U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Enabling the Disabled: Issues To Consider in Meeting Handicapped Offenders' Needs

NCJ Number
139293
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 54 Issue: 7 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 110-114
Author(s)
H A Rosefield
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Correctional institutions increasingly must address the needs of inmates with disabilities, especially due to the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Abstract
Handicapped inmates will become more aware of their rights to equal opportunities for participation in prison life, and inmate litigation related to chronically ill, elderly, and handicapped inmates is likely to increase. Some issues that will require attention include custody and security, canteen privileges, personal safety, inmate discipline, programs, food service, medical service, housing, and release planning. Correctional staff must receive training regarding disabled inmates' special needs and to overcome any aversion to viewing manifestations of a handicap. When release is being planned, family members may require extensive counseling. Overall, comprehensive planning will be required to meet the needs. Photographs