Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.
The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia (WVSCA) does not discriminate, nor does it permit discrimination within the unified court system, on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or in the operation of its programs, services or activities or in its hiring or employment practices. The West Virginia state courts ensures equal access to the courts and prohibits discrimination against an individual due to a mental or physical disability. The West Virginia Judiciary strives to accommodate all individuals with disabilities to provide access to all of its services and programs.
Assistance
The ADA program provides assistance to those with disabilities to ensure that the courts are assessable for individuals going through the West Virginia court system, as well as ensure they can effectively communicate with the court. The West Virginia ADA Program cannot provide assistance outside of ensuring effective communication in court proceedings. For example the ADA program cannot provide transportation to and from a scheduled court appearance.
Please see our Accessibility Information page for more information about the different accommodations that can be made for all court participants.
