Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply to the federal judiciary.  However, pursuant to United States Judicial Conference policy, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities, including communication disabilities.

“Each federal court is required to provide, at judiciary expense, sign language interpreters or other appropriate auxiliary aids and services to participants in federal court proceedings who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or have other communications disabilities.”

The court will also provide a sign language interpreter or other appropriate auxiliary aid or service to a qualified juror with a communication disability.

If you are a participant in a court proceeding and you believe you will require assistive listening technology, access to CART (Communications Access Real-time Translation) or an American Sign Language interpreter, please contact the Judge’s chambers. Please provide notice at least ten days prior to the Court hearing.

If you have been called for jury duty and believe you will require assistive listening technology, access to CART (Communications Access Real-time Translation) or an American Sign Language interpreter, please contact the jury coordinator where you will be reporting for jury duty. Advance notice is appreciated.

Building Accommodations

All Southern District of Iowa courthouses are wheelchair accessible.  All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible.  All individuals seeking entrance to the courthouses must present a valid, government-issued ID and pass through security, including a metal detector.

In Davenport and Des Moines, which have multiple floors, elevators are equipped with braille signage and orally announce floors.  Elevators are equipped with emergency call features to accommodate those with visual and hearing impairments.

Parking

At the Council Bluffs Courthouse, there are designated parking spots for individuals with disabilities. The court does not provide public parking at the Davenport courthouse or the Des Moines Courthouse. However, street parking and parking garages near the courthouses have disability accessible spaces available to the public.

Accommodation Requests

Any other requests for courtroom accommodations must be referred to the chambers for the judge on the case.

Please see here for information about interacting with individuals with disabilities.