Disability discrimination in Swaleside

Dear Abbie Gardner,

I am (your name) and I am writing on behalf of my friend Daniel Benson, A9652EC. Daniel is a disabled (paraplegic) person and his communication needs are not being met. He cannot access regular handwriting because of his disability and needs reasonable adjustments to make this possible. Having access to an electronic typewriter is essential for his communication 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. He’s requesting to be provided with an electric-typewriter and agreement to provide him 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

6. 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.
7. 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.”

Yours sincerely,

[Your name here]