The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) and the Access to Justice Division of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) have issued the 2026 Request for Proposals for the Disability Access Grant, an initiative that advances accessibility and reduces barriers to equal access to courts for people with disabilities.
The application and grant policy are available here, and proposals will be accepted through October 10, 2025.
The Disability Access Grant recognizes that courts have obligations to address accessibility barriers and provide equal access to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and the Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Access for People with Disabilities.
All courts have made extensive efforts to make their programs, services, and facilities open and accessible to all court users, regardless of their disabilities, and the ATJ Commission hopes the Disability Access Grant will help bridge any gaps or jump start new initiatives to continue this progress.
Courts, clerks, sheriffs or bailiffs, state’s attorneys, and public defenders can apply for Disability Access Grants. Grant funds may be used for many activities or projects that address barriers to equal access to court for people with disabilities. Categories include architectural improvements, accessibility audits or surveys, communication access, community feedback, resources for people with disabilities, and a catch-all for activities that do not fall into one of the categories.
The needs of each applicant for grant funding are unique; projects or activities that are funded will also be distinct.
For more information, contact: August Hieber, Sr. Program Manager, ATJ Division at 312.646.0250 or at ahieber@illinoiscourts.gov.