ADA Law & Definitions
What is Title II?
It prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all services, programs, and activities provided by these public entities.
What is effective communication?
The ADA requires communication with Deaf inmates to be as effective as with hearing persons.
What is TDOC Policy #113.95?
Accommodations for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inmates.
What is the interpreter appointment information?
This must be included in the interpreter request: Inmate's name, DOB, Date of Appointment, Type of Appointment (Hearing, Programs, etc.) Time of Appointment with time zone, Service needed (ASL. DI, etc.).
What is the chain of Command for ADA Complaints?
AWT, Warden, TDOC ADA Compliance Director.
What is a disability?
A condition that substantially limits a major life activity.
What are auxiliary aids and services?
These help ensure effective communication, such as VRI or written notes.
Who are correctional officers?
These staff must notify the AWT about an inmate needing a modification.
What is a TTY or captioned telephone?
This system is compatible with hearing aids and can assist with communication.
What is the TN Language Center VRI system?
LionBridge.
What are major life activities?
Speaking, hearing, and walking are examples of this.
What is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)?
TDOC uses this technology to provide on-demand sign language interpretation.
Who is the Assoicate Warden of Treatment (AWT)?
This staff member oversees ADA compliance at each facility.
What is CART?
This service provides real-time text for spoken communication.
What is the process for Title II Grievences?
Grievance chair, AWT, ADA Compliance Director.
What is a qualified individual with a disability?
This term includes having a record of a physical or mental impairment.
What is CR-4110?
This document must be completed when an interpreter is accepted or refused.
Who is the Commissioner or designee?
This official makes the final decision on undue burden claims.
What are auxiliary aids or interpreters?
Communication must include these when involving Deaf inmates.
When should interpreter service be used?
For all deaf inmates.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
This law ensures equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
What is a fundamental alteration or undue burden?
This legal defense under Title II of the ADA allows a state prison to deny a requested accommodation if providing it would significantly change the nature of a program, or impose excessive financial or administrative difficulty.
What is a reasonable modification?
An employee must act when they know or should know an inmate needs this.
What are classification, medical care, and grievances?
These programs and activities require auxiliary aids under TDOC policy.
Who is responsible for ensuring the correctional officers have information regarding inmate accommodations?
AWTs.