Access to the DC Courts

It is the intent of the DC Courts to provide access to services, programs, and activities that are offered by the DC Courts to any qualified participant, applicant, or member of the public with a disability, upon reasonable notice (when necessary) and without requiring action which would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity or in undue financial or administrative burden. You can contact the ADA Coordinator at ADACoordinator [at] dcsc.gov.

DC Courts ADA Appeals Process

Wheelchair Accessibility 

All DC Courts buildings are wheelchair accessible and some buildings have multiple accessible entrances for use by members of the general public. To see a list of wheelchair accessible entrances, click here. 

Website Accessibility

The DC Courts' website was developed for persons who are interested in the District of Columbia Courts. We strive to make it as accessible as possible and keep that goal in mind when developing web pages and adding content. Also, our Information Technology Division periodically tests the website, using on-line accessibility tools, to help ensure that it continues to meet accessibility standards. If you encounter any difficulties or have any comments or feedback, please send an email to us at webmaster [at] dcsc.gov. We will consider all suggestions for improvement and make whatever changes are reasonably possible. We appreciate your input.

DC Relay Service

The DC Relay Service facilitates communications between persons who use a text telephones (TTY) and persons who use a voice telephone.

A person who is either deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech disabled types his or her conversation using a TTY. A Communications Assistant at the DC Relay Service relays the written material from the TTY to the hearing person by reading it over a voice telephone. For the other end of the conversation the Communications Assistant relays the hearing person's spoken words verbatim by typing them to the TTY user.

The DC Relay Service also has Communications Assistants who are bilingual (Spanish).

The Communications Assistant is a trained professional in relaying conversations. The Communications Assistant maintains strict confidentiality about the conversation under professional ethics, company policy, and Federal Communications Commission regulations.

To access the relay service dial 711.

Contact Information

711
(800)643-3769 (voice)
(202)855-1000 (voice)
(800)643-3768 (TTY)
(202)855-1234 (TTY)

Spanish

(800)546-7111 (TTY)
(800)546-5111 (TTY)

Employees and Job Applicants

Under the ADA a qualified employee with a disability can request reasonable accommodations so the employee can perform their job. A job applicant can request reasonable accommodations for tests that are administered as part of the application process. To request reasonable accommodations contact the Chief ADA Coordinator or complete and submit the form for requesting an accommodation.

Court Users

The DC Courts are wheelchair accessible. We also are accessible to other persons with special needs. To make arrangements for an accommodation, please contact the appropriate person listed below.

Architectural Features

To provide an equal opportunity for court users with disabilities to participate in court proceedings and court services, events, and programs the District of Columbia Courts conducted three formal self-assessments of court facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, assessments have been conducted by disability advisory committees.

In addition to these assessments, as part of the Judiciary Square Master Space Plan process existing court facilities and their conditions were documented. Renovation and construction projects were planned and scheduled based upon projected needs and funding. The removal of barriers is one component of each of these projects.

Courtrooms present a unique set of challenges because of raised elements that are rooted in history and culture. Each change in elevation presents a barrier to persons with disabilities. Some of the architectural barriers have been addressed in our courtrooms include:

• Wheelchair accessible jury boxes
• Wheelchair accessible witness boxes
• Wheelchair accessible jury deliberation rooms
• Wheelchair accessible benches
• Wheelchair accessible clerk's station
• Wheelchair accessible rail and well
• Accessible and adjustable podiums
• Accessible spectator seating
• Acoustical treatments on the courtroom walls and ceilings
• Accessible counsel tables
• Enhanced lighting levels

Some of the elements that have been made accessible in the DC courthouses include:

• Jury waiting rooms
• Entrances and doorways
• Water fountains
• Restrooms
• Elevator signage and controls
• Counters
• Signage
• Communications systems
• Public waiting areas
• Fire alarms

Use of Segways and Other Mobility Devices

Individuals with mobility disabilities may use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices in public areas of the District of Columbia Courts.

The District of Columbia Courts make reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures to allow persons with mobility disabilities to use a Segway-type of power-driven mobility device in the public areas of a courthouse.

The Segway-type device shall be operated safely at all times and at a speed that is both safe and appropriate.

The DC Courts do not ask an individual using a wheelchair or Segway-type questions about the nature and extent of his or her disability. However, the DC Courts may ask a person using a Segway-type device to provide credible assurance that it is required because of his or her disability.

The DC Courts accept the presentation of a valid state-issued, disability parking placard or card, or other state-issued proof of disability as a credible assurance that the use of the Segway-type device is for the individual’s mobility disability. In lieu of these forms of assurance, the DC Courts accept a verbal representation, not contradicted by observable fact, as credible assurance that the mobility device is being used for a mobility disability. A “valid” disability placard or card is one that is presented by the individual to whom it was issued and is otherwise in compliance with the state of issuance’s requirements for disability placards or cards.

Service Animal Policy

It is the policy of the District of Columbia Courts to welcome court users with service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DC Courts also welcome court users with service animals-in-training as defined by District of Columbia statute.

If you have a question or concern regarding this policy, please contact:
H. Clifton Grandy, Chief ADA Coordinator

District of Columbia Courts
500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 6680
Washington, DC 20001

grandyc [at] dcsc.gov
(202) 879-1700 (voice)
(202) 879-1802 (fax)
711 (DC Relay for the deaf)

Who to Contact:

Purpose

To accomplish the DC Courts’ mission to protect rights and liberties, uphold and interpret the law, and resolve disputes peacefully, fairly and effectively, the Joint Committee on Judicial Administration has established the following standard:

All persons who conduct business in court buildings are expected to behave and dress in a manner that reflects the seriousness of and respect for judicial proceedings. Persons exhibiting behavior or attire that distracts from the orderliness of court proceedings or that is threatening or contrary to the civility and dignity of the DC Courts and its work, may be excluded from the courthouse and its courtrooms.

Behavior, Decorum and Civility

Court participants are expected to be civil to all. The following behavior is inappropriate in the DC Courts’ buildings:

• Disorderly, disruptive or indecent conduct of any nature;
• Shouting, arguing, or abusive or aggressive language;
• Obscene or offensive gestures or taunting of others, including horseplay or fighting;
• Running, loitering, or defacing court property, including spitting or littering.

Dress

The District of Columbia Courts respect individual styles and fashion. However, certain attire is not suitable when conducting business or visiting the court because it distracts from the orderliness of court proceedings, is threatening, or is contrary to the civility and dignity of the judicial branch. Persons wearing inappropriate attire may be excluded from the courthouse and its courtrooms. Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to: gang paraphernalia and insignia; exposed undergarments; clothing with words, depictions, or messages that are intimidating or obscene; clothing with sexual or drug references; and sheer, see through, or provocative clothing.

Food

Eating is prohibited in all courtrooms, corridors, and public areas of court buildings. Persons wishing to consume food may do so in the Courts’ Café, located on the C Street level of the Moultrie Courthouse, or in vending rooms. Jurors can eat in the Juror’s Lounge on the third floor.

Drugs and Alcohol

The use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or electronic smoking devices is strictly prohibited inside any court building. Smoking tobacco products or electronic smoking devices is permitted outside DC Courts’ buildings, at least 25 feet from building entrances.

Electronics

Electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, iPads, computers) may not be used in any courtroom. Taking photographs or making audio recordings is prohibited inside all DC Courts’ buildings. In certain instances, these activities may be permitted upon the written approval of the Courts’ Executive Officer.

Weapons

No weapons of any kind are permitted in DC Courts’ buildings. This includes firearms, tasers, mace, pepper spray, knives, scissors or any item that may be used as a weapon. Without exception, Court Security Officers will confiscate all illegal items and they will not be returned. The Courts’ Weapons Policy is posted at the entrances to DC Courts’ buildings and is available online at www.dccourts.gov.

Solicitation

Solicitation (selling items) and collection (retrieval of cash in exchange for items) are prohibited on court property and within court buildings, with the exception of any activities authorized in writing by the DC Courts’ Executive Officer.

Animals

Animals are not allowed in any court building, with the exception of service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Potential Penalties

Persons who violate these provisions may be subject to arrest, expulsion or may be banned from entering DC Courts’ buildings.

To see the Court Building Regulations, click here.

See a list of all court divisions and their respective building. If you need assistance to determine which division or court you should go to, please call (202)879-1010.

For more information on the Regulations Governing Conduct and Use of District of Columbia Courts Buildings and Grounds, click here