1. Ensuring Access to Justice:
Courtroom Considerations for Provding Accommodations to People with Mental Illness and Cognitive Disabiliites
September 15, 2017
Atlanta, Georgia
Talley Wells,
Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
IHDD, University of Georgia
Adjunct Professor, Georgia State School of Law

2. Session Objectives
Familiarize participants with common issues that arise for people with mental illness and cognitive disabilities;
Provide examples of accommodations that can be considered; and
Provide resources for consultation and possible additional training.

3. Defining Mental Illness & Cognitive Disabilities
Mental Illness: Wide range of mental health disorders impacting mood, thinking, and behavior.
Cognitive Disabilities: Disabilities impacting cognitive or intellectual functioning.
These are imprecise umbrella terms.
Mental illness and cognitive disabilities are significantly different and should not be confused. Accommodation must be tailored to individual’s actual impairment.
Mirror Exercise
Time of exercise
Were instructions clear?
Simulates dyspraxia – a neurological disorder that affects planning of movements and co-ordination as a result of brain messages not being accurately transmitted to the body.
Parkinsons, MS, stroke
Mirror is metaphor for barrier

4. Draft Companion Guide We want your feedback.
Please review the draft Mental Illness and Cognitive Disabilities Companion Guide to Access to Justice for People with Disabilities:  A Guide for Georgia Courts
Give us comments!

5. ADA Title II
“… no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.”
42 U.S.C (emphasis added)

6. Definition of Disability
A physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits one or more major life
activities;
A record of such an impairment;
Is regarded as having such an
impairment.
Disability - ADAA
Congress found that persons with many types of impairments – including epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, major depression, and bipolar disorder – had been unable to bring ADA claims because they were found not to meet the ADA’s definition of “disability.”
The ADAAA explicitly rejected certain Supreme Court interpretations of the term “disability.”
 The changes to the definition of disability apply to all of the ADA’s titles.
 Major life activities include –
caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating,
sleeping, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, interacting with others, and working.
“Substantially limit” a major life activity - An impairment need not prevent or severely or significantly limit a major life activity to be considered “substantially limiting.” Nonetheless, not every impairment will constitute a disability.
- “Substantially limits” should be construed broadly in favor of expansive coverage to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of the ADA.
The regulations identify examples of specific impairments that should easily be concluded to be disabilities –
 The impairments include: deafness, blindness, intellectual disability (formerly known as mental retardation), partially or completely missing limbs, mobility impairments requiring use of a wheelchair, autism, cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, epilepsy, HIV infection, multiple sclerosis,
muscular dystrophy, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. [Section (j)(3)

7. Qualified Individual with a Disability
An individual is qualified if s/he meets the essential
eligibility requirements of the program, benefit, or activity with or without:
Reasonable modifications to rules, policies or practices;
Auxiliary aids and services; or
Removal of architectural, communications or transportation barriers.
Mirror Exercise
Sometimes difference equals opportunity

8. Unique Challenges
Mental Illness/Cognitive Disabilities often less apparent than other disabilities.
Accommodations also can be harder to identify
The stress of court proceedings can exacerbate impairments.
Wide variety of different diagnoses, symptoms, and conditions requiring different accommodations.
Mirror Exercise
Sometimes difference equals opportunity

9. Mental Illness Impacts one in 5 adults, according to 2015 data NIMH
ADA presumes following conditions are covered: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia
Others are if substantially limit a major life activity
28 C.F.R (a)
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

10. Mental Illness in Children
About half of individuals who have mental illness develop it by age 14.
Children with mental illness often are not identified or treated.
Children with mental illness sometimes exhibit different symptoms than adults.
Different terminology in special education in schools from medical terminology.
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

11. Mental Illness
Assessing Credibility: behaviors or symptoms of mental illness should not on their own be determinative of credibility. Even person with significant delusions could still recall a real event that occurred to him or her.
Medication: Usually not a cure by itself and may have side effects. An individual usually has right to not take medication.
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

12. Mental Illness: Possible Accommodations
Breaks
Timing of court proceedings
Providing information in alternative formats to ensure it is understood
Changing courtroom locations
Speaking slowly and distinctly
Allowing individual to assist.
Allowing use of service or comfort animal.
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

13. Mental Illness: Possible Accommodations
Other accommodations outlined in Mental Illness and Cognitive Disabilities Companion Guide
Ask the individual or his/her loved ones (if appropriate) for accommodations that worked in other settings
Consult expert
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

14. Mental Illness: Common Types
Anxiety Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Depression
Substance Use Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

15. Cognitive Disabilities
Umbrella (imperfect) term for disabilities involving attention, intellect, judgment and/or behavior.
Includes intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and learning disabilities.
Main impediments/barriers occur when directions are not understood or there is ineffective communication
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

16. Cognitive Disabilities
Many individuals with cognitive disabilities can live independently, others can live independently with assistance.
Most do not need guardians and should not be required to have one when not necessary.
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

17. Cognitive Disabilities
Rule 1.14 of Georgia Rules of Professional Responsibility can can be helpful guide for courts in many situations:
“lawyer shall, as far as reasonably possible, maintain a normal client-lawyer relationship with” a client with a mental impairment.  However, when a lawyer believes a client is at risk of substantial harm and cannot act in his or her own interest, the lawyer can “take reasonably necessary protective action, including consulting with individuals or entities that have the ability to take action to protect the client, and, in appropriate cases, seeking the appointment of a guardian ad litem, conservator or guardian.”
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

18. Cognitive Disabilities
Many individuals with cognitive disabilities can live independently, others can live independently with assistance.
Most do not need guardians and should not be required to have one when not necessary.
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

19. Cognitive Disabilities: Assistance of Others
Family members or others who assist individual can be helpful but usually the individual should be asked if others can be consulted or can assist
Maintain individual’s privacy and dignity as much as possible
Even when guardian exists, individual has right to respect and usually to interact with who he/she chooses.
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

20. Cognitive Disabilities: Documents & Forms
Individuals may need assistance with documents and forms or for the materials to be simplified.  
Forms should be simple and only ask for the information that is necessary.  
Large print should be used for ease of reading.
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

21. Cognitive Disabilities: Possible Accommodations
simpler language
speaking slowly
pictures and visual tools
allowing a trusted individual to assist
taking breaks
repeating information.
ensuring directions are understood by asking for them to be repeated back.  
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

22. Cognitive Disabilities: Common Impairments
Intellectual Disabilities
Traumatic Brain Injury
Developmental Disabilities (not all cognitive)
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learning Disabilities
Service Animals
Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Generally, state agencies must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

23. Georgia Resources/Organizations
Georgia Crisis & Access Line  
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)  
Georgia Advocacy Office.  The Georgia Advocacy Office is the state’s designated and federally mandated Protection and Advocacy Organization for people with disabilities.
Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) and Training:  Georgia law enforcement officers can participate in a 40 hour CIT training to effectively assist individuals with mental illness and other brain disorders who are in crisis. Trainings in CIT are held throughout the year.  For more information, contact Pat Strode by telephone ( ) or via at
National Association of Mental Illness Georgia (NAMI Georgia) 
Mental Health America of Georgia (MHA of Georgia)
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) 

24. Resources for Court Accessibility & Technical Guidance
Administrative Office of the Courts:  The Administrative Office of the Courts provides expertise to Georgia trial and appellate courts on policy, legislation, court innovation, and court administration.  
State of Georgia ADA Coordinator’s Office:  The ADA Coordinator’s office provides technical resources to state agencies on compliance with Title of II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, conducts trainings on the ADA for state agencies, and other services.

25. Contact Information
Talley Wells Director, Disability Integration Project Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 120 Decatur, GA Special thank you to Bill Goren, Mike Galifianakis and Stacey Peace for furnishing foundational slides for this presentation. Thank you to Karlise Grier, Patricia Buonodono, Mike Galifianakis, Stacey Peace, and Jessica Farah who helped develop the draft Mental Illness and Cognitive Disabilities Companion Guide to Access to Justice for People with Disabilities: A Guide for Georgia Courts.