What is the Court's Policy regarding people with disabilities
It is the policy of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have equal and full access to the judicial system. This policy is in accordance with California Rule of Court 1.100. Top of this page
Who are qualified people with disabilities?
Qualified people with disabilities are persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the California Unruh Civil Rights Act and other applicable federal or state laws. This includes individuals who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities; have a record of such impairment; or are regarded as having such impairment. Top of this page
How do I request an accommodation?
People can submit their request by simply writing a letter or by making their request verbally to the Court's facilities manager (see "Who can I contact?" below). Most requests for accommodations of an ordinary nature are easily and expeditiously provided.
A request for accommodation should include a description of the accommodation sought, along with a statement of the impairment that necessitates such accommodation. The Court, in its discretion, may require the applicant to provide additional information about the disability. This request for more information may include a doctor's note. Top of this page
What accommodations can be made?
The Court will give primary consideration to the person's proposed accommodation. However, the Court may provide an alternative aid or service if the Court determines that it would be an effective, appropriate accommodation. The Court is not required to make accommodations that result in a fundamental alteration of a service, program or activity or is an undue financial and/or administrative burden. The Court will consult with the person requesting the accommodation when the preferred type of auxiliary aid and/or service is not available or not required, to determine an appropriate, alternate accommodation. Top of this page
How will I know if my request has been accepted?
The applicant shall be informed that a request for accommodations is granted or denied, in whole or in part. If the request is granted, the type and nature of the accommodation will be provided. Top of this page
How can I appeal a decision regarding my request for accommodation?
An applicant or any participant in the proceeding in which an accommodation has been denied or granted may seek review of a decision within 10 days of the date of the notice of the decision. Submit your request for review to the judicial officer who will preside over your proceeding or to the Presiding Judge if the matter has not been assigned. Top of this page
Who can I contact to request an accommodation?
Paul Tachis
400 County Center, 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Telephone: 650-599-1630
TTY: 650-599-7205
Email: ptachis@sanmateocourt.org
Mel Toomer
400 County Center, 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Telephone: 650-363-7881
TTY: 650-599-7205
Email: mtoomer@sanmateocourt.org
TTY devices are available court wide. For TTY service, call 650-599-7205. The staff member will determine which division is best suited to handle the purpose of your call and will transfer you to the appropriate court division.
Assistive Listening Devices for the hearing impaired are available in each courtroom and in the jury assembly room. Please inform the clerk in your location if you would like to use an assistive listening device. Top of this page
