Jail Settles Deaf woman's complaint

Washington State's Clark County Jail will pay a deaf woman $25,000 for violating her ADA rights.

Two years ago the unnamed woman filed a complaint saying she spent two days in jail without an interpreter or other services. Apparently, the jail's staff were not trained as to what accommodations are the right of deaf people.

Not only will the woman be given compensation, the jail has agreed to provide interpreter services and change it restraint policy so inmates can communicate with sign language or writing.

Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman says:

“When a person with communication disabilities has their liberty restrained by incarceration, the ability to effectively communicate is of critical importance. They must be able to provide and receive information about medical care, legal rights, and their basic human needs. This settlement will help ensure that every person who is deaf or hard of hearing has the ability to effectively communicate and have equal access to services in their encounter with the Clark County corrections system.”

Read more about it from the Department of Justice here.