A unique partnership between the Scottish justice sector and disability organisations is launched today aimed at improving disabled people’s access to justice. It follows the publication of a survey showing that more than 40% of disabled people and the people who support them do not believe disabled people have equal access to justice.
The partnership is the first time that public bodies will combine together as a sector to meet their duty to involve disabled people in policy making. The 6 month involvement and consultation programme will make it easier for disabled people to have their say because they are not limited to the exact remit of one justice organisation.
It also aims to develop ways that disabled people can remain involved in the process of improving access to justice on an ongoing basis. The justice sector organisations involved include The Scottish Government, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Scottish Court Service, The Law Society of Scotland, the Scottish Legal Aid Board and the Scottish Prison Service.
Capability is proud to be co-ordinating the involvement events with a range of disability organisations. Richard Hamer, our Director of External Affairs explains: “This collaborative approach is an excellent opportunity to bring together all those with an interest in ensuring that the justice system is accessible to all. We hope this will be the beginning of a long-standing relationship which will draw on disabled people’s skills and experience to improve the Scottish justice sector for all.”
The first involvement event is being held today at Capability’s Head Office in Edinburgh and will be followed by events hosted by disability groups from across Scotland in late summer and autumn. These co-ordinated focus groups are aimed at giving people with a wide range of impairments an opportunity to examine the specific issues and barriers which disabled people face when accessing the justice system. They will culminate in a national conference on November 16th in Edinburgh attended by the Justice Secretary Kenny McAskill.