Help for People with Disabilities
If you need help to take part in a court hearing or service due to a disability, you can request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
How to Request an Accommodation
- Fill out the ADA Accommodation Request Form online
- Contact the ADA Coordinator
Ask for an accommodation as soon as you know you need one – or at least 2 weeks before your hearing if possible.
You can ask for an accommodation if you:
- Have a disability
- Need help with mobility, vision, or hearing
- Use a service animal or special device
Help with Language Support
The DC Courts provide free interpreters and translations of court documents for people who don’t speak or understand English well, or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Do You Need an Interpreter?
If you have trouble understanding or speaking English or are deaf or hard of hearing, the court will give you an interpreter for free at your court hearing or when you’re using court services.
You can request an interpreter:
- By filling out an Interpreter Request Form online
- Or by telling the clerk’s office in the division where your case is
Ask early to make sure we can schedule someone for your court date.
Learn more.
You may request one for:
- Yourself
- A witness
Do you need a translation of a court document
If you received a court order or other paper from the DC Courts and need it in another language, we can help.
- Ask the clerk’s office where your case was filed.
- The court will give you a free translation of the document
You must file all court documents in English. We do not translate documents you want to file. Some court forms are available in other languages to help guide you, but you must submit the English version.
Do you need help talking with Court staff?
When you go to a public service counter:
- You can point to an "I Speak" Card to show the clerk which language you speak.
- The clerk will then call a telephone interpreter to help with your conversation.
- You can also see and download the "I Speak" Card
If you speak Spanish, many court counters have bilingual clerks who speak both Spanish and English. You’ll also see Spanish-English signs around the building to help guide you.