Image of an accessible Ontario courthouse entrance with wheelchair ramp

Jury Accommodation Requests in Ontario

Equal access is the law—discover how to secure the supports you need without delaying justice.

Every eligible citizen has the right to serve on a jury, and Ontario courts must remove barriers that could prevent your participation. Under the Juries Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you may request accommodations ranging from wheelchair access to interpreters, quiet rooms, and lactation spaces. This guide explains your options, timelines, and an easy-to-adapt request letter so you can focus on your civic duty—not logistical hurdles.

What Supports Are Available?

Mobility Aids: Courts provide wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps to the jury box, height-adjustable witness stands and priority parking. You can request seating near exits or extra space for walkers.

Hearing Support: Induction loops, FM systems and real-time CART captioning are available in major courthouses—Toronto’s 361 University Ave. jury box is loop-equipped and caption-ready.

Vision Support: Large-print verdict forms, magnification devices, and front-row seating reduce eye strain. Ask for high-contrast digital displays during evidence playback.

Cognitive & Mental-Health: Low sensory waiting rooms, frequent break schedules and plain-language instructions help jurors with ADHD, PTSD or anxiety. You may bring noise-cancelling headphones once screened.

Service Animals: Certified guide or support animals are welcome in the jury room. Inform the sheriff’s officer so seating can be arranged with adequate space.

Lactation & Infant Care: Private nursing rooms with refrigeration can be reserved. Bring your own labelled bottles; security will seal and store coolers if needed.

Accommodation Type Example Supports Office to Contact
Mobility Wheelchair ramps, adjustable seating Court Accessibility Coord.
Hard of Hearing FM loop, real-time captioning Accessibility Coord.
Low Vision Large-print forms, screen readers Court Office
Cognitive / Mental-Health Quiet room, frequent breaks Sheriff’s Office
Service Animals Reserve space beside seat Sheriff’s Office
Lactation Private nursing room, fridge Court Accessibility Coord.

How to Request an Accommodation

  1. Read your summons. Note your juror number and first appearance date—you will quote both in your request.
  2. Identify functional barriers. Describe the impact (“I cannot climb stairs”) rather than your diagnosis.
    Pro Tip: List any assistive devices you plan to bring so security can pre-clear them.
  3. Find your court office. Look up the accessibility coordinator for the courthouse on your summons.
  4. Gather evidence. Doctor letters, audiologist reports or personal statements help staff match supports to needs.
  5. Submit your request. Email, fax or mail the letter to the coordinator and copy the sheriff’s office.
  6. Confirm 48 hours before. Call the accessibility coordinator to ensure arrangements are logged and security has been notified.

Deadline Calculator

Latest standard deadline:
—

Deadlines & Supporting Evidence

Submit requests as early as possible—the more notice, the greater the chance of full approval. Courts classify requests into two tracks:

Request Type Timeline Doctor Note Audiologist Report RN Note Self-Written Statement
Standard ≥ 10 business days before first appearance ✓ ✓ (if hearing) Optional ✓
Expedited / Emergency < 9 business days (including same-day) Best effort Best effort Optional ✓ 
[Your Name]
[Mailing Address]
[Phone / Email]

[Date]

To: Court Accessibility Coordinator
[Court Address]

Re: Juror No. ______  |  Summons Date: ______

I request the following accommodation(s):

• FM loop headset (hard of hearing)
• Quiet waiting area (PTSD)

Functional impact:
I cannot follow testimony without amplification and experience anxiety in crowded spaces.

Supporting documents attached:
• Audiologist letter (dated ____ )
• Psychologist summary (dated ____ )

Please confirm arrangements. I will arrive 30 minutes early for security screening.

Sincerely,
[Signature]

What Happens After You Apply?

You will receive a written response—often by email—within one to two weeks for standard requests or within 48 hours for emergencies. Outcomes fall into four categories:

  • Approved in full: All requested supports arranged. The court may still ask you to arrive early for a quick equipment test.
  • Partially approved: Some aids are substituted if existing court equipment meets the need (e.g., court provides 24-inch monitors so your own magnifier is unnecessary).
  • Request for more information: If evidence is unclear, staff will outline exactly what is missing. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
  • Denied: Rare, but you can appeal by writing to the trial judge under Courts of Justice Act s. 32 or seek help from legal aid services.

Regardless of outcome, all jurors pass through security. Medical devices, service-animal gear, and assistive tech must be screened. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early, and keep proof of approval documents handy in case security has questions.

Accommodation FAQ

No. The Juries Act prohibits discrimination based on disability or access needs. Judges assess impartiality and credibility—not whether you require an interpreter or wheelchair space. In fact, courts must proactively remove barriers so a diverse pool can serve. If your needs cannot be met despite best efforts, you may request an excusal instead; see excusal guidelines.

Yes. Ontario covers the cost of certified interpreters for ASL, LSQ and spoken-language translation. The courtroom registrar co-ordinates bookings once your request is approved. You should not pay out of pocket or bring a family member as interpreter—doing so can compromise impartiality.

Remote jury service is extremely rare because jurors must view witnesses and deliberate confidentially. However, certain civil inquests have trial-wide video links. If your health risk is severe (e.g., immunocompromised during outbreak) the judge may consider virtual voir dire or defer service until conditions improve.

Access coordinators store documents in secure court networks and share only the minimum required details with judges and sheriff’s officers. Letters should focus on functional limitations and avoid diagnosis codes. After the trial, materials are archived under the Courts of Justice Act’s confidentiality rules.

Notify the sheriff’s officer immediately. A judge can recess proceedings while staff arrange additional supports. Emergency requests—such as a sudden injury—are handled the same day whenever possible. Document the issue in writing to create a clear record.

Judges retain ultimate discretion to ensure trial fairness, but they rarely override professional recommendations. If the approved aid conflicts with courtroom security or evidence-handling, the judge may suggest an equivalent alternative (e.g., swapping personal laptop captioning for court-supplied screen readers). You can ask duty counsel to speak on your behalf if you disagree.

Equal access is not a favour—it’s your statutory right under Ontario law.

Support Services Full FAQ