State Asks For Time On ADA In Prisons

Colorado's prison system would have until May 2009 to better serve disabled inmates under an agreement presented Tuesday in federal court.

The improvements could include services such as sign language classes and ensuring that prisoners' wheelchairs work properly.

The Department of Corrections agreed in 2003 to settle a lawsuit claiming it violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit, first filed in 1992 by six disabled inmates, later became a class-action on behalf of thousands of prisoners.

The settlement gave DOC two years to make changes. When terms of the agreement weren't met by 2005, the deadline was extended to July 2007.

Both sides agreed Tuesday that while progress has been made, DOC still isn't complying with the settlement.

Paula Greisen, an attorney for the inmates, said services vary from prison to prison.

The Denver Post