Access to justice

What is communication access to justice?

Police, legal and justice services must be fully accessible to all people with disabilities. For people with speech and language disabilities, access to services means ensuring that they can:

• understand what is being said
• have their messages accurately understood
• communicate everything that they want to say
• use different ways of communicating such as speech, gestures, writing, pointing to objects or pictures, spelling words, typing on a communication device or human assistance
• receive written information in ways they understand and can use
• sign documents, take notes and complete forms

For many people with speech and language disabilities, a communication intermediary is required to ensure effective communication access in legal / justice situations.

For information on what you can do to make your services accessible for people who have speech and language disabilities, visit our e-learning modules.