In Touch - Blind prisoners compensated for discrimination
Download Blind prisoners compensated for discrimination
Blind and visually impaired prisoners in the US state of Maryland have been awarded $1.4 million by the correctional service for discrimination. They successfully claimed they were not given access to information, jobs and courses to give them equality within the prison or during rehabilitation.
Eve Hill, representing the group, says some have had to pay for sighted guide assistance, and others to perform sex acts to have information read to them.
Tyrell lost his sight through a gunshot wound and says life was lonely and tough for him as a visually impaired prisoner.
Benjamin Burrows, from Leigh Day solicitors, says he has represented visually impaired people in a number of cases here in the UK, and the picture is similar.
Presenter: Peter White
Producer: Lee Kumutat
Published on Tuesday, 11th June 2019.
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