What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how the legislation affects prisons around the United States? How does a prison modify designs to become ADA compliant?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

It is important that correctional agencies ensure that staff are trained on the specific issues related to the ADA and inmates. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section (2010), the ADA requires correctional agencies to make reasonable modifications in their policies, practices, and procedures necessary to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, unless making such modifications would fundamentally alter the program or service involved. There are many ways in which an agency might need to modify its normal practices to accommodate a person with a disability. Last, state and local government entities should conduct a self-evaluation to review their current services, policies, and practices for compliance with the ADA. When such an evaluation finds that the agency has deficiencies, the agency should develop a transition plan that identifies structural changes that need to be made. As part of that process, the ADA has encouraged entities to involve individuals with disabilities from their local communities. This process will promote access solutions that are reasonable and effective.