Examples of Barriers to Access to Justice

1. Physical barriers to police stations, courthouses, jails, prisons, and other public buildings;
2. Lack of accessible transportation to police stations, courthouses, and other public buildings;
3. Legislation, regulations, policies, or practices expressly barring persons with disabilities from being witnesses, jurors, judges, lawyers, or law students;
4. Lack of accessible information about how the justice system works and the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities within the justice system;
5. Lack of accommodations to facilitate communication by persons with disabilities, especially persons who are blind, deaf, and deafblind; persons with intellectual disabilities; and persons with learning disabilities;
6. Attitudes about the ability of persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in the administration of justice, such as the false perception that persons with psychosocial disabilities cannot be reliable witnesses; and
7. Lack of training for police and other officials to understand the specific needs of persons with disabilities in accessing justice and how to provide necessary accommodations.