1.	Commitment
2.	Communication
3.	Assistive Devices
4.	Service Animals
5.	Disability-Related Support Persons
6.	Service Disruption
7.	How do I request accommodation?
8.	What can court personnel ask about my disability? Do I have to let everyone know about my condition?
9.	Training for staff
10.	Should I tell the court that I need accommodation?
11.	Can the court deny my request?
12.	Provide us with Feedback

Commitment

Halton Court Services is committed to making our services accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. We comply with the customer service standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the City of Burlington’s Accessible Customer Service Policy (PDF) (Word).

Communication

We will communicate with you in ways that take into account a disability if you let us know what your needs are.

Assistive Devices

You may use your own personal assistive devices. Where assistive devices are available in our buildings, our service staff have been trained on how to use them. The use of recording and video equipment by individuals is not permitted.

Service Animals

You may use your service animal in all parts of our premises that are open to the public.

Disability-Related Support Persons

You can access your support person while using our services. In situations where legal matters will be discussed, please tell us in advance if you are planning to use a support person. Your support person may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement or the role of the support person may need to be agreed to in advance of the meeting.

Service Disruption

If there is a problem with facilities, equipment or services that people with disabilities rely on, we will provide notice to the public. The way we provide the notice will be determined by the nature of the problem. We will always try to make alternate arrangements to provide service where possible.

How Do I Request Accommodation?

If you or someone that you represent has a disability and needs accessible services or accommodation in one of our Halton Region courthouses, please contact:

You should make your request for accommodation as far in advance as possible in order to allow the court time to review your request and to make arrangements for the accommodation, if needed. It may not be possible to arrange for some types of accommodation unless enough advance notice is provided. A minimum of two weeks’ notice is recommended.

If you require accommodation for a court proceeding, it may be at the discretion of the local judiciary. In this case, a request of the court should be made by way of motion. Please contact courts administration at 905-637-1274 ext. 10, or poaenquiries@burlington.ca for further information on filing a motion at the POA Court.

The types of accommodation that we can provide will depend on your disability, the purpose of your visit to the courthouse, and the availability of different types of equipment and services. Here are some examples:

• Sign language interpretation or real-time captioning
• Scheduling of meetings and court proceedings in courtrooms, meeting rooms or courthouses that are accessible

What can court personnel ask about my disability? Do I have to let everyone know about my condition?

Under most circumstances, the courts or its employees will not need additional personal information. Only those persons in the court who need to know about your disability to make a decision or to provide you with an accommodation will learn the details of your request and the personal information you give.

Training for staff

Training is provided to employees, including those who deal with the public and all those who are involved in the development and approval of customer service policies, practices and procedures. This training is in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

Should I tell the court that I need accommodation?

Yes. It is in your best interest to contact the court to request accommodations that will best suit your needs. If you do not request accommodation, the courts will not know in advance of your needs and might be unable to provide you with appropriate service.

Can the court deny my request?

Yes, the court can deny your request in certain circumstances. Further details and/or explanation may be provided by speaking to the contacts listed above.

How to provide us with feedback

Comments on how Halton Court Services provide goods and services to people with disabilities are welcome and appreciated. Feedback can be made by email, verbally, or in writing. All written feedback may be forwarded to:

Frances Evans
Manager of Courts Administration
2051 Plains Road East, Burlington, ON, L7R 5A5
905-637-1274 ext. 27
evansf@burlington.ca

We will acknowledge receipt of your feedback within five business days. Your feedback will be forwarded to the appropriate Supervisor for review and follow up.