And Equal Participation for All...The Americans with Disabilities Act in the Courtroom

This article hopes to encourage the use of the ADA as a mechanism to increase courtroom accessibility to people with disabilities. The article proceeds in the following manner. Initially, I outline the procedural history and design of the Act. Then, in Part III, I discuss how the ADA seeks to ensure the increased participation of persons with disabilities in courtroom practices and procedures.

In Part IV, I discuss the Act's Title II, Public Services, which controls access to and accommodations by the state courts. Next, I trace the discrimination frequently faced by persons with disabilities, which is illustrated by a possible case history. I conclude by offering reasonable systemic courthouse accommodations as well as accommodations for individual courtroom procedures and practices to encourage the active participation of people with disabilities.