Case: DOJ Investigation North Carolina Deaf/Blind Prison Conditions

The United States of America and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) entered into a comprehensive settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on August 28, 2025. This Agreement addresses discrimination against incarcerated individuals with hearing disabilities and establishes extensive requirements for NCDAC to ensure compliance with Title II of the ADA. Under the terms of the settlement, NCDAC committed to providing reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, and procedures to avoid discrimination and ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are not excluded from participation in the department's services, programs, or activities. The Agreement requires NCDAC to implement numerous specific accommodations, including providing appropriate hearing aids and cochlear processor devices free of charge within 5 business days, along with replacement batteries within 48 hours and temporary devices during repairs. NCDAC must also establish comprehensive interpreter services by contracting with agencies within 30 days to ensure qualified interpreting services are available 24/7, with interpreters provided within 6 hours for unanticipated interactions and within 2 hours for medical emergencies. Additional technology requirements include implementing Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) within 30 days and providing TTYs, videophones, and other communication devices at facilities. The settlement mandates systematic changes such as conducting intake hearing screenings within 3 days, developing communication plans within 21 days, and installing visual notification systems at 15 facilities within 12 months. NCDAC must also designate ADA coordinators, submit policy drafts for review, and provide comprehensive training to all personnel within specified timeframes. The Agreement remains in effect for three years, with enforcement mechanisms allowing the United States to commence civil action if compliance issues cannot be resolved within 45 days of notification.