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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.

The court must ensure that court and probation services and programs are physically accessible to people with disabilities by removing architectural barriers. Examples of architectural accommodations to facilitate accessibility to people with disabilities are: providing wheelchair ramps and wheelchair accessible restrooms, adjusting the height of public information counters, labeling facilities with Braille lettering, providing adequate lighting in the courtrooms for those with vision disabilities, and providing adjustable microphones for witnesses.

The court also must ensure that its communications with people with disabilities are as effective as communications with others and that all can fully participate and enjoy the services and programs provided. The provision of auxiliary aids and services, at no charge, may be a reasonable accommodation to ensure effective communication for a person with a hearing, visual or speech disability. The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective communication will vary in accordance with the length and complexity of the communication involved and the individual’s specific disability and preferred mode of communication. Every effort shall be made to meet the specific needs of the individual. The court is not responsible, however, for providing devices of a personal nature such as prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and/or personal medical or attendant care.