DOJ says Arizona corrections facilities completed disability access reforms

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry successfully completed disability access reforms required under an agreement, the Department of Justice announced earlier this week.

In July 2023, the DOJ sent a letter to ADCRR notifying it that it violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against incarcerated individuals with vision disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

According to the DOJ, the discrimination came in the form of not providing Braille materials and displays, audio recordings and screen reader software so inmates with vision disabilities could communicate effectively.

The statewide prison system and the DOJ then entered a settlement agreement in November 2023 to adopt reforms in order to correct and prevent discrimination against those with vision disabilities.

The DOJ said that since the reforms have been completed, the agreement with ADCRR — which was originally set to terminate on Nov. 16 of this year — has concluded.

“The Civil Rights Division continues its commitment to upholding the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a Wednesday announcement. “We commend ADCRR for its work to protect the ADA rights of people with disabilities, including those who are blind or have other vision disabilities, incarcerated in state facilities.”

What are the disability access reforms that Arizona corrections put in place?

According to the DOJ, as part of the reforms, ADCRR revised its policies and practices, trained personnel as well as provided the necessary modifications, aids and services.

In addition, it supplied those in its custody who have vision disabilities with assistive technology.

In order to ensure that the agreement was implemented statewide, ADCRR also appointed ADA coordinators and implemented screening and documentation procedures.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank ADCRR’s dedicated staff and partners for working around the clock to care for the individuals in our custody and comply with the Settlement Agreement,” ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell said in a Friday announcement.

“Our Department will continue to strengthen its practices and policies while ensuring that everyone in our custody is provided the dignity, respect, care and compassion they deserve.”

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