DOJ Reaches Agreement with The South Dakota Department of Corrections to Ensure Equal Access for Inmates with Disabilities
The Justice Department reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the South Dakota Department of Corrections (SDDC) to resolve a comprehensive investigation under Title II of the ADA following receipt of complaints from inmates with disabilities who alleged that SDDC did not provide facilities accessible to inmates with mobility disabilities, program access and access to sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids and services.
The settlement agreement requires SDDC to make significant architectural modifications to the South Dakota State Penitentiary and the Mike Durfee State Prison to make those facilities accessible to inmates with mobility disabilities, to relocate inmates with mobility disabilities to accessible housing; to provide equal access to its services, programs and activities; and to provide inmates with hearing and visual disabilities auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication.
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this agreement may access the ADA website at https://www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD).
ADA Information Line Link: https://www.ada.gov/infoline.htm