Disabled prisoners incarcerated at the Denver County Jail sued the city and county, alleging it had discriminated against them by segregating them from the general population, denying access to activities and services, and failing to accommodate their basic needs.

The plaintiffs filed their complaint on April 13, 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The plaintiffs were inmates at the Denver County Jail. Both have spinal cord injuries and use wheelchairs.

The complaint alleged that the plaintiffs were segregated in the medical ward, despite no medical necessity, denied recreational and other activities because of their disabilities, denied access to religious facilities, the library, education, counseling, and other services and activities, and that the jail lacked accessible showers and other basic necessities.

The plaintiffs sought declaratory, injunctive and monetary relief. On March 3, 2011, the parties reached a settlement, the terms of which are not available. On May 31, 2011, the case was dismissed with prejudice. This case is closed.

Denise Heberle - 07/19/2012


compress summary