NCJ Number
144883
Journal
Keepers' Voice Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1993) Pages: 34-40
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires certain design changes in jails and prisons in order to accommodate persons with disabilities.
Abstract
Title II of ADA requires that public entities make their facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities so that these individuals are not excluded from participation. Therefore, if a jail or a prison offers programs, activities, or services in an existing facility, it must ensure that programs are usable by staff, inmates, and visitors. The National Institute of Corrections indicates that the needs of handicapped persons and nonambulatory inmates must be accommodated in correctional housing units. Design characteristics in new construction and renovations should meet ADA accessibility guidelines. Key correctional design elements for consideration include doors in housing areas and cells, door closers, toilet and lavatory fixtures, cell desks and tables, fixtures in day rooms and housing areas, elevator controls, door thresholds, telephones, and facility signs. Correctional design requirements are described for central control rooms and for intake and release, housing, medical, visiting, program service, food service, laundry, administration and public reception, and staff areas. ADA's extension of comprehensive civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities is discussed in terms of correctional design and construction.