Law firms can help disabled clients most by recognising their needs and requirements at an early stage, research commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has found.
Some 3,500 disabled people shared their views with YouGov researchers. More than half found accessing legal services difficult, yet only one in four remembered being proactively asked if they needed any reasonable adjustments to be made.
Firms can help by proactively asking all clients if they need any reasonable adjustments, with examples of what form these might take; making their website accessible with dedicated information for those with disabilities; adding pictures of their office on their website; and training staff in supporting vulnerable clients and promoting relevant expertise.
SRA chief executive, Paul Philip, said: ‘The insights should help firms to make the changes needed.’
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