Disability Access

The North Carolina Judicial Branch is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to all court functions.

Overview

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to the services, programs, and activities of state and local governments. The North Carolina Judicial Branch is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to all court functions.

Accommodation Requests

Individuals or attorneys may contact the local Disability Access Coordinator (DAC) to make an accommodation request to access court functions. The DAC will gather information (listed in the statewide protocol) to better understand how the court can help provide a reasonable accommodation as required by the ADA. The DAC works with the local judicial authority to arrange for the requested accommodation to be made available to the person for their hearing or other court activity. 

You or your attorney can request a reasonable accommodation for your participation in a court event verbally (in person or over the phone) or in writing on paper, via email, or online by completing the Disability Access Request Form.

Disability Access Request Form

The DAC or judicial authority will follow up with the person who made the request to ensure they know the request was received, considered, and whether the request is granted. If what is requested is not possible or not available, then the DAC works with the person and the court to try to figure out an alternative.

View the Disability Access Help Topic for additional information about ADA compliance in the courts and resources for special needs/disability services.

Accessible Courthouse Facilities

Each county in North Carolina has the responsibility to provide an accessible courthouse building with needed ramps, elevators, assistive listening systems for courtrooms, proper signage, accessible restrooms, and other accessible features (G.S. 7A-302). Contact the county manager with any concerns about the courthouse building.

Compliance

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) has a Disability Access Coordinator (DAC@nccourts.org) who may be contacted with questions and requests for assistance that could not be answered locally. Contact the DAC by phone at 919-890-1212 or

Email the NCAOC Disability Access Coordinator

A Grievance Procedure is available for complaints from the general public about compliance with the ADA. Complete the Disability Access Grievance Form.

How do I make a complaint?