Persons with disabilities and the law--resources for research.

Persons with disabilities come from all walks of life, age groups, cultures, and geographic areas of Canada. An estimated 3.8 million adult Canadians reported being limited in their daily activities due to a disability in 2012; this represents 13.7% of the adult population. [1] Persons with disabilities may face challenges and social barriers that prevent them from participating fully in the community. For example, they may encounter barriers to enjoyment of their equality rights; they may have difficulty securing accommodations at work; or they may experience challenges in accessing the justice system.

If you are interested in learning more about how the justice system is responding to the needs of people with disabilities, Alberta Law Libraries would be an excellent starting point for your research. Persons with disabilities may experience barriers to full and equal access to justice. Law librarians are experts at finding legal information. We can introduce you to the most relevant and trustworthy sources, both on the Internet and in the libraries' own collections. This article provides examples of some information that can help with research regarding three aspects of the topic: Raising Awareness; Human/Equality Rights; and Access to Justice.

Raising awareness

Two sites aimed at raising awareness of disabilities within the Justice system are FASD and The Justice System and Mental Health and the Law.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a non-hereditary, permanent and often non-visible disability that affects adults and children around the world. As a resource for legal professionals and others who want to understand FASD, the FASD Justice Committee developed the FASD and The Justice System website. With case law, background information, and practical tips and strategies for dealing with the unique problems presented by participants in the justice system with FASD, this site is a valuable resource.

Recognizing that the law impacts the lives of persons with mental or psychiatric illnesses, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has published information on Mental Health and the Law. The information includes reports produced by and for the MHCC, and related documents, all of which address the experiences of persons with mental illnesses in the court system, with the police, and in other legal situations.

Human rights and equality rights

Human and equality rights are important subjects for research regarding people with...

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