U.S. Department
of Justice
Vermont Department of Corrections
On October 28, 2021, the United States executed a settlement agreement with the Vermont Department of Corrections (VDOC), a state prison system, under Title II of the ADA regarding physical accessibility, provision of auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication, program access, and policy modifications for inmates with mobility disabilities and hearing disabilities. The agreement requires VDOC to ensure that inmates with disabilities have equal access to educational, counseling and recreational programs, and to prison facilities such as visitation areas, libraries, medical facilities, intake processing, accessible cells and routes to and through prison buildings. The agreement also requires that inmates with hearing disabilities receive appropriate auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters, video telephones and hearing aids to ensure effective communication.