What accommodations are necessary for jurors who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the fact that a juror is deaf or hard of hearing and requires an interpreter in order to understand the proceedings or communicate with the court may not be sufficient grounds, by itself, to disqualify that juror. As is done for every juror, a voir dire of a deaf or hard of hearing juror should be conducted to determine whether the juror meets the statutory qualifications for jury service. The clerk of the circuit court should coordinate with the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) to determine if more than interpreter may be necessary. In 1993, the Office of the Executive Secretary provided information to circuit courts on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Courts should contact the Office of the Executive Secretary for additional information or for assistance with any questions.
