Formerly Incarcerated People With Disabilities: Perceptions of Accessibility and Accommodations in Correctional...

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Disability Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Research on correctional programming and reintegration often overlooks the experiences of incarcerated people with disabilities (IPWDs).
• IPWDs exhibit higher recidivism rates, underscoring the need to understand their unique challenges within correctional systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions of IPWDs regarding accessibility and accommodations within correctional programs.
• To identify specific barriers IPWDs encounter in reentry programs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methods were employed.
• Data were collected through focus group interviews and in-depth interviews with participants from a Virginia reentry program.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged: lack of attention to programs, barriers to accessing medical services, and dissatisfaction with correctional staff.
• These findings highlight critical areas for improvement in correctional facilities.

Conclusions:

• Correctional facilities must address the specific needs of IPWDs to improve program accessibility and accommodation.
• Future research should further investigate strategies to enhance the reintegration of IPWDs and reduce recidivism.