Court Access Accommodations
Reasonable Accommodation Requests
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply to the federal judiciary. However, pursuant to United States Judicial Conference policy, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities, including communication disabilities.
"Each federal court is required to provide, at judiciary expense, sign language interpreters or other appropriate auxiliary aids and services to court participants (parties, witness, attorney) in federal court proceedings who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or have other communications disabilities."
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee has designated Rugena Bivins as the Court’s Access Coordinator, pursuant to The Guide to Judiciary Policy, vol. 5, § 255.40 . The Access Coordinator is responsible for coordinating sign language interpreters or other appropriate auxiliary aids and services to court participants (parties, witnesses, attorneys) in federal court proceedings who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or have other communications disabilities.
All courtrooms are equipped with amplifying headphones. If you are a participant in a court proceeding and you believe you will require other assistive listening technology, access to CART (Communications Access Real-time Translation) or an American Sign Language interpreter, please complete the application for services form and email to reasonable_accomondations@tnwb.uscourts.gov. Please provide notice at least 15 business days prior to the court proceeding.
For questions about non-communication-related disabilities or for additional information, please contact Rugena Bivins, Administrative Manager, at reasonable_accomondations@tnwb.uscourts.gov or on (731) 421-9333.
Building Accommodations
The James D. Todd U.S. Courthouse, located at 111 Highland Ave, Jackson in the Eastern Division is wheelchair accessible through the front door on S. Highland Avenue. All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. All individuals seeking entrance to the courthouse must present a valid, government-issued ID and pass through security, including a metal detector. All courtrooms are wheelchair accessible. Elevators are equipped with braille signage and orally announce floors. Elevators are equipped with emergency call features to accommodate those with visual and hearing impairments.
One Memphis Place (200 Jefferson Ave, Memphis) in the Western Division is wheelchair accessible through doors connected to the parking garage leading to the second floor of the building, and by the street level entrance at the corner of Third Street and Jefferson Avenue. There is a security guard available to assist with the doors at the street level entrance. All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. All individuals seeking entrance to the courtrooms must pass through security, including a metal detector. All courtrooms are wheelchair accessible. Elevators are equipped with braille signage and orally announce floors. Elevators are equipped with emergency call features to accommodate those with visual and hearing impairments.
Please refer all other accommodation requests to the Access Coordinator at reasonable_accomondations@tnwb.uscourts.gov.
Communication Access
All courtrooms are equipped with amplifying headphones. Individuals participating in federal court proceedings who require the assistance of a qualified sign language interpreter or similar auxiliary aides and services must submit requests for services 15 business days in advance of the court proceeding involved.
Please complete the application for services form and submit to reasonable_accomondations@tnwb.uscourts.gov
For questions and additional information, please contact Rugena Bivins, Access Coordinator, at reasonable_accomondations@tnwb.uscourts.gov or on (731) 421-9333.
Accessibility Accommodations
Individuals participating in federal court proceedings who require the assistance of a qualified sign language interpreter or other similar auxiliary aides and services must submit requests for services in advance of the court proceeding involved.
Please direct all requests for services or for additional information as follows:
Rugena Bivins
reasonable_accomondations@tnwb.uscourts.gov
(731) 421.9333