For years, the state of Louisiana has failed to provide effective communication services to state probationers and parolees who are deaf or hard of hearing during critical meetings with state agents.  The state did not provide qualified interpreters to those who need them when the terms of the supervision were explained, or when state agents suspected the person had violated those terms.  People were asked to sign documents they did not understand in which they waived various rights.  Consequently, probationers and parolees who are deaf were in danger of being sent back to prison because they did not understand the terms of their release or were unable to effectively communicate with state agents.

The class of parolees was represented by the Advocacy Center of New Orleans, Proskauer Rose and the Committee. The Parolees filed a complaint against the State of Louisiana in 2016, alleging that the State’s actions violated the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.  Last week, the State agreed that it will provide qualified, certified American Sign Language interpreters to those who need them during critical meetings with probationers and parolees.  The terms of the settlement agreement will be enforceable in federal court in Louisiana.