3. Ask for any accommodations you need

If you face a barrier, you may need a change to the usual process to help you:

feel at ease
participate fully
make the refugee hearing process fair

These changes are called accommodations. You can ask the (RPD) for an accommodation you need.

For example, you can ask for:

a Board member and interpreter of a particular gender
a support person to be with you during the hearing like a friend, family member, or social worker
changes to how questions are asked about a sensitive topic
extra time to process and answer questions
frequent breaks
the use of text-based communications tools because of a hearing impairment

If you think you may need an accommodation, talk to your lawyer or other licensed representative about the concerns you have and what might help you.

Make a request for accommodation in writing to the RPD as soon as possible, and at least 10 days before your hearing.

It can be helpful to have documents to support your request but it's not always necessary unless the Member requires it.

For more information, talk to your lawyer or licensed representative.

Gender-based claims

If you have a claim based on your gender, you can ask the RPD for a Member with special training in gender-based claims to decide your claim. That's called the Gender Related Task Force.

Your lawyer or licensed representative can use the RPD’s form to make this request.

In-person hearing

Most refugee hearings happen virtually but you can ask for an in-person hearing.

Designated representatives

Some claimants get a who helps them understand the refugee claim process and make decisions. The RPD appoints a designated representative if you're:

under 18, or
not able to understand what the refugee hearing process is about, usually because of mental health issues.

The RPD usually appoints a family member as the designated representative for a child. You can suggest someone for the RPD to consider. If there is nobody suitable, the RPD might appoint a lawyer, social worker, or other professional to act as the designated representative.

If the RPD decides that a designated representative is needed, you get a notice before your hearing that tells you who has been appointed.