What a communication assistant does 

If directed by the judge, a communication assistant (who is a language and communication specialist) will complete an assessment of the participant’s communication abilities and write a report for the court. The report will recommend how the court can adapt to assist the participant to communicate effectively during the court proceedings.

If directed by the judge, the communication assistant may also work with the lawyers and judge to implement the recommendations in the assessment report. This may include:

  • assisting a defendant to give their lawyer instructions 
  • helping the lawyers and prosecutors prepare questions for use in court that the participant can understand and answer 
  • drafting easy to read documents or visual aids to assist the participant's understanding 
  • monitoring communication in court and responding to any issues that may occur during the trial.

Learn more about how the communication assistance supports judges, lawyers, and court participants.

Communication assistance video(external link)

 
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