A deaf inmate has filed a federal lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Corrections, claiming that the agency is failing to provide deaf people equal access to its telephone program.
IDOC began providing inmates with tablets last year, allowing them to make multiple telephone calls throughout the day.
Rachel Weisberg, directing attorney at Disability Rights Advocates, said Daniel Valenzuela and other deaf inmates can’t access the program because they need a video phone to communicate.
Weisberg said Valenzuela is seeking equal access.
The Illinois Department of Corrections declined comment, due to the pending litigation.
Valenzuela is serving a 28-year sentence at Danville Correctional Center after he was convicted on six counts of criminal sexual assault of a family member under 18.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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