Policy & procedures regarding people with disabilities & requests for accommodations

1. What is the San Mateo Superior Court's policy regarding people with disabilities?
2. Who are qualified people with disabilities?
3. How do I request an accommodation?
4. What accommodations can the court make?
5. How will I know if the court has accepted my request?
6. How do I file a grievance of my ADA decision?
7. Who can I contact for more information or to request an accommodation?
8. Judicial Council Form MC-410, Request for Accommodations by Persons with Disabilities

1. What is the San Mateo Superior 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 withThe San Mateo Superior Court's policy is 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.

2. 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, or
• 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.

3. How do I request an accommodation?

You can make your request by:

• turning in to the court a completed Request for Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities (Form MC-410),
• writing a letter or email, or
• making a verbal request to the court's ADA Coordinator (see "Who can I contact?" below).

The court can provide most ordinary requests for accommodations quickly and easily. Make your request for accommodation as far in advance as possible, but no fewer than 5 court days before you need the requested accommodation.) You must make an accommodation request for each and every court appearance.

4. What accommodations can the court make?

The court will give primary consideration to your proposed accommodation. But the court may provide a different aid or service if the Court determines that it would be an effective, appropriate accommodation.

The court is not required to make accommodations that would:

• result in a fundamental alteration of a service, program, or activity, or
• create an undue financial and/or administrative burden.

The court will consult with you if the type of auxiliary aid or service you prefer is not available or not required. This will help the court determine an appropriate, alternate accommodation.

5. How will I know if the court has accepted my request?

The court will let you know you if your request for accommodations is granted or denied, in whole or in part. If the Court grants your request, it will provide the accommodation.

6. How do I file a grievance of my ADA decision?

Americans with Disabilities Act Grievance Procedure

7. Who can I contact to request an accommodation?

• Becky Tigri
  400 County Center
  Redwood City, CA 94063
  Telephone: 650-261-5695
  Email: ada@sanmateocourt.org

8. Judicial Council Form MC-410, Request for Accommodations by Persons with Disabilities