The 2025 Disability Accessibility Improvement Grant is a new initiative launched by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. This grant aims to enhance accessibility and reduce barriers to equal access to courts for individuals with disabilities. The program acknowledges the legal obligations of courts under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and the updated Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Access for People with Disabilities. The grant period runs from January 1 to December 31, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 15, 2024.

The primary purpose of the Disability Accessibility Improvement Grant is to promote full and equal access for people with disabilities in court activities. The initiative seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities can communicate effectively with the court and receive necessary accommodations. Additionally, the grant aims to foster a respectful and dignified environment for people with disabilities within the court system. A further goal is to support local courts in pursuing enhancements that address current budget gaps, ultimately leading to sustainable funding solutions for accessibility improvements.

Funding from the grant can be utilized for various activities and projects that align with its goals. Eligible uses of the funds include installing or repairing accessibility features such as ramps and elevators, remodeling court facilities to ensure accessibility, conducting comprehensive accessibility audits, and providing funding for qualified interpreters or transcription services. Other potential uses include purchasing assistive listening devices, developing accessible court documents, and providing training for court staff on disability rights and customer service.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be one of the following entities within Illinois: a court or court system, a clerk’s office, a sheriff or bailiff’s office, a state’s attorney’s office, or a public defender’s office. This eligibility criterion ensures that the grant is directed towards organizations that have a direct role in the court system and can implement the necessary changes to improve accessibility.

The application process requires specific submission requirements, which include detailed project proposals that outline how the funds will be used to enhance accessibility. Applicants will need to answer questions related to their proposed projects, including the expected outcomes and how they align with the grant's goals. Evaluation criteria will focus on the project's potential impact on accessibility, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the applicant's capacity to implement the project effectively.

The timeline for the grant application process includes a deadline for submissions on October 15, 2024. The grant period will commence on January 1, 2025, and conclude on December 31, 2025. It is important for potential applicants to be aware of these dates to ensure timely submission of their proposals.

For further information regarding the grant, interested parties can contact the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice via email at ADACoordinator@IllinoisCourts.gov or by phone at (833) 411-1121. This grant represents a significant opportunity for Illinois courts to improve accessibility and ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in the judicial process.