Defending Access: A Toolkit for Public Defenders and Attorneys Representing Clients with Disabilities and Deaf Clients
Overview
Attorneys are often the first opportunity to identify disability-related needs that can significantly affect a client’s experience and outcomes within the criminal legal system. Yet many legal professionals receive little guidance on recognizing disabilities or securing appropriate accommodations.
This four-part toolkit provides practical strategies, sample language, and ready-to-use resources to help public defenders, legal aid attorneys, and other defense counsel better serve clients with disabilities and Deaf clients.
Toolkit Contents
Tipsheet 1
What to Know Before Getting Started
Build a foundation for disability-inclusive representation by understanding disability, Deaf culture, accommodations, and effective communication.
Tipsheet 2
How to Ask Clients About Their Accommodation Needs
Learn practical, respectful approaches for discussing accommodation needs and identifying barriers that may affect representation.
Tipsheet 3
Sample Modifications for Supporting Access and Communication
Explore examples of accommodations and communication modifications that attorneys can use throughout criminal legal proceedings.
Quick Reference Guide
A concise reference summarizing key recommendations from the toolkit for everyday legal practice.
Download the Complete Toolkit
Download all four resources together in one PDF file.