Filed Date: 2018
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
In March 2018, the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and the United States reached a settlement agreement following an investigation of SCDC’s accommodations to inmates with hearing disabilities. The settlement resolved complaints from inmates that they were being denied full and equal access to programs, services, and activities on the basis of their disability as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specifically, the inmates alleged that SCDC failed to provide sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids and services including assistive listening devices, telephones compatible with hearing aids, and closed captioning among others.
The agreement requires SCDC to provide resources including auxiliary aids and services and qualified interpreters to ensure that inmates with hearing disabilities will not be excluded from participating in SCDC programs. Additionally, the agreement stated that SCDC will provide training on effective communication with inmates who have a hearing disability. SCDC agreed to provide a written status report to the United States every six months for two years starting from March 2018.
The Clearinghouse does not have access to the initial investigation and the ongoing status reports and do not have further information regarding SCDC’s compliance with the settlement agreement terms. The settlement agreement is posted the Clearinghouse and available here. The DOJ’s press release on the investigation and settlement agreement can be accessed here.
Summary Authors
Richa Bijlani (3/2/2020)
Bond, Rebecca B. (District of Columbia)
Gore, John M. (District of Columbia)
Lorenzo-Giguere, Susanna (District of Columbia)
Ruisanchez, Alberto (District of Columbia)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:32 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: South Carolina
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: 2018
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
South Carolina Department of Corrections, State
Defendant Type(s):
Facility Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree
Content of Injunction:
Goals (e.g., for hiring, admissions)
Order Duration: 2018 - 2020
Issues
General/Misc.:
Disability and Disability Rights:
Discrimination Basis: