing loss, Down syndrome, mental retardation, spinal injury, or 
brain injury. Cognitive disabilities refer to any disability affecting mental processes. 
Examples include mental retardation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 
dyslexia, Alzheimer's disease, aphasia, brain injury, language delay, and learning disabilities. 
Remember that many individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities may not 
have limited intellectual functioning. Those that do may require accommodation. 
 Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the disability, accommodation 
may include: having the court and witnesses talk slowly or write things down; when