I was summoned to jury service, great, the last time I was called up I was working and was running a course at the same time, my boss wrote to have it deferred and instead they just cancelled it. So when this came through in the summer it felt good that I was going to get another opportunity. I returned all my forms, they have a space to add any personal requirements, so I shared my mobility issues and needs. I then had a phone call from our local courts asking if I would like a pre-court visit to check accessibility for me.
Today I went only to discover that the place is totally inaccessible for anyone needed to use a chair or scooter. How can this be!!!! Why should I be disabled by a building? Now just to add insult to injury, I was then told that I had to phone the main jury office and ask them to find me a more accessible court within reasonable distance from my home. I did this only to be told I needed to write an email detailing exactly what the problems were.
Surely I am not the first person with mobility issues they have had to deal with. Surely when they read my needs they must have known straight away that I would not be able to do all the stairs required to get into the court and down to the deliberating room. Apparently there is full access to the public gallery - great, I can watch people in the jury box but not be one.
I know it is not the end of the world but sometimes when you are having a crap week and then have to spend what little energy you have doing something that is completely fruitless I get cross and a little frustrated.
So that's it, my rant is over. I have written the email, I've had an automated reply to say that they have received it but it may take them 5 working days to get back to me. So now my only job is to not let it get me down any more. Fortunately I have lots of other pressing needs that need my attention!!
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