Description:
This presentation will provide a basic overview of the issues people with disabilities face in the North Carolina criminal justice system as well as an outline of current systemic issues and what practical steps individuals can take to overcome barriers to care within the carceral system. We will cover initial police interaction, jail and prison conditions, and re-entry to the community after incarceration. We will also cover the role of the P&A and other stakeholders within the carceral system and current efforts at reform.
Learning Objectives:
By end of the program, participants will be able to:
1. Explore at least two options for individual advocacy within the existing criminal justice system.
2. Explore at least three systemic issues within the carceral system affecting people with disabilities and current efforts at reform..
Trainer:
Luke Woollard, J.D. joined Disability Rights of North Carolina’s prison and jails team in January 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University. He attended UNC School of Law after spending two years in Americorps. Prior to DRNC, Woollard began his legal career working to correct the wrongful convictions of indigent North Carolina inmates.
References:
- Hester, O. R., Taconet, A. V., & Lombardi, A. (2024). Addressing the transition needs of justice-involved youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Journal of Correctional Education 75(1), 91-115.
- Mallett, C. A., Quinn, L., Yun, J., & Fukushima-Tedor, M. (2023). The “Learning disabilities-to-prison” pipeline: Evidence from the add health national longitudinal study. Crime and Delinquency, 69(13-14), 2643-2677. https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287221081024
- Simon, E., Smith, T. J., & Dillahunt-Aspillaga, C. (2025). Interactions of juveniles with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the criminal justice system: A systematized review. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 62(2), 128-140. https://doi.org/10.1177/10522263241310062