North Carolina Prisons Face ADA Violations

The North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (NCDAC) has agreed to ensure that incarcerated individuals with hearing disabilities are provided effective communication and equal participation in prison services, programs, and activities.

The agreement, secured by the Justice Department, resolves complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) alleging that NCDAC fails to provide incarcerated individuals with hearing disabilities with sign language interpreters, hearing aids, cochlear implants, text telephones, videophones, and other auxiliary aids and services.

According to the Justice Department, NCDAC operates more than 50 prison facilities and houses more than 30,000 individuals. Under the settlement agreement, NCDAC will identify and accommodate incarcerated individuals with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, as well as provide training on the ADA to staff.

“The ADA requires effective communication for incarcerated individuals with hearing disabilities so they have access to critical programs, including religious and vocational services,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division.

The Civil Rights Division is committed to eliminating barriers, including communication barriers, that prevent individuals with disabilities from participating fully in prison programs.

To learn more about the Civil Rights Division, visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov.