Accommodation in Legal Proceedings Policy

Purpose

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, people with disabilities and others protected by the Code are entitled to accommodation, to the point of undue hardship. This policy explains how NEO accommodates clients in our own services, and helps them get accommodation from courts and tribunals.

In our own services

We can offer, for example:

• longer or more frequent meetings, breaks, and meetings by phone, video or in person;
• documents in large print, plain language, or accessible electronic formats;
• a support person, a service animal, or an interpreter;
• more time to review documents and give instructions.

Clients don't have to share a diagnosis: we need to know what helps, not why.

In courts and tribunals

Courts and tribunals have their own accommodation processes. We:

1. talk with the client about what they may need at a hearing, conference or mediation;
2. make the request to the court or tribunal in good time, with the information it asks for, sharing only what is needed;
3. confirm what has been arranged before the hearing day;
4. raise the matter again if the accommodation isn't provided.

Examples include extra breaks, a hearing by video or phone, a support person, adjusted timing, or assistive technology.

Confidentiality

Information about a client's needs is kept confidential and shared only as far as needed to arrange the accommodation.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and whenever the Law Society's By-Laws or rules change. The principal approves every change.

Questions

Email info@neolegalservices.com, call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, or write to us at Unit 236, 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario L1V 1B5.