Accessibility of Courtrooms to Disabled Persons

September 18, 1995

OCA CIRCULAR NO. 46-95

 

Quoted hereunder is a letter from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons: ACcHIa

"The Inter-Agency Committee of Accessibility (IACA), created by the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) Governing Board, is tasked to coordinate with agencies/departments in the monitoring and enforcement of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, also known as the Accessibility Law.

"During a recent accessibility meeting attended by the undersigned, we have been informed that hearing of court cases involving persons with disabilities, especially the wheelchair borne, are being conducted in the second or upper floors (above the ground floor) of the Halls of Justice Buildings. This report have been confirmed by the national organizations of disabled persons-the KAMPI. We understand that the building housing the courtrooms, mostly consist of 2-3 floors only, and are not required to provide elevators for vertical transportation. This condition therefore affects the mobility and access of disabled persons on wheelchair, during hearings of cases that take place in the upper floor courtrooms.

"xxx xxx xxx

"(Sgd.) Arch. J. C. Marquez, FUAP"Chairman"Inter-Agency Committee on Accessibility"

WHEREFORE, in line with the effort of the government to provide disabled persons the opportunity to fully exercise their rights and perform their duties in society, judges should take the proper measures to fully realize the policy set forth with the view of providing disabled persons convenient access to courtrooms holding sessions, if absolutely necessary, on the ground floor or court houses. cHATSI

September 18, 1995.

(SGD.) ERNANI CRUZ PAÑOCourt Administrator