Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA)
Probate Courts strive to accommodate any person who requires access to court services and facilities. Probate judges often conduct hearings in hospitals and nursing homes to ensure participation, especially when the person in the facility is the subject of the proceeding.
The ADA and the Connecticut Probate Courts
The Connecticut Probate Courts are committed to providing equal access to the court facilities and proceeding to persons with disabilities consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA (see ADA Notice below). Qualified individuals can request the Probate Court make reasonable accommodations to ensure access to court facilities and proceedings.
Who is a Qualified Individual?
A qualified individual is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; someone who has a record of such impairment; or someone who is regarded as having such impairment. According to the ADA, major life activities may include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
What Accommodations are Available?
In compliance with the ADA, the Probate Courts will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities when requested to do so. These accommodations may include administrative accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or assistive technologies, as well as judicial accommodations.
How Do I Request an Accommodation?
A request for an accommodation can be made at any time orally, in writing, or by using the PC-2 Request for Accommodation by Person with Disabilities form. Request and completed forms should be submitted to the local ADA Contact at the Probate Court (see below) where the case will be heard. It is best to make the request as far in advance as possible in order to allow time for review and to make arrangements for the accommodation, if needed. If possible, you should make your request at least ten (10) days before the date of the Probate hearing. In emergency situations, the ten-day requirement can be waived.
PC-2, Request for Accommodation Form
Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such impairment may request an accommodation.
What if my request is denied?
Although the Probate Courts are committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to the courts, some requests may be denied. If your request for an administrative accommodation is denied, or if you do not agree with the accommodation offered, you can file a complaint. For additional information on how to file a complaint pertaining to an administrative accommodation, please see the PC-3 Grievance/Complaint Filed under the Americans with Disability Act form. If a judicial accommodation is denied by the Court, and you disagree with this decision, it may be challenged in an appeal to Superior Court.