Good practice: creating an accessible system for people with physical limitations: Part 3

Reagan Persaud Spire Barristers

This article – the final part in a three-part series – examines how the justice system can better accommodate individuals with visual or mobility impairments. Building on earlier discussions around inclusive language and reasonable adjustments it explores the lived realities of those navigating the court process with physical limitations. The piece highlights the importance of tailored support especially in light of recent Court of Appeal guidance in Re M (A Child: Intermediaries) [2025] which clarifies the legal test for appointing intermediaries. It urges a need to avoid procedural shortcuts and prioritise fairness based on individual needs. For people with sight loss adjustments such as clear speaker identification alternative document formats and thoughtful spatial arrangements are vital. Similarly those with mobility impairments may require practical accommodations – from accessible seating and scheduling considerations to support with navigation and emergencies. The article stresses that accessibility must be proactive collaborative and rooted in respect not assumptions. It concludes with a powerful call to action: true justice requires more than equality on paper – it demands environments that welcome and uphold the dignity of all participants.