Deaf Inmates Are Being Ignored within the US Prison - Essay Example

According to recent research due to the lack of adequate policies to protect inmates, many deaf prisoners are exposed to abuse from other inmates as soon as they enter prison. Unlike other prisoners who have access to telephone and education privileges, many penitentiary systems fail to offer deaf telephones and interpreter services for educational purposes among other essential services. (2)

FACT: Upon entering the criminal justice system many deaf and hard of hearing are faced with many communication challenges. (1)
According to recent research, many deaf and hard-of-hearing inmates report that they are faced with difficulties in trying to express themselves in court and prison. Many deaf prisoners are exposed to abuse from other inmates as soon as they enter prison form of physical assault. (1)
FACT: While incarcerated, deaf inmates are constantly abused (physically and emotionally). (5)

According to recent reports, disabled inmates are constantly abused by other prisoners aided by the fact that local, state, and federal prison officials, blatantly fail to enforce laws aimed at protecting the deaf. In a recent court case, the court found evidence of prison system malfeasance for failing to inform deaf prisoners of their accommodations.

FACT: A vast majority of deaf prisoners are exposed to abuse, assault, and death due to their inability to communicate. (5), (1)
Due to their inability to hear, these inmates often fail to respond to bells, and instructions from prison guards and they get punished for their perceived insubordination. According to statistics, only half of the spoken sounds are translated to sign language. (1)

FACT: Abuse of deaf prisoners is manifested in the form of a lack of access to basic services. (3)
The majority of the U.S. penitentiary systems are not handicap enabled for deaf prisoners. Deaf prisoners usually lack access to visual alarms and interpreter services for drug and alcohol counseling, parole, disciplinary and grievance hearings, and mental health treatment. (3)
FACT: A growing list of organizations and individuals are advocating for better treatment of deaf inmates. (3)

Some of the organizations include the U.S. Supreme Court, Congress, HEARD, NAD, Illinois Deaf, Royal Association for Deaf People, and media outlets like Al Jazeera through documentary exposes. (3)
FACT: These organizations have suggested a variety of measures to improve the plight of deaf inmates in the U.S. (3).
Some of the measures proposed include the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Disabilities Education Act, which are to be implemented in all governmental institutions including prisons. Read More