New Policy Brief: Universal Design for Inclusive Justice Systems
Our Goal: Justice for Everyone
We have just published a new policy brief (a short guide that gives the most important information about an issue and recommends what should be done about it) called “Universal Design for Inclusive Justice Systems.”
This report shows how to make digital justice systems easier to use for people with disabilities, especially those who have been victims of crime, by applying universal design principles to chat support. Lessons we learned from digital chat support can be used when other such digital tools for the justice system are made in the future.
What We Found
We talked to people with disabilities and experts in Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain. Here’s what we learned:
- Many websites and online tools are hard for people with disabilities to use.
- Legal language is often confusing.
- People with different disabilities face different barriers to getting the support they want.
A Better Way: Online Chat Support
Chat support is a way to get help by typing messages on a computer, tablet, or phone. When you use it, you type your questions or concerns, and a real person responds to help you. You don’t have to speak out loud, and you can take your time with the conversation.
Our report looks at how these online chat systems can help. These systems:
- Let people get help privately and safely.
- Offer different ways to communicate (text, voice, or video).
- Give people time to think about what they want to say.
- Connect people to local support services.
- Work in places where talking might be difficult.
What Should Change
We suggest that governments and EU leaders should:
- Include people with disabilities when designing new systems.
- Create clear rules for making digital tools accessible.
- Recognise that people have different needs.
- Provide special training for justice professionals.
Get the Report
You can download the full report from our website.
Download the Report: link here.
About the Project
This report is part of the CHAT for Victims project, which is funded by the European Union. The project aims to improve access to information and support for persons with disabilities who are victims of crime. For more information about this project, visit:
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.