Disabled jurors, lawyers, and social workers are reportedly facing significant accessibility challenges within UK courts, transforming their engagement with the justice system into a "resilience test". Issues highlighted include non-existent accessible parking, broken lifts, and inadequate toilet facilities, often compelling individuals to endure pain, stress, or even abandon professional roles.
Vikki Walton-Cole, a disabled social worker, recounted to the BBC podcast Access All how a lack of on-site parking and a courtroom only accessible by stairs led her to tears, describing it as a "massive factor" in her decision to leave social work due to "too many barriers in the court system". Later, when called for jury service at Guildford Crown Court as a full-time powerchair user, she found the process of inquiring about basic access so stressful that she eventually gave up, despite her desire to participate and uphold the principle that juries should "reflect society". The court stated they believed they had done everything possible to meet her needs.
Barrister Holly Girven, also a wheelchair user, has experienced similar frustrations. She described the accessible entrance at Edmonton County Court as a "steep temporary ramp" that felt "so unsafe" she needed security assistance. Furthermore, when a lift at Wandsworth County Court was out of service, Ms Girven was forced to join her hearing remotely via Microsoft Teams from a separate conference room, despite being mere metres from the courtroom where her client and all other parties were present. She questioned why such inaccessibility is tolerated in courts when it would be unacceptable in a hospital setting.
Victoria Gerrard, another wheelchair user who served as a juror at Paisley Sheriff Court, highlighted the lack of an accessible toilet in the jury area and the absence of clear guidance on managing such needs. Her inability to use the stair-only juror exit meant she had to be escorted through public areas, regularly encountering the accused and their family. This left her feeling "very exposed" and vulnerable, particularly after an outburst from the family necessitated police intervention. On the final day, she was left alone outside the building while other jurors departed together.
Under the Equality Act, courts are legally obliged to provide "reasonable adjustments" to accommodate disabled individuals. However, the experiences shared suggest that these provisions are often inadequate or inconsistently applied. While acknowledging the complexities and costs associated with upgrading older or listed court buildings, those affected argue that even simple improvements could make a substantial difference to accessibility.
A spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) stated, "We are working closely with disability groups to reduce the barriers disabled people face when accessing justice." This ongoing dialogue is crucial as the experiences of disabled professionals and citizens underscore a systemic challenge within the UK's judicial infrastructure, impacting not only individual lives but also the fundamental principle of equal access to justice.