This project addresses the issue of discrimination of people with disabilities in administrative and court proceedings in the Pomorski voivodship. Procedures are still not in effect in Poland to prevent discrimination and include people with disabilities in administrative and court procedures. Meanwhile, once all avenues relating to legal aid free of charge in the initial stages of proceedings have been exhausted, people with disabilities do not have representation and cannot mount a proper defense. In fact, they are often considered as having no credibility by judges and public prosecutors. Disability affects decisions made by judges in family matters (for example child custody) or decisions made by public prosecutors in criminal cases (orders to leave a residence are not issued in the case of people who abuse people with disabilities).

Support for 30 people with disabilities in proceedings before government authorities and courts will be provided. The Project Promoter will examine cases of discrimination towards people with disabilities in the justice system and public authorities (30 reviews) and will draw up recommendations for the institutions. A minimum of 5 institutions will review their procedures and practices and make changes to policies concerning access, or draw up procedures for interviewing people with various disabilities. The Project Promoter will conduct informational training for authorities and CSOs, and set up a helpline providing information about the project.

The project will enable people with disabilities to obtain support in proceedings before public authorities and in the justice system and re-establish their agency, and their rights will begin to be respected. The measures will also influence the work of institutions – people working in public authorities and the justice system will have greater knowledge and awareness, and will be more sensitive. The quality of service of people with disabilities will improve.