The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a landmark settlement with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) to ensure that prisoners with hearing disabilities receive the necessary accommodations while incarcerated. The agreement follows a DOJ investigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which revealed that the Wisconsin DOC had been failing to provide adequate support for inmates with hearing loss.
This deficiency in services affected access to hearing aids, interpreters, and communication aids, which are vital for individuals with hearing loss to navigate life behind bars.
Settlement Ensures Better Access and Services
Under the terms of the settlement, the Wisconsin DOC has agreed to improve access to hearing aids, qualified sign language interpreters, and other essential communication devices for inmates with hearing loss. This will help ensure that inmates with hearing disabilities are able to participate fully in prison programs and services, including medical appointments, educational opportunities, and disciplinary hearings. Crucially, the DOC will now provide staff training to ensure compliance with ADA requirements, giving staff members the tools they need to effectively serve individuals with hearing impairments.
As part of the agreement, the DOC is required to regularly report to the DOJ on the implementation of these changes. This ongoing oversight will monitor the department’s adherence to the new protocols and ensure that hearing-impaired inmates receive timely and consistent accommodations. The DOC will also be required to evaluate the specific needs of hearing-impaired inmates on an ongoing basis, responding promptly to ensure that these individuals have access to the equipment and assistance they need.
“The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities are treated fairly and in accordance with the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“This settlement will help ensure that incarcerated people with hearing disabilities receive the services and accommodations they need to communicate effectively.”
The settlement agreement emphasizes a renewed focus on equal access to essential services within correctional facilities. As part of the improvements, inmates will also be equipped with devices and technologies that allow them to engage in important activities, ranging from daily communications to participation in legal proceedings. By fostering better communication, the settlement aims to ensure that the rights of hearing-impaired inmates are respected and upheld.
U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin highlighted the importance of this agreement, stating, “Ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal access to government services and programs is one of our top priorities. We are pleased that the Wisconsin DOC is taking these steps to improve access to services for incarcerated individuals with hearing disabilities.”
This settlement serves as a critical step toward addressing the long-standing challenges faced by hearing-impaired inmates in Wisconsin. The DOJ’s enforcement of the ADA continues to safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities, with this settlement underscoring the importance of equal treatment and access in correctional settings.
Source: DOJ
