Overview

The Advisory Committee on Access for People with Disabilities was established by then-Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and then-Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks, in September 2017. Under the leadership of the Co-Chairs, Hon. Carol Sharpe, Justice, Supreme Court, New York County, Civil Term, and Hon. Judith J. Gische, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department (Ret’d), the Committee is charged with examining and advising the Chief Judge and Chief Administrative Judge on a broad scope of issues, including the procedures for requesting accommodations, and training and other needs to ensure best practices in providing access for court users with special needs.

The Committee also will consider the availability of sign language interpreters and assisted listening devices, as well as the quality of remote video interpreting services for the deaf and hard of hearing; and the navigability for those with visual and other disabilities of online court programs and services. Additional issues include the barriers faced by jurors who have a disability.