This session will address how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 apply in prison educational settings and how to reduce barriers for incarcerated individuals with disabilities.

Drawing on national data indicating that approximately two-thirds of incarcerated people have disabilities—many of which are under-identified or undocumented—the session will explore how systemic gaps in identification, documentation, and communication create persistent barriers to compliance and participation.
Webinar participants will gain a practical understanding of common ADA challenges inside prisons, including accommodations, effective communication, assistive technology, accessible educational materials, and continuity during transfers.

The session will also highlight emerging ADA needs in prison education, including accessibility in tablet-based learning platforms, aging and cognitively impaired prison populations, and the rapid expansion of higher education in prison (HEP) programs. Emphasis is placed on scalable, sustainable strategies that strengthen compliance, reduce legal risk, and embed disability access into daily operations.