I am a person living with disabilities that affect my cognitive function. My personal experiences in the court process have been fraught with unnecessary ambiguity and difficulty, largely due to the lack of support and understanding for individuals like myself. This is not an isolated issue; many people with disabilities, such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia among others, face similar challenges.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability. These individuals are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes than people without disabilities. This includes less education, poorer health outcomes, lower levels of employment and higher poverty rates.

In legal situations where understanding and clarity are paramount, these disadvantages can be severely exacerbated. The provision of legal aid can help level this playing field by providing necessary support during court proceedings.

We believe that everyone deserves equal access to justice regardless of their physical or mental abilities. Therefore we call upon lawmakers to mandate that all individuals diagnosed with cognitive impairing conditions be entitled to legal aid services.

This change will not only provide much-needed assistance but also ensure fair treatment in our justice system for all citizens regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Please sign this petition if you believe in a just society where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.

My experience that led to this petition:

‘I sent for a decision to be made on the claims that I submitted to the employment tribunal of disability discrimination. I formulated a 212 page document with over 100 pages being evidence. 

Cross checked by a Gypsy and a teacher (diverse backgrounds) and they also see my points of view and agree. 

The judge replies back with:

‘The issues to be determined in the case require clarification at a preliminary
hearing.’ 

I replied back with: 

‘What is the clarification needed on my claims under Rule of Procedure 2.D ‘avoid delay’ as my points are clear and concise. Reason that I am conscious that my medical conditions sometimes inhibit my ability to make myself clear.’ 

I did not get a response from the judge, only until after the preliminary hearing which I was avoiding. As the whole point of my original email was for a decision on my case. Which I mentioned earlier had not happened but resulting in me asking what clarification is needed basically. 

The judge that held the preliminary hearing had to on repeated occasions, had to request clarification from me on what I am claiming for. 

The ‘clarification’ being what are my claims I am making. Could have been written before the preliminary hearing on what are my claims in the correct terminology. As I had written my claims in the format of the legislation EA 2010 Act. Referencing how each part that is relevant to the claims that I have made, has been breached. 

If I was entitled to ‘Legal Aid’ this situation given above could have been avoided though as it happened. Which put me at a disadvantage. Makes sense to make this petition to help others with disabilities who is not eligible for ‘Legal Aid’. 

The ‘clarification’ could have been written in a reasonable time frame, on what I needed to clarify on. Which could have prevented then two hours of on what are my claims but in the correct terminology. To enable my claims to proceed through the judicial process to a final hearing.’

That’s my experience, I am diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia. ASD. TBC.