Federal Disability Law and the Federal Judiciary
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act do not apply to the federal judiciary. However, pursuant to Judicial Conference policy, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations to persons with communications disabilities.
The following information describes currently-available accommodations intended to facilitate access to the Byron White U.S. Courthouse and Tenth Circuit oral argument proceedings. Questions, concerns, and requests for accommodations should be directed to the court’s Disability Access Coordinator (see below for contact information).
Disabled Access to the Byron White U.S. Courthouse
A wheelchair ramp for the Byron White U.S. Courthouse can be accessed by beginning at the northeast corner of the building near 19th Street and Stout Street, and traveling along the upper sidewalk (closest to the building) toward the rear of the building. A brass sign at the end of the upper walkway will indicate the entrance to the ramp. Use the call box at the bottom of the ramp to call a court security officer who will ask for valid government issued identification and conduct a security check. Elevators are available inside the entrance and provide ready access to all public spaces.
All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Elevators are equipped with braille signage and emergency call features for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. Smoke detectors throughout the building are equipped with strobe lights, audible alarms, and instructions.
Auxiliary Aids and Services for Individuals with Communications Disabilities
The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has adopted procedures for providing auxiliary aids and services to participants in court proceedings who are hearing impaired or have other communications disabilities. Individuals in need of such aids or services should provide the Clerk’s Office with advance notice.
Hearing Loop Systems: Courtrooms I and IV are equipped with an Ampetronic hearing loop system, which streams courtroom audio directly to hearing-loop-compatible chochlear implants or hearing aids. The user need only enable the T-Coil setting on their device to activate. More information regarding hearing loop systems can be found at http://www.hearingloop.org/.
Assistive Listening Headsets: All four courtrooms in the Byron White U.S. Courthouse are equipped with wideband infrared assistive listening technology that can be accessed via headsets provided by the courtroom deputy. Headsets should be requested from the Clerk’s Office prior to oral argument.
CART Services: Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services are also available upon request and with advance notice. Please contact the Access Coordinator at least six weeks in advance of the proceeding for which services are requested.
Submitting Requests for Auxiliary Aids or Services
Requests for auxiliary aids or services may be made by contacting:
Jane K. Castro Chief Deputy Clerk and Disability Access Coordinator Office of the Clerk United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit 1823 Stout Street Denver, CO 80257 clerk@ca10.uscourts.gov (303) 844-3157
Please note that requests for CART services must be made at least six weeks in advance of the proceeding for which the services are requested. Advance notice of anticipated use of the court’s hearing loop and assistive listening headsets is appreciated and will help ensure that the systems/aids are ready for use as needed.