NCJ Number
152037
Journal
Detention Reporter Issue: 132 Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 3-10
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents and discusses the application of the U.S. Justice Department's Interim Final Rules for the implementation of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in jails and prisons.
Abstract
The ADA of 1990 extends comprehensive civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities, including inmates and their visitors. Title II of the ADA, which became effective on January 26, 1992, prohibits discrimination in the services, programs, and activities provided by State and local government agencies and institutions on the basis of disability. On July 26, 1991, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board published the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) to assist the Justice Department in establishing accessibility guidelines for new construction and alterations in places of public accommodation and commercial facilities. On June 29, 1994, the Justice Department issued the Interim Final Rules, which included Section 11 (Courthouses) and Section 12 (Correctional and detention facilities). A review, summary, and discussion of the Interim Final Rules addresses ADA compliance in common-use and public-use areas; public entrances; visiting areas; inmate cells and rooms; medical care facilities; fixtures, furnishings, and equipment; and alarms. The rules suggest that all other areas, especially common-use areas, paths of travel, staff areas, public areas, and program areas must comply fully with the law and all of the ADAAG rules.