Jury duty with a disability: accommodations, excuses and how to ask

Many people with disabilities assume a summons doesn't apply to them, or that they'll be turned away at the courthouse. In fact, courts are expected to make jury service accessible. You may well be able to serve with the right accommodation, and if you can't, there are proper ways to ask to be excused. This guide explains both paths.

The legal starting point

Federal courts. The U.S. Courts list the qualifications for federal jury service. One of them is having no disqualifying mental or physical condition that cannot be addressed with an accommodation. A disability disqualifies you only if no reasonable accommodation would let you serve. The federal jury statute's anti-discrimination section (28 U.S.C. § 1862) lists race, color, religion, sex, national origin and economic status. It doesn't list disability, but the accommodation standard in the qualifications is what protects jurors with disabilities in federal court.

State and local courts. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local governments to give people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from their programs, services and activities. ADA.gov specifically lists courts among the state and local services that must comply. State courts must therefore make reasonable modifications and provide effective communication for jurors with disabilities.

Common accommodations

Courts commonly provide, or can arrange:

• For deaf and hard-of-hearing jurors: sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and real-time captioning (CART). ADA.gov describes CART as a transcriber typing what's said so the words appear on a screen.
• For blind and low-vision jurors: documents in large print or accessible electronic formats, help moving through the building, and someone reading written materials aloud.
• For mobility disabilities: accessible entrances, restrooms, jury boxes and jury rooms, reserved parking, and seating that accommodates wheelchairs.
• For chronic illness, pain or fatigue: scheduled breaks, a chair with back support, permission to stand, and access to medication, food or water.
• For cognitive, psychiatric or neurological conditions: a quieter waiting area, written instructions, or schedule adjustments.

How to ask

1. Read your summons for an accessibility or ADA contact. Many courts name an ADA coordinator.
2. Contact the jury office early, ideally when you return the questionnaire or soon after you receive the summons.
3. Describe what you need, not just your diagnosis. "I use a wheelchair and need an accessible jury box and parking," or "I need CART captioning to follow testimony."
4. Ask what documentation, if any, is required. For an obvious need, courts often don't ask for medical proof.
5. Get confirmation in writing, and bring it with you on your reporting day.

Requesting an excuse instead

Sometimes serving isn't realistic: a condition that flares unpredictably, treatment that conflicts with court hours, or a disability no accommodation can address. In those cases:

• Ask for an excuse on the questionnaire or summons, explaining the specific effect on your ability to serve.
• Include a short letter from your doctor if the court asks for one, or if your condition isn't obvious.
• Ask whether the excuse is permanent or temporary. Some courts offer permanent medical excuses, and others excuse you only for the current summons.

Federal courts can also grant temporary deferrals or excusals for "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience." These are at the court's discretion and can't be appealed. Virginia's answer book notes that you may be excused for reasons such as a physical ailment.

A checklist for your reporting day

• Your written confirmation of the accommodation, and the name of the staff member who arranged it.
• Any personal devices you rely on, such as hearing aids, a magnifier, or a mobility aid.
• Medication, snacks and water for a long day.
• A phone number for the jury office in case you're delayed by paratransit or accessible parking.
• A short note of what you need, to hand to courtroom staff if you're called to a panel.

Arrive a little early so staff can show you accessible routes before the panel is called.

Caregivers of people with disabilities

If you're the caregiver of a person with a disability, ask whether your court offers a caregiver excuse or postponement. Our parents and caregivers guide covers how to make the request.

During voir dire

The judge or lawyers may ask whether anything would make it hard for you to serve on a particular trial, such as long hours or lots of written exhibits. Answer honestly. If an accommodation would solve the problem, say so. If it wouldn't, say that too. Questions about accommodations aren't meant to exclude you. They're meant to make sure you can follow the evidence.

If something goes wrong

If an accommodation you were promised isn't available when you arrive, tell court staff right away. The judge can delay or reassign you. If you believe a state court denied you a reasonable accommodation, you can raise it with the court's ADA coordinator. ADA.gov explains how to file a complaint about a state or local government.

Service animals

Under the ADA, state and local governments generally must allow service animals. These are dogs individually trained to do work or tasks for a person with a disability. Tell the jury office in advance so security and courtroom staff know to expect your service animal.

Frequently asked questions

Will I be asked about my diagnosis in open court? Usually not. Ask to discuss medical details privately at the bench if a question comes up.

Do I have to tell the court about my disability if I don't need anything? No. Disclose only what's relevant to an accommodation or an excuse.

Can a court reject me because I use a wheelchair? No. Physical access is a classic accommodation, and courts must provide it.

Key takeaways

• Disability alone doesn't disqualify you. Only conditions that can't be accommodated do, in federal court.
• State courts must comply with ADA Title II, including effective communication.
• Contact the jury office early and describe what you need.
• If service truly isn't possible, ask for an excuse and include documentation.