Access to Justice Commission to Accept Proposals for 2027 Disability Access Grant

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission), and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) are excited to announce the launch of the application process for the 2027 Disability Access Grant, to enable courts and other stakeholders to apply for funding to advance accessibility for people with disabilities in their jurisdiction. The grant policy is posted here. The Request for Proposals is available and the application is open through October 23, 2026.

The Disability Access Grant recognizes that courts have obligations to address accessibility barriers and provide equal access to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Illinois Human Right Act (IHRA), and the recently updated Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Access for People with Disabilities (Policy).

While all courts must work towards meeting the requirements of the ADA, IHRA, the Policy, and corresponding laws and regulations, the ATJ Commission recognizes that needs and resources differ across jurisdictions. Where one court may have funding to provide state-of-the art accessibility aids, make changes to physical spaces, and seamlessly process reasonable modifications, other courts may want to improve accessibility but lack the funding to realize their goals. To forward the objective of equal access to court for people with disabilities, and to ensure more uniform access to resources for courts, the Disability Access Grant supports projects or activities from local courts who need resources to promote dignity, advance accessibility, and reduce barriers to equal access to courts for people with disabilities.

Courts, clerks, sheriffs or bailiffs, law librarians, state’s attorneys, and public defenders, can apply for Disability Access Grants. Grant funds may be used for activities or projects that addresses barriers to equal access to court for people with disabilities, including, but not limited to, installing ramps or implementing accessible jury boxes and witness stands, conducting comprehensive accessibility audits, providing funding for Communication Access Realtime Translation, or funding a community partner to lead a listening session or town hall to better understand the experiences of people with disabilities. The needs of each applicant for grant funding are unique; projects or activities that are funded will also be distinct.

For more information, contact: August Hieber, Sr. Program Manager, ATJ Division at 217.208.3331 or at ahieber@illinoiscourts.gov)