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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.