People with learning disabilities often encounter significant challenges during mental health tribunal hearings, such as difficulty with maintaining concentration. This article details a project that aimed to identify opportunities to improve reasonable adjustments in mental health tribunal hearings by seeking the views of people with learning disabilities and psychiatrists. The results highlighted the need for additional reasonable adjustments to be made to ensure that people with learning disabilities are supported effectively throughout the mental health tribunal process.

The insights gained have resulted in national changes to the mental health tribunal process such as implementing breaks, facilitating full-day hearings, providing decisions in easy-read formats and improving communication methods. These reasonable adjustments not only empower people with learning disabilities but also advocate for a more equitable and fair healthcare system. It is important to consider the perspectives of people with learning disabilities in legal settings and the valuable role of learning disability nurses in advocating for this vulnerable group.