[blindlaw] Issues in attending court proceedings alone as blind attorney?

[Rod Alcidonis]

An angle of this question has once been discussed here; however, I am interested in some more precise issues or possible situations that I have been thinking about. 

Assuming going to court was only to deal with one's case file and make arguments, sign a few papers here and there, I do not think there would be any problems for a blind attorney to participate in court proceedings without a sighted assistant. I know of several blind attorneys who go to court with an assistant, and some on here I think, who do not. For those of you who do not, how do you guys go about handling such situations:

 where an opposing counsel brings you documents in the morning of the hearing at the court house which you have to review for a hearing that day, that afternoon, or an hour later? Or, the judge makes an order, which you have to review at the courthouse for an afternoon hearing? Or, the opposing party, not counsel, brings a document to court on the day of the hearing and you are given a copy? 

Assuming one does not have an NFB Reader, what have you guys done or what would you do in such situations? Would you ask for an extension of time? Reschedule the hearing (some courts would push your next date months down the line).

I know the ADA covers courthouses, but what types of accommodations have you guys been able to receive? Getting the clerk to save orders on thumb drives? Getting clerks to e-mail stuff, or save them on electronic devices?

I know this is a lot and the best answer would be to get an assistant, but this is not an option at the moment. Thanks for all of the suggestions in advance.

Rod Alcidonis
Attorney and Counselor at Law
Philadelphia, PA
Licensed in PA -- NJ Oath pending 
C. 718-704-4651
Attorney at alcidonislaw.com
"A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite." - Charles Hamilton Houston