Hello. Please sign in!

ADA/Section 504 Design Guide - Accessible Cells in Correction Facilities

Many inmates in State and local correctional facilities have mobility disabilities and need to be housed in accessible cells. Yet, many correctional facilities do not have enough cells that are accessible to inmates with disabilities. Federal laws protect people with disabilities from discrimination by State and local governments, including entities that own or operate correctional facilities. All such entities are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and those that receive Federal funds are also covered by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, including inmates who use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility devices. While all aspects of law enforcement and correctional services are covered by these laws - including facilities, employment, transportation, and other activities, programs, and services - this guide focuses on the prevention of discrimination against inmates with mobility disabilities through the design of accessible cells.

Security
Accessible cells do not compromise the security of prison personnel. In fact, having accessible cells increases security because they allow inmates with mobility disabilities to function independently, minimizing the need for assistance from guards.

Basic Features
Inmates with disabilities - including those who use wheelchairs - need to be able to enter their cells and move around inside them, using the cells’ features without assistance. What makes this possible? Careful planning and design will incorporate elements such as a wider entrance door, adequate clear floor space, appropriate placement and models of fixtures and furniture, and grab bars.

Location or Dispersion of Cells
Dispersing accessible cells throughout a facility ensures that inmates with disabilities are able to be housed with inmates of the same classification levels. Generally, inmates with disabilities who are not ill do not need to be housed in a medical ward.

Furniture and Cell Features
Accessible cells need to contain the same features as other cells for inmates housed at the same classification level. For instance, where other cells contain writing desks, accessible writing desks are needed in accessible cells

diagram of clear floor space for wheelchair

Clear floor spaces for inmates who use mobility devices

[MORE INFO...]

*You must sign in to view [MORE INFO...]