Submission to the Department of Justice and Equality on the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, 2019

CLM’s submission to the Department of Justice and Equality on the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (mid-term review) highlighted the fact that despite ratification of the UNCRPD, the law remains a remote and inaccessible concept for many, particularly those with intellectual disabilities.  We recommended the following:

• Develop guidance and assistance for barristers, solicitors and judges on how to make the courts process accessible and manageable for people with intellectual disabilities
• A court-appointed liaison officer should be available to accompany people with intellectual disabilities, show them around the courtroom prior to the hearing and talk them through the court procedure.
• Collect data on the number of people with intellectual disabilities accessing justice through issuing court proceedings.

Click here to read more.