Accessibility at court
The Courts Service is committed to making our buildings and hearings accessible. If you have a disability, health condition or are neurodivergent (for example, autistic, ADHD, dyslexic), support is available to help you take part in court fairly.
For website accessibility (screen readers, text size, colour contrast), see our Website accessibility statement.
Contents
- Contact the accessibility officer
- Requesting adjustments
- Examples of adjustments
- Policy and rights
- What’s coming next
- Related supports
Contact the accessibility officer
Each courthouse has an accessibility officer who coordinates adjustments. Their role is to arrange supports, not to act as an advocate or legal representative. You do not need to provide medical evidence to ask for help. Find contact details for your local office in the Find Us section.
Requesting adjustments
If you may need support:
- Contact the court office or accessibility officer as early as possible.
- Explain what would help you (for example, a quiet waiting space, step-free access, or extra time to process information).
- The officer will discuss your request with the Registrar and, if needed, the judge. The judge makes the final decision about adjustments inside the courtroom.
Examples of adjustments
Physical access
- Wheelchair ramps, lifts and accessible toilets (varies by courthouse).
- Accessible parking at some buildings – check in advance.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.
- Witness boxes and evidence may be taken at floor level if required.
- Induction loops in refurbished courtrooms.
Neurodiversity and hidden needs
- Quiet or separate waiting areas.
- Clear, step-by-step instructions from staff.
- Written notes or prompts to support what is said in court.
- Extra time to process questions or information.
- Scheduling hearings at quieter times.
- Permission to bring a support person (the judge decides if they may stay in court).
Hearing and vision supports
- Assistive listening devices / induction loops (where available).
- Positioning for lip-reading.
- Large print or Braille materials (where possible).
- Clear signage and visual information.
Health-related needs
- Breaks during hearings.
- Permission to bring water or medication.
- Remote attendance (video link) in some cases – the judge decides.
Policy and rights
Supports are provided under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Disability Act 2005, and the IHREC Act 2014. The Courts Service Accessibility Policy commits us to making reasonable accommodations. Read the full policy.
What’s coming next
- Sensory environmental audits with AsIAm (starting 2025).
- Staff training on hidden disabilities and neurodiverse needs.
- Clearer communications online and in court buildings.
