U.S. Department
of Justice
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
On September 30, 2024, the Justice Department entered into a settlement agreement under Title II of the ADA with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (WDOC) to ensure that incarcerated individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing have equal access to WDOC’s programs, services, and activities, including educational, counseling, medical, recreational, and prison employment programs. Under the agreement, WDOC will provide inmates with hearing disabilities appropriate auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters, video telephones, visual notification systems, and hearing aids. WDOC will also develop individualized communication assessments and plans; provide training on the ADA to staff; and pay $15,000 to compensate three incarcerated individuals who were harmed.