State asks for time on prisons
2009 goal to help disabled inmates
By Sara Burnett, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 05:53 p.m., March 25, 2008
Updated 11:13 p.m., March 25, 2008
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Colorado's prison system would have until May 2009 to better serve disabled inmates under an agreement presented Tuesday in federal court.
The improvements could include services such as sign language classes and ensuring that prisoners' wheelchairs work properly.
The Department of Corrections agreed in 2003 to settle a lawsuit claiming it violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
The lawsuit, first filed in 1992 by six disabled inmates, later became a class-action on behalf of thousands of prisoners.
The settlement gave DOC two years to make changes. When terms of the agreement weren't met by 2005, the deadline was extended to July 2007.
Both sides agreed Tuesday that while progress has been made, DOC still isn't complying with the settlement.
Paula Greisen, an attorney for the inmates, said services vary from prison to prison.
In one case, an inmate who is a double amputee developed sores on his legs because his wheelchair didn't fit properly, she said.
The majority of disabled inmates are not placed in "correctional industries jobs," or jobs that teach them a skill. Instead they do menial jobs like wrap silverware, she said.
Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth McCann, who represents the DOC, said the department has been "working diligently."
"There has been a tremendous amount of effort made," she said, adding that since a new administration took over a year and a half ago, there have been monthly meetings to discuss compliance and target areas that need improvement.
DOC has spent more than $1.1 million renovating facilities and on professional and medical services to meet the terms of the settlement, spokeswoman Katherine Sanguinetti said. The state also has paid more than $1 million in legal fees.
If U.S. District Judge John Kane approves the agreement, DOC may have to ask the legislature for more money, Sanguinetti said.
burnetts@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5343
Comments
Posted by happymike44 on March 26, 2008 at 4:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was accused of a crime,later the person who called the police admitted to others that they lied and taught me a lesson.This was my employer,I told my workmens comp attorney that I did not trust them.The sheriff's deputy came to my home and told me he had numerous eyewitnesses to me committing a crime.This later proved to be a person told a person and told another person.Otherwise it was hearsay.I was put in jail and denied my medication.When I appeared in court.Throwing up and not being able to stand up,but still the sheriff wold not give me my medication.When I was released the response of the deputy was he was afraid I was going to sue him for false arrest.My employer has stated this had nothing to do with the workplace injury I suffered.I had severely injured my wrist and shoulder in a workplace accident.Also the deputy was not influenced by the factor,he recieved extra pay whenever he responded to the workplace.I am disabled and denied my medication,so to the prison officials.Suck it up and quit stalling follow the settlement agreement.For you did the crime now do the time.Don't complain just obey what the judge ordered you to do.For those prisoners who had their right violated congratulations on your proving your case.To everyone else who has a negative opinion of this case.Well the penal system was designed to allow people to repent for their sind.Not be punished in a cruel and unusual way.
Posted by airbornebigfoot on March 26, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
if you want to see true scum of the earth, the lowest of the low, the true dregs of society,
Stand outside a prison at shift change.
The colorado department of corrections always plays this game,
court ordered to do something, (in this case, treat disabled inmates with respect and dignity) and turns it into a plea for more money.
The court ORDERED the D.O.C to clean this stuff up, and so far, five years later, they still have excuses.
meanwhile, the disabled inmates suffer.
Sure, I know, somebody will have to say "But, they deserve it".
Well No, No they dont. Sure, they committed a crime,
but being incarcerated is one thing, being held in cruel and unusual circumstances is a constitutional crime,
And the colorado department of corrections should be made to stand by the court order immediately,
Much like their prisoners.
When the sentenced is passed in a criminal court,
people are cuffed up and taken away, the people in charge of the D.O.C should be held accountable.
Posted by theQ on March 26, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The best solution is not to get your stank butts in prison to began with and you would'nt have to worry about it.
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