ICAM launches campaign for Accessibility in the Legal Profession

Coinciding with International and European Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Madrid Bar Association (ICAM) has launched the “For a Barrier-Free Legal Profession” campaign to eliminate obstacles faced by lawyers with disabilities. This initiative aligns with the newly enacted Organic Law on the Right of Defense, which grants legal professionals with disabilities the right to necessary support and resources for equal practice.

ICAM’s Dean, Eugenio Ribón, emphasized: “We are committed to a legal profession without limits, ensuring dignity and freedom for every lawyer, regardless of their circumstances.”

Identifying and Addressing Barriers

A recent ICAM study identified challenges for lawyers with disabilities, including physical barriers (inaccessible ramps, elevators, and restrooms) and sensory obstacles, such as a lack of adaptive technologies and communication tools in courtrooms.

To address these issues, ICAM has outlined actionable steps as an accessible online form to report incidents, a protocol for addressing complaints with responsible authorities, accessibility audits requested from key institutions and regular surveys to evaluate accessibility conditions.

Call for Participation

ICAM urges its members to report barriers, fostering a fair and accessible profession for all. As Javier Mata, ICAM’s Deputy for Legal Defense, stated: “By sharing these challenges, we build a more inclusive legal profession that benefits everyone.”

This initiative reinforces ICAM’s commitment to inclusivity and equality, ensuring that the legal profession is accessible to all its members.