How it will ensure that people with a communication impairment benefit equally from the provisions of the proposed Legal Assistance and Leg…

We are committed to equal access to justice for all, including those with a communication impairment. Through the proposed Legal Assistance and Legal Profession (Scotland) Bill we hope to bring forward improvements in the system of handling complaints made against solicitors, and changes that pave the way for more efficient, effective access to legal aid, advice and information. During two separate consultations on these issues we invited the views of key stakeholders, including the Disability Rights Commission, and provided assistance to consultees with special needs to enable them to contribute their views.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, all public bodies must have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. The Scottish Legal Aid Board, the Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman currently provide information in a range of alternative formats including other languages, Braille, large print, or on audio tape.
We shall, of course, take account of the needs of those with communication impairment when considering any changes to the way in which people access legal advice and representation or make complaints about lawyers in the future.