Disability accessibility     

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice aims to provide better access to court buildings and services for people with disability, including:

• People with a cognitive disability;
• People who are deaf or hard of hearing;
• People with mental health issues;
• People with physical disability; and
• People with a vision impairment, print or reading disability.

The Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales (Commission) can make reasonable adjustments to accommodate people with a disability such as:

• infra-red hearing loop on the day of conciliation or a court hearing;
• larger font sizes or providing documents in alternative formats;
• an accessible courtroom for a person with a mobility impairment; or
• producing information in plain English and asking for feedback to ensure understanding.

The Commission will assess whether the requested adjustment is reasonable, achievable, safe and does not breach any laws, rules or regulations.

Interpreters and translators

Accredited interpreters and translators can facilitate communication in proceedings at the Commission. They must not add or remove information, provide advice or give an opinion.  Their conduct is governed by Division 3 of Part 31 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW).

The Commission has a policy regarding the use of interpreters and the provision of funded interpreters.