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"They knew that I need those accommodations. They knew that. I've had accommodations ever since I came to prison. I had the walker and wheelchair in County before I came here. I just got this walker back three weeks ago.

 

My name is Brenda Charity. I came here in March of 2015, and we're at Denver Women's Correctional Facility. I've always been told by my doctors outside that if I try and use the elliptical, do light weights-- that helps my circulation and my heart. So, I was on the elliptical and doing five-pound weights, trying to lift to strengthen myself, and my accommodations were taken away because of that. I was frightened. I was so frightened because I knew that I actually could not walk well without all of my equipment. Each time I would send in something to ADA, medical would send it, “well, we saw her exercise. That's why we took it. If she can exercise, she doesn't need it.” Well, that's not true.

 

I fell every day because of my instability. I didn't go to meals because I couldn't really get there without being afraid that I would fall. I am 71 years old, and bones, you know I could get a fracture and maybe never even be able to do anything again, so I didn't take the chance. I would just stay in my room. As a disabled person, I have the right to have my accommodations. By them taking them for no real reason, then yes, I think that is infringement upon my civil rights."

 

Narrator: The AVID Prison Project, Amplifying Voices of Inmates with Disabilities is a collaboration between The Arizona Center for Disability Law, Disability Law Colorado, The Advocacy Center of Louisiana, Disability Rights New York, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities of South Carolina, Disability Rights Texas, Disability Rights Washington and The National Disability Rights Network. This video was produced by Rooted in Rights.

 

[End of Transcript]

The AVID Prison Project is a collaboration between The Arizona Center for Disability Law, Disability Law Colorado, The Advocacy Center of Louisiana, Disability Rights New York, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities of South Carolina, Disability Rights Texas, Disability Rights Washington and The National Disability Rights Network.