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Enhancing Representation of People with Disabilities and Deaf People: 3-part virtual training
A Three-Part Virtual Training: May 21, 28 and June 5, 2025
People with disabilities and Deaf people are arrested and incarcerated at vastly higher rates than people without disabilities. In fact, the majority of people behind bars have at least one disability. Although psychiatric disabilities (mental illnesses) are often included in discussions about mass incarceration and criminal legal reforms, other types of disabilities – such as sensory, cognitive, and physical disabilities – and Deaf communities have been overlooked.
In Part 1, Kaitlin Kall and Kate Pollack of Activating Change will provide context to the mass incarceration of Deaf people and people with disabilities, highlighting key societal and system-based drivers of these disparities. They will unpack some of the logistical and attitudinal barriers these communities face when they interact with the criminal legal system, resulting in their entrenchment in the system.
In Part 2, the presenters will provide strategies for defense attorneys to enhance universal access for their clients; approaches for communicating about and securing court-based accommodations; and guidance for securing language access for Deaf and hard of hearing clients.
Part 3 Justin Woolf & Alison Fondo of the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts will discuss MA specific accomodations and the legal framework for making accomodation requests.
*Note this program has been approved for 1.5 CLE per session on the following CPCS Panels: Criminal Defense (Adult) Trials; Post-Conviction; YAD (Trials and Appeals); CAFL (Trials and Appeals); Mental Health (Trials and Appeals); SORB; SDP; Parole and Medical Parole