People with disabilities are increasingly overrepresented in the criminal legal system as both defendants and as victims. As many as 40% of individuals in jail have a disability, including autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, serious mental illness, and traumatic brain injuries. While court professionals are increasingly paying attention to the ways in which disabilities impact cases, there is less focus on assuring the physical spaces in which the legal system operates are also responsive to the unique needs of this population. From courtroom layouts that minimize triggers for persons with PTSD to attorney jail visitation booths that minimize distractions from nearby foot traffic for those with attention deficits, thoughtful choices light fixtures for those with sensory sensitivities to the integration of tactile objects to aid with focus, there numerous design adaptations to the legal system’s physical spaces that can better accommodate the needs of persons with non-physical disabilities.
01:12:46