Deaf Inmates Rights, NY

[Karen Ozmun]

Judge Blows Whistle on State's Lack of Care of Deaf Inmates

The Associated Press (Copyright)
BY LARRY NEUMEISTER

[Excerpt.  You may read all the article by going to DeafNation's web page 
and reading their October 1995 issue on line.  Address: 
http://members.aol.com/deafnation/  ] 

NEW YORK (AP) - A judge says the state has violated discrimination laws by
failing to provide sign-language interpreters to deaf and hearing impaired
inmates. Federal Judge Robert Sweet ruled in favor of eight inmates who
had filed a class-action lawsuit to force a change in how they're treated.
In his ruling, issued Friday, the judge said that as a result of
communication problems, the inmates were denied good medical care and
other services to which they were entitled.  Sweet said the deficiencies
violate the Constitution as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act.