2019 saw Disability Rights Louisiana/Advocacy Center receive the NDRN Advocacy Award for our work on behalf of people with disabilities in jails and prisons. Our successful defense of P&A standing in the case against David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDPS&C) reinforces the authority that the National Disability Rights Network has to defend the rights of individuals with disabilities in prisons and jails.
The proposed class action lawsuit was filed in Federal Court in February of 2018 by DRLA/Advocacy Center in conjunction with the Roderick Solange MacArthur Justice Center, which has since been replaced by the ACLU, for subjecting prisoners to cruel, debilitating conditions, including the failure to provide adequate mental health treatment. DWCC’s policy of housing prisoners for extended periods of time in isolation and solitary conditions has resulted in the deterioration of mental health, including increased incidents of self harm and suicide attempts. While the case is ongoing, Disability Rights Louisiana’s legal team including Jonathan Trunnell, Melanie Bray, and Ron Lospennato continue to work to change the policies at DWCC and LDPS&C to ensure prisoners are receiving the mental health treatment they need and are no longer subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment.
(pictured l to r: Sarah Voigt, Christopher Rodriguez, Jonathan Trunnell, Ronald Lospennato, Melanie Bray)
