Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Vikki Walton-Cole, a disabled social worker, recounted the difficulties she experienced navigating the court system while already in pain and struggling to walk. At the time, she was not yet using a wheelchair full-time, but the lack of on-site or convenient disabled parking meant she had to exert considerable effort walking from a distant parking space. Upon learning that the courtroom itself could only be accessed by stairs, Walton-Cole was overwhelmed with emotion, describing how she “burst into tears.” She reflected that arriving in such a state was far from ideal for a professional setting.
Walton-Cole identified these accessibility challenges as a major reason behind her decision to leave social work, highlighting the many obstacles the court system poses for disabled individuals. The BBC has gathered evidence that courts lacking adequate accessibility can create a range of problems—from jurors feeling vulnerable to lawyers being forced to participate remotely despite being physically close to the courtroom. Under the Equality Act, courts are legally required to provide “reasonable adjustments” to accommodate disabled people. A spokesperson from HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) stated, “We are working closely with disability groups to reduce the barriers disabled people face when accessing justice.”
After her career change, Walton-Cole faced further challenges during jury service at Guildford Crown Court. Now a full-time powerchair user, she attempted for weeks to clarify basic accessibility issues but ultimately found the process too stressful and gave up. The court maintained that it had done all it could to meet her needs. Walton-Cole resisted offers to be excused from jury duty, stating, “As a jury, we’re supposed to reflect society.” Another juror, Victoria Gerrard, who uses a wheelchair, reported similar difficulties during her service at Paisley Sheriff Court in Scotland. She described a lack of accessible toilets in the jury area and no practical guidance for using facilities. Gerrard also had to be escorted through public spaces, regularly passing by the accused and their families, who sometimes glared at the jurors, contributing to her feeling vulnerable and isolated.
Barrister Holly Girven, another wheelchair user, praised court staff but highlighted ongoing issues, such as being denied access to upper court floors over fire safety concerns and having to navigate steep, temporary ramps that felt unsafe. On one occasion at Wandsworth County Court, she had to join her hearing remotely from a room just ten metres away due to a malfunctioning lift, remarking, “You wouldn’t expect a hospital to not be wheelchair-accessible. So I don’t know why it’s acceptable for some courts not to be.” Many wheelchair users acknowledged the complexity of retrofitting older or listed court buildings but emphasized that better access information could be a straightforward improvement. However, when queried, the Ministry of Justice revealed it does not have centralized data on accessible facilities across courts in England and Wales.
Equality law barrister Gregory Burke, founder of the accessibility guide website AccessAble, stressed that accessibility encompasses more than physical facilities, including information, attitudes, and respect. He described instances where he was treated dismissively—such as being told he was “lucky” to address court seated, or cautioned “not to wreck the place” while maneuvering through chambers in his wheelchair. Nonetheless, Burke affirmed that the judiciary is “overwhelmingly… very inclusive and accommodating.” He argued strongly against disabled court users being “ambushed by inaccessibility” or facing a “resilience test” just to attend court, noting that this additional “cognitive load” can hinder a legal participant’s ability to provide their best evidence, potentially impacting serious outcomes like liberty, child custody, or business survival.
A report from the Magistrates’ Association echoed these concerns, revealing how poor accessibility undermines morale and has even led to resignations. The report outlined specific hazards, such as an accessible toilet positioned dangerously close to a flight of stairs. It concluded that failing to ensure court buildings are accessible ultimately compromises the effective administration of justice. Addressing these concerns, an HMCTS spokesperson acknowledged ongoing challenges and emphasized efforts to place cases at appropriate venues and equip staff with
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.