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Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation means a change to a court's rules, procedures, or physical environment that allows a person with a disability to participate in their case without imposing an undue hardship on the court.
What it actually is
It arises when a party, witness, or other participant with a disability requests modifications—such as interpreters, accessible documents, or extra time—to enable meaningful participation in court proceedings. The court then assesses whether the requested change is reasonable by balancing the individual's needs against the court's resources and the fundamental nature of the proceeding.
Why it matters in your case
Without a reasonable accommodation, a person with a disability may be unable to effectively present their case, understand proceedings, or communicate with their attorney, risking an unfair outcome. Requesting accommodation early helps ensure the court process is accessible and that the person's legal rights are protected throughout the case.
The common misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that reasonable accommodation means the court must grant any request, or that it only covers physical access like ramps. In fact, the accommodation must be both effective and not create an undue burden or fundamentally alter the court's operations, and it can include many types of assistance beyond physical changes.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.