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Courts outline accessibility services, say truancy prevention remains state-funded
Summary
Court staff described multiple accessibility services (interpreters, deaf-link, bailiffs, wheelchairs) and said the municipal courts currently receive a state grant for truancy prevention from the governor's office; council members asked for program lists and grant impact information.
San Antonio — Municipal court staff described a range of accessibility services and supports at the courts and said the city currently receives a state grant for truancy prevention and intervention.
Judge Abledo told the Municipal Court Advisory Committee the courts provide interpreters for non-English speakers, a "deaf link" for people who cannot communicate verbally, elevator and wheelchair access, trained bailiffs to assist people between courtrooms, and defibrillators throughout the building. "We have interpreters for individuals that do not speak English," Judge Abledo said.
The judge said the courts also work with community partners to support people with intellectual or mental-health disabilities and that, in limited cases for fine-only offenses, the court has arranged appointed counsel at no cost.
On funding, Judge Abledo said, "Currently, we only get a state grant for truancy prevention and intervention through, the governor's office." Committee members asked staff to provide a list of court programs and to show whether any federal grants had been reduced and how that affects services.
The committee also noted overlap with the Education Opportunities Committee on truancy-related work and asked staff to coordinate the presentation where appropriate.
