The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) have launched the inaugural application for a new grant initiative that advances accessibility and reduces barriers to equal access to courts for people with disabilities. The application and grant policy are available here and will remain open through October 15, 2024.
The grant program, which is called the Disability Accessibility Improvement Grant, recognizes that courts have obligations to address accessibility barriers and provide equal access to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Illinois Human Right Act (IHRA), and the recently updated Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Access for People with Disabilities (Policy).
While all courts have made efforts to meet the requirements of the ADA, IHRA, and corresponding laws and regulations, the ATJ Commission’s goal for the Disability Accessibility Improvement Grant is to help bridge gaps or jump start new initiatives to continue to improve access to the Illinois court system for people with disabilities.
Courts, clerk, sheriffs or bailiffs, state’s attorneys, and public defenders, can apply for Disability Accessibility Improvement Grants. Grant funds may be used for any activity or project that addresses a barrier to equal access to court for people with disabilities, including, but not limited to, installing ramps or implementing accessible jury boxes and witness stands, conducting comprehensive accessibility audits, and purchasing and providing assistive listening devices and other communication technologies. The needs of each applicant for grant funding are unique and the projects or activities that are funded will also be distinct.