Remote and Equitable Access to Court Hearings (REACH)

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

As court hearings continue to be held remotely, residents are without reliable access to technology . In Hodgkins and McCook IL, one third of residents do not have internet access. In Chicago areas like Burnside and West Englewood, that number is even higher. Additionally, residents with internet access may have concerns about potential prejudice if their home environment as seen on camera is interpreted as unprofessional or they lack a private space to attend a hearing. To ensure that County residents can always access their court hearings the Law Library implemented the REACH (Remote and Equitable Access to Court Hearings) program. Using mobile workstations, any library conference room or workspace can be converted to provide private access to Zoom court hearings.