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Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the disability, accommodation may involve: providing forms and instructions in Braille, large print or on audio tape; providing assistance at the counter in filling out necessary paperwork; having written materials read out loud in the courtroom; allowing the person to sit closer than usual if of limited vision, or to provide additional lighting if the lighting is a problem. People who are blind or visually disabled often can be assisted by increasing the size of an object, by changing viewing distance, by improving illumination, and by improving contrast. Changing size and distance go hand in hand. Size can be changed in several different ways: an object can be made larger (such as a big-button telephone), materials can be reproduced larger (such as large print), a nearby object can be enlarged (using a magnifier), or a far-away object can be enlarged (using a telescope). Devices can be set into glass frames, some of which are bioptic.

The most critical consideration for a low-vision individual is lighting. The midday offers the best light. Halogen bulbs and lamps that place direct light on a subject are highly recommended. When considering which bulbs to use, incandescent bulbs with a high wattage are preferred over florescent. Florescent bulbs throw off a glaring blue light. If the person with a visual disability is referring to notes, additional light (such as a gooseneck lamp) may be necessary.

Contrast in written materials also can be important. The more the words crowded onto a page and the more similar the ink and paper colors, the less one can discriminate. Using 14-point or larger black type on yellow paper will greatly increase the readability of materials.

A person with a psychiatric disability is someone with a mental illness which significantly interferes with that person’s performance of major life activities, such as learning, thinking, communicating, and sleeping, among others. The most common forms of mental illnesses resulting in psychiatric disabilities are anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and schizophrenia. Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental illnesses and include panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder characterized by severe fear or anxiety associated with   particular objects and situations. Depressive Disorders would include major depression, manic-depressive illness and seasonal affective disorder characterized by disturbances or changes in moods. Schizophrenia is a highly complex illness characterized by thoughts that seem fragmented and difficulty processing information.

Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the disability, accommodation may include: scheduling court proceedings at certain time to coincide with medication requirements or effects; presenting information in a different manner to be better processed by the individual such as providing instructions in a written or recorded format; changing procedures as they relate to the interaction with witnesses and court staff in the courtroom; eliminating distractions; speaking slowly and distinctly; or allowing videotaped testimony or the use of video conferencing technology in lieu of a personal appearance.

The legal qualifications for jury service are:

• You are a citizen of the United States.
• You are 18 years of age or older.
• You can read, speak, and understand the English language.
• You reside in the State of Colorado for at least 6 months of the year.
• You have not served on a jury in any court within the past 12 months.
• You are not a primary caregiver responsible for the daily care of a permanently disabled person living in the same household and do not work outside of the home. This does not include working and residing in a home where you are an employee of an outside agency. A current statement from a licensed physician or physician assistant authorized under C.R.S. 12-240-107(6), licensed advanced nurse practitioner, or authorized Christian Science practitioner is required.
• You do not have a physical or mental disability that would prevent you from serving as a juror. A current statement from a licensed physician or physician assistant authorized under C.R.S. 12-240-107(6), licensed advanced nurse practitioner, or authorized Christian Science practitioner is required.
• Exemptions are not based on profession, employment status, enrollment in school, financial situation, religious affiliation, or age—except that all jurors must be at least 18 years old.

Yes, in fact over half of the sex offenders who come through the Judicial system are granted probation. Adults who are convicted of a felony sex offense and granted probation are placed on Intensive Supervision Probation (SOISP). SOISP is a specialized program within probation and it is designed to provide a high level of supervision that can include, but not limited to treatment with a Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) certified therapist, frequent home and office visits, polygraph testing, risk assessment, ankle monitoring (must be court ordered), urine analysis testing and safety planning. There are three phases within SOISP, and the level can be adjusted based on the probationer’s progress on supervision. Adults who are convicted of a misdemeanor level sex offense are placed on probation and are required to attend treatment along with similar restrictions based on their risk level. Juveniles who commit sex offenses are also sentenced to probation and treated very differently than adult probationers. Typically, juveniles serve up to two years on probation and required to attend treatment along with following the terms and conditions of their probation.