What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was enacted to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. Under Title II of the ADA, no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of programs, services, or activities of a public entity. This prohibition applies to the New Mexico state courts as providers of public programs, services, and activities. Pursuant to the ADA, people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access, use, and fully participate in court programs, services, and activities and not be discriminated against because of their disability.
The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts is committed to ensuring equal access to and full participation in court programs, court services, and court activities for qualified individuals with disabilities, including attorneys, litigants, defendants, probationers, witnesses, victims, potential jurors, and public observers of court proceedings.
The New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts Statewide ADA Title II Coordinator Office provides resources, guidance and training to all judiciary employees. It also oversees the enforcement of Title II of the ADA in each judicial district’s programs, services and activities.
If you have a disability that may restrict your ability to meaningfully participate in court proceedings, programs, activities, or services, the Judicial Branch will provide you with reasonable and appropriate accommodations at no cost to you. Some accommodations may require approval by the presiding Judge.