DOCS faces scrutiny over educational support for inmates with disabilities in New York

The New York State Legislature held a meeting on December 13, 2024, to discuss programs for incarcerated individuals funded in the State Fiscal Year 2024-25 Enacted Budget. A significant focus of the meeting was on the effectiveness and management of educational and vocational programs within the Department of Corrections (DOCS).

Key discussions highlighted two notable programs that provided job skills to incarcerated individuals: a soap production program and a diesel exhaust fluid program. Concerns were raised about the current status of these programs, as some legislators expressed uncertainty regarding their whereabouts and operational status following recent changes within the correctional facilities.

Testimony from various stakeholders emphasized the need for improved services for incarcerated individuals with disabilities, particularly those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Ms. Murdaugh commended DOCS for its higher education initiatives but pointed out that the identification process for individuals with learning disabilities is inadequate. She noted that many individuals do not receive necessary accommodations in a timely manner, which hinders their educational progress and increases the likelihood of recidivism.

Further discussions revealed challenges in staffing and program availability at correctional facilities. For instance, the culinary arts program at Eastern New York Correctional Facility was temporarily suspended due to staffing issues, while a cosmetology program at Taconic had been without an instructor for over a year. These gaps in programming were seen as detrimental to the rehabilitation efforts of incarcerated individuals.

The meeting concluded with recommendations for enhancing educational opportunities, including the establishment of live instruction college programs at all facilities and the expansion of peer-based programming. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism rates.

Overall, the discussions underscored the critical need for effective educational and vocational programs within New York's correctional system, particularly for those with disabilities, to ensure that individuals are better prepared for reintegration into society.