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Developmental disability is an umbrella term referring to disabilities present before an individual reaches 22 years of age. Examples of developmental disabilities are cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, hearing loss, Down syndrome, mental retardation, spinal injury or brain injury. Cognitive disabilities refer to any disability affecting mental processes. Examples include mental retardation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Alzheimer's disease, aphasia, brain injury, language delay, and learning disabilities. Remember that many individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities may not have limited intellectual functioning. Those that do may require accommodation. Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the disability, accommodation may include: having the court and witnesses talk slowly or write things down; when necessary, repeating information using different wording or a different communication approach, allowing time for information to be fully understood; presenting information in a clear, concise, concrete and simple manner; when necessary, taking periodic breaks; presenting tasks in a step-by-step manner, letting the individual perform each step after explanation; scheduling court proceedings at a different time to meet the medical needs of the individual; providing a coach or support person at the proceeding; or allowing videotaped testimony or the use of video conferencing technology in lieu of a personal appearance.

You can be temporarily excused from jury service if you are breastfeeding a child.  You must provide a medical statement.  The excuse is usually for one year with the option to re-apply for another year if you are still breastfeeding your child.  The statement can be from a medical professional, examples include a doctor, lactation professional, nurse, physician’s assistant and/or other medical professional.  The medical statement must be on official letterhead.  The medical statement needs to list your appearance date and your juror number. 

A physical, mental or communication disability that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working. Some examples include mobility or other motor disabilities, vision disabilities, speech and hearing disabilities and, environmental sensitivities, learning disabilities and psychological disorders. The disability makes it hard for the person to do activities that most other people can do. It also may restrict the person’s way of doing things and/or where and for how long the person can do a certain activity or function. People who have a record of such disability or are regarded as having such disability also meet the definition of "disabled" for purposes of having reasonable accommodation made.