Mitchell v. Massachusetts Dept. of Correction.

• Position: CIVIL RIGHTS - Correction Notice

U.S. District Court

HANDICAP

PROGRAMS

ADA -- Amer with Disabilities Act

Mitchell v. Massachusetts Dept. of Correction, 190 F.Supp.2d 204 (D.Mass. 2002). A prisoner brought an action against corrections defendants under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and [section] 1983, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to participate in certain inmate programs during his incarceration, based upon the fact that he suffered from diabetes and a heart condition. The district court denied the plaintiff's motions for injunctive and declaratory relief but did not dismiss the action, finding that the complaint was sufficient to state a claim under Title II of the ADA. The prisoner alleged he was denied participation in various prison work and educational programs due to his "medical condition," which the court found was sufficient to show that corrections officials "regarded" him as...