ADA Services

While the Wyoming Judicial Branch is dedicated to ensuring equitable access for individuals with disabilities in Wyoming courts, it’s important to note that certain modification requests may be denied under specific circumstances. The ADA stipulates that modifications are not obligatory for individuals who are not considered “qualified” individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the courts are not mandated to undertake actions that would result in a “fundamental alteration of a program or service” or pose an “undue financial or administrative burden.” Additionally, the ADA does not mandate the provision of personal devices or services, such as wheelchairs, legal representation, secretarial assistance, or transportation. These considerations highlight the careful balance between promoting accessibility and addressing practical limitations within the scope of the ADA.

Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as Service Animals under the ADA.

The use of an emotional support animal will be reviewed on a case- by-case basis and at the discretion of the presiding judge.

Yes, ADA applies to state and local governments. Title II of the ADA specifically addresses the obligations of state and local governments in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to their programs, services, and activities. State and local governments are required to make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures to avoid discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and they must also ensure effective communication with people who have disabilities.

The Wyoming courts are committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal and full access to the Wyoming judicial system. Access can mean physical access to enter or move about in judicial buildings or the ability to participate fully in all programs and services. Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activity, has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment may request a modification.

Although you can request a modification in any written form or orally, it is preferred that the request be made by completing a Request for Modification Form and submit it to the Statewide ADA Coordinator. Upon request, the form can be available in an alternative format.

The request must include: a description of the person’s disability; the role of the person in the court proceeding; the modification sought; the date and time of the modification requested; and the court proceeding, program, service, or activity for which the modification is sought.

A service animal, as defined by the ADA, is an individually trained dog or miniature horse that performs specific tasks or work to benefit an individual with a disability. These disabilities encompass physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental conditions. It’s important to note that species other than dogs or miniature horses, regardless of training status, are not recognized as service animals under the ADA. The tasks performed by service animals vary widely and can include guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting those who are deaf to sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue assistance, pulling a wheelchair, aiding during seizures, detecting allergens, retrieving items, offering physical support for balance, and assisting individuals with psychiatric and neurological disabilities. It’s crucial to understand that the mere presence of an animal, emotional support, or companionship does not meet the ADA’s criteria for work or tasks performed by service animals.

Individuals with service animals may be asked if the animal is a service animal and inquire into the service the animal provides and into the training the animal has received.

An individual shall not be required to show identification or certification of the service animal’s status or of the individual’s disability.

The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and ensures their equal access to various aspects of public life. The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.