Going to court: accessibility

Each courthouse in BC has an accessibility coordinator who can assist with navigating the courthouse. They can help by identifying accessible facilities other accommodations, such as equipment or services, that are available when you visit the courthouse in-person. Types of accessibility features may include visual interpreters or assistive listening devices. To meet a person's accessibility needs, some services may also be available by internet, phone or email.

Contact us by email or phone 250-356-1550 to be connected with the accessibility coordinator for your courthouse.

The judiciary has the exclusive authority to make decisions about what happens in a courtroom. The judiciary may also make directions or orders related to an individual’s access to the courthouse. If you have an accessibility need for a court proceeding or to attend a courtroom, the judge, justice, master or registrar for your court matter will need to be informed of your request and will need to approve it. Please contact the accessibility coordinator as far in advance of your court proceeding date as possible to allow time for this process.

When requesting accessibility accommodation, the following information is helpful:

• court address
• court file number
• your role (for example, party, legal counsel, witness, or member of the public)
• date and time of any court proceedings and type of proceeding (for example, hearing, case conference, trial, or appeal)
• any known deadlines for filing documents
• the type of accommodation you need to use court services or participate in the court proceeding

In some cases, the accessibility coordinator may need to ask for further information. 

If you are not sure about what kind of accommodation you require to use court services, you can discuss the barriers you face with the accessibility coordinator.