Hm Courts Tribunals Service
Weve joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network to help people visiting court and tribunal buildings who may need additional support. Its estimated that 70-80% of disabilities are hidden and they can include physical, mental health, sensory such as visual or auditory processing difficulties as well as chronic conditions or rare diseases.
We want to make it easier for anyone visiting our buildings with a hidden disability to get the support they need. Our court staff have been trained to recognise the Sunflower lanyard and offer help as part of our existing reasonable adjustments process.
Becoming a full member of the network is part of our commitment to the national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026 and follows recognition of the Sunflower during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sunflower lanyards are now available to collect in all our buildings for court users, staff and judicial office holders to make it easy for people to discreetly show that they may need additional help or time.
Nick Goodwin, CEO of HMCTS said:
Were delighted to become full members of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Its important that we make it easy for people with a disability whether its visible or invisible to be confident that they can access justice.
The Sunflower lanyard allows our court and tribunal staff to identify visitors who may welcome a little help or need some adjustments to ensure a positive experience. Im proud that were introducing new ways to help the many court users and legal professionals who visit us every day.
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower said:
Its great to see HMCTS join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. It follows in the footsteps of the Department of Work and Pensions and many local authorities in offering help to people who need it.
Not every disability is visible, so recognising the Sunflower will mean that people with non-visible disabilities can visit an HMCTS building and the support, patience and understanding they need will be offered by staff who have received hidden disabilitie