Julia Darling The Isolation of Being Deaf in Prison- Jeremy Woody, as told to Christie Thompson Throughout The Isolation of Being Deaf in Prison, Jeremy Woody spoke about the full isolation as an individual with a disability in the prison system. When an able-bodied individual is in prison, they are typically treated with the bare minimum effort and rights. When an individual with a disability is in prison, they are given “equal treatment” but not equitable treatment. How is an individual who is deaf supposed to communicate with the guards, other inmates, and more? How can a prisoner who uses forearm crutches be supposed to use the communal shower? As told by Jeremy Woody, he was in a frustrating and difficult situation where he had to fight for the basic right of having a voice in prison. The prison system's lack of movement and change to give him the proper resources in an appropriate time was extremely disappointing and unacceptable. …show more content…
Jeremy Woody went through many attempts to receive an interpreter. The prison denying the access to an interpreter was the same thing as the prison cutting someone's vocal chords. And when the prison attempted to give an interpreter, they ridiculed Woody even more through lack of effort each time. After a certain amount of time, having no one to speak to or even listen to you would impact an individual's mental health. It is dehumanizing to refuse an individual a basic need that everyone has access to. Forcing Woody to communicate through writing when struggling with literacy already was even more punishable. Forcing other prisoners with disabilities to room with each other isolates and groups them together. All of these conditions and factors are unhealthy and emphasize the poor treatment and oppressiveness the prison system