Equality and diversity

How HM Courts & Tribunals Service supports court and tribunal users with disabilities.

What is a reasonable adjustment?

A reasonable adjustment is the name used in the Equality Act 2010 for something put in place to remove barriers so people with disabilities have equal access to our information and services.

 protects the rights of people living with disabilities. This means we have a legal duty to help and support where we can. Section 20 of the Act provides information about reasonable adjustments.

What reasonable adjustments can we provide?

At HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) we want to provide all court and tribunal users with equal access to our information and services. We know people with disabilities sometimes need support or something different provided to help them. By listening carefully to you and sensitively discussing any help you need, we can provide reasonable adjustments to support you.

These are some examples of reasonable adjustments we can provide:

  • accessible toilets
  • breaks during a hearing to help with concentration
  • British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters
  • forms in large print
  • guidance in alternative formats including audio and Easy Read
  • hearing enhancement equipment
  • ramps

This doesn바카라 사이트™t include everything we can do to help as everyone has different and individual needs.

If you need support in the hearing room, we will also discuss this with the judge hearing the case. Judges are committed to making sure everyone can give their best evidence and everyone has a fair hearing.

How to arrange a reasonable adjustment?

If you have a disability that means you can바카라 사이트™t access our information and services, please contact us. Our contact details will be on any correspondence or information you receive from us, or you can use Find a court or tribunal.  You can request reasonable adjustments by phone, in person or in writing.

You should try to explain how your disability affects you and give as much information as you can about the support you need. This will help our staff or the judge to consider what reasonable adjustments can be provided to help you.

You must request any reasonable adjustments you need for each case. We will put processes in place, so you do not have to repeat your needs during the same case.
If you have another case, you will need to ask again for any reasonable adjustments you need as they may have changed.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network

We have joined the  to help people visiting court and tribunal buildings who may need additional support.

By wearing the Sunflower lanyard, you are showing that you might need extra help or more time. Court and tribunal staff know how to recognise the Sunflower lanyard and may ask you what we can do to help.

Sunflower lanyards are available in all our buildings.

Contents