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Court Access Denied: Social Worker's Tearful Exit
15 Jun
Summary
- Disabled social worker cited court access barriers in leaving profession.
- Inaccessible courts impact jurors, lawyers, and staff significantly.
- HM Courts Service aims to reduce barriers for disabled individuals.
Disabled social worker Vikki Walton-Cole recently left her profession, citing significant barriers within the court system. She described arriving in pain and unable to walk, facing distant disabled parking and then discovering courtrooms were only accessible by stairs, leading her to tears. Walton-Cole stated these access issues were a major factor in her departure from social work.
The BBC has learned that such inaccessibility creates numerous problems for disabled individuals involved in legal proceedings. Jurors have reported feeling vulnerable, and lawyers have been forced to join cases remotely even when physically close to the courtroom.
Under the Equality Act, courts are mandated to provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities. A spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunals Service affirmed their commitment to working with disability groups to mitigate these access barriers.
