Elimination of Bias Through Digital Accessibility: Removing Barriers in Court Filings

Originally presented:  April 29, 2026     |     Course length:  1.0 hour

This presentation will cover recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act and their implications for digital accessibility in legal practice, with a particular focus on disabilities affecting vision. Although proposed orders, pleadings, and other filings may appear polished to sighted readers, they often present significant barriers to individuals who rely on assistive technologies, undermining meaningful access to justice. This program will explain why commonly used document-creation tools are not inherently accessible, how inaccessible filings can affect clients, litigants, and the public, and what practical steps lawyers can take to reduce these barriers. Attendees will gain awareness of the needs of clients with vision disabilities, learn how the Minnesota Judicial Branch is responding to the amended ADA rule, and understand expectations for documents posted on MCRO and P-MACS. The seminar will conclude with practical tips for formatting templates and documents to meet digital accessibility requirements for both court filings and client communications.

– Lindsay K. Forsgren; Krekelberg Law Firm
– Meridith Socha; State Court Administrator’s Office, Legal Counsel Division
– Suzanne Mateffy; Minnesota Judicial Branch