Disability discrimination in Swaleside

Daniel Benson is paraplegic and is being denied the ability to communicate with people outside. Please send the email below to correspondence.swaleside@justice.gov.uk, gstswaleside@justice.gov.uk and imb@justice.gov.uk to demand Daniel receives reasonable adjustments as per the Equality act!

You may use this link to send a letter easily https://actionnetwork.org/letters/disability-discrimination-in-swaleside

Dear Abbie Gardner,

I am writing on behalf of my friend Daniel Benson, A9652EC. Daniel is a disabled (paraplegic) person whose communication needs are not being met. Daniel cannot access regular handwriting because of this disability and needs reasonable adjustments to make this possible. Having access to an electronic typewriter is essential for communicating with the outside and within the prison system. Reasonable adjustments are meant to be changes that level the opportunities with other prisoners. Daniel cannot use handwriting so the electronic typewriter would make this possible. Daniel is requesting to be provided with an electric-typewriter and agreement to also provide with one ribbon and one ream of paper per week. These adjustments would make sure Daniel’s rights to communication are met. The prison should encourage communication and facilitate it under the Prisoner Communication Policy. I am highlighting the following points of that policy.

“2. Prison Rules require prisons to actively encourage prisoners to maintain outside contacts and meaningful family ties. Prisoners also have a statutory entitlement to send and receive letters. Letters and phone calls assist in sustaining supportive relationships with family and friends. They also enable the prisoner to have access to justice through legally privileged correspondence with legal advisers and other support organisations with whom they may correspond confidentially.

3. Being able to communicate with those outsides is part of providing a safe and decent environment for prisoners and contributes to a reduction in self-harm and suicide. Access to communication is also crucial in helping prisoners prepare for release.

Desired Outcome

Prisoners can communicate and maintain ties with family and friends and communicate confidentially with legal advisers and some other organisations in a manner which does not compromise safety. The process meets minimum statutory requirements and ensures that
the security and good order of the prison is maintained.

Key outcomes for the Service;

All prisoners are able to communicate with family and friends

All prisoners are able to communicate confidentially with legal and professional
advisers

The service supports the maintenance of family ties and outside contacts

The service supports the maintenance of security, order and public protection

All processes support the discharge of a prison’s responsibility for the safeguarding
of children and children’s ability to contact their parents”

I would also like to highlight the meaning of reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 substracted from the government website.

“Under the Equality Act 2010 public sector organisations have to make changes in their approach or provision to ensure that services are accessible to disabled people as well as everybody else. Reasonable adjustments can mean alterations to buildings by providing lifts, wide doors, ramps and tactile signage, but may also mean changes to policies, procedures and staff training to ensure that services work equally well for people with learning disabilities.”

Daniel has also been subjected to abuse and neglect from prison officers and carers. Dignity and respect should be maintain always, especially when the person is vulnerable and needs the support of a care worker. Daniel has been also subjected to religious discrimination which is unacceptable. Disability and religion are also protected characteristics from the Equality Act 2010 quoted before. The abuse and neglect needs to end and Daniel needs a different care worker who respects dignity and privacy.

Yours sincerely,