Services for People with Disabilities 

• Commitment
• Communication
• Assistive Devices
• Accessible Forms
• Service Animals
• Disability-Related Support Persons
• Service Disruption
• Staff Training
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Please Give Your Feedback

Commitment

Halton Court Services is committed to making our services accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. We comply with the customer service standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Communication

If you let us know what your needs are, we will communicate with you in ways that take into account a disability.

Assistive Devices

You may use your own personal assistive devices. Portable hearing devices are available at the front counters and in the courtrooms.  Where assistive devices are available in our buildings, our service staff have been trained on how to use them. The use of recording and video equipment by individuals is not permitted.

Accessible Forms

Some Provincial Offences Act forms are now available in accessible formats as part of the Ministry of Attorney General's commitment to achieving its goal of a court system that is accessible to people with disabilities.  Additional forms will become available in accessible formats in the future. 

The following forms are designed to work with common screen readers used by those with vision impairments.  The font on these forms is also larger than that used on standard forms.

• Application for Extension of Time to Pay Fine (DOCX)
• Application for Reopening (DOCX)
• General Form of Affidavit (DOCX)
• Notice of Motion (DOCX)

Service Animals

You may use your service animal in all areas of our premises that are open to the public.

Disability-Related Support Persons

You can access your support person while using our services. In situations where legal matters will be discussed, please tell us in advance if you are planning to use a support person. Your support person may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement or the role of the support person may need to be agreed to in advance of the meeting.

Service Disruption

If there is a problem with facilities, equipment or services that people with disabilities rely on, we will provide notice to the public. The way we provide the notice will be determined by the nature of the problem. We will always try to make alternate arrangements to provide service where possible.

Staff Training

Training is provided to employees, including those who deal with the public and all those who are involved in the development and approval of customer service policies, practices and procedures. This training is in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Do I Request Accommodation?
• What can court personnel ask about my disability? Do I have to let everyone know about my condition?
• Should I tell the court that I need accommodation?
• Can the court deny my request?

How do I request accommodation?

If you or someone that you represent has a disability and needs accessible services or accommodation at one of our Halton Region court locations, please contact:

Burlington Court

Supervisor of Administration
Liz Gillingwater
905-637-1274, ext.6399

Milton Court

Supervisor of Administration

Winette Simpson
905-876-2025, ext. 6354

Please make your request for accommodation as far in advance as possible in order to allow the court time to review your request and to make arrangements for the accommodation, if needed. It may not be possible to arrange for some types of accommodation unless enough advance notice is provided. A minimum of two weeks' notice is recommended.

If you require accommodation for a court proceeding, it may be at the discretion of the local judiciary. In this case, a request of the court should be made by way of motion. Please contact courts administration at 905-637-1274, ext. 10, or email us for further information on filing a motion at the Provincial Offences Act Court.

The types of accommodation that we can provide will depend on your disability, the purpose of your visit to the courthouse, and the availability of different types of equipment and services. Here are some examples:

• Sign language interpretation or real-time captioning
• Scheduling of meetings and court proceedings in courtrooms, meeting rooms or courthouses that are accessible

What can court personnel ask about my disability? Do I have to let everyone know about my condition?

Under most circumstances, the courts or its employees will not need additional personal information. Only those persons in the court who need to know about your disability to make a decision or to provide you with accommodation will learn the details of your request and the personal information you give.

Should I tell the court that I need accommodation?

Yes. It is in your best interest to contact the court to request accommodations that will best suit your needs. If you do not request accommodation, the courts will not know in advance of your needs and might be unable to provide you with appropriate service.

Can the court deny my request?

Yes, the court can deny your request in certain circumstances. Further details and/or explanation may be provided by speaking to the contacts listed above.

Please Give Your Feedback

Comments on how Halton Court Services provides goods and services to people with disabilities are welcome and appreciated. Your feedback can be given by email, verbally, or in writing. Please forward all written feedback to:

Frances Evans
Manager of Courts Administration
2051 Plains Road East
Burlington, ON  L7R 5A5
905-637-1274 ext. 27

We will acknowledge receipt of your feedback within five business days. Your feedback will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor for review and follow up.