A new scheme providing legal support for disabled people has secured two years of funding.
A new Access to Justice scheme, aimed at improving legal support for disabled people, has been launched in collaboration between Disability Rights UK and Yorkshire-based law firm, Inspire Legal Group.
The scheme will tackle ongoing discrimination faced by the UK’s disabled population, offering vital pro bono legal advice and representation on disability discrimination issues.
With around 16.1 million people in the UK living with a disability, many still experience barriers when accessing legal advice. Two-thirds of the population are unaware of how to seek legal guidance, particularly when it comes to disability rights under the Equality Act.
The new service aims to close that gap by helping disabled individuals understand their rights and take action against discrimination.
The scheme, supported by the Access to Justice Fund, will initially be available across North East and North West England, East of England, and the Midlands. It provides support on disability discrimination cases, particularly relating to consumer issues, and is accessible to law firms, advice centres, charities, and the general public. London-based Cloisters Chambers is also lending its expertise to the initiative.
Kamran Mallick, CEO of Disability Rights UK, highlighted the importance of this new service: “Access to justice is essential in combating the daily discrimination faced by disabled people. Thanks to the support of the Access to Justice Foundation, Inspire Legal, and Cloisters Chambers, we are ready to challenge discrimination head-on and ensure that it does not become normalised.”
Natalie Foster, managing director of Inspire Legal Group, echoed this sentiment: “At Inspire, we believe everyone deserves an equal chance in life. By partnering with Disability Rights UK, we can use our expertise and accessible technology to support deaf and disabled individuals and their families at the moments they need it most.”
The scheme is funded for two years by the Access to Justice Foundation. Those interested in accessing the service should contact Disability Rights UK via email at enquiries@disabilityrightsuk.org or by phone at 0203 687 0785.
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Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.