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Disabled People

Going to court if you have a 'hidden' impairment

You may be worried about going to court and you may feel the stress might make a medical condition or impairment worse. You may need regular breaks or need to take medication.

'Hidden' impairments

Hidden impairments include disabilities that may not be obvious to other people - like a slight mobility impairment, diabetes, epilepsy, cancer or dyslexia.

Things to think about

you will be able to visit the court before you formally need to attend

All courts have first aid officers who have been trained to assist people who become unwell while attending court. If you have any concerns, speak to the court's 'customer service officer' or let the person on the reception desk know that you may need help.

You will be able to visit the court before you formally need to attend court. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the surroundings and to ask the customer service officer any questions you may have.

If your impairment or medical condition is likely to affect you during a hearing, tell the usher/court clerk before the hearing begins. For example, you may need to sit down while addressing the judge or magistrate.

Examples of assistance to ask for include:

  • having questions read out to you so that a form can be completed
  • if you have impaired speech, having someone to speak for you
  • being accompanied at all times by someone who can help, for example with holding papers 
  • being able to eat or drink at regular intervals during the hearing because you are diabetic

If any of the above situations apply to you, you must bring this to the attention of the court as soon as possible.  

Further information and advice

Your first point of contact should always be with the customer service officer at the court. If you need further information, please contact:

Customer Service Unit, Her Majesty’s Courts Service
5th Floor, Clive House, 70 Petty France
London SW1H 9HD

Telephone: 0845 4568770 or 020 7189 2000
Fax: 020 7189 2732
Disability Helpline/Textphone: Freephone 0800 358 3506
Email: customerservicecshq@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk

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