As we continue to hear more and more stories of medical neglect due to Wellpath, the incompetent private medical provider in MA prisons, we’ll be sharing some immediate calls to action. Right now, we’re seeking support for Michael, who is incarcerated at MCI-Concord.
Michael Moscaritolo has documented hearing loss in his right ear and is due to go back to the Shattuck specialists to diagnose unaddressed hearing problems in his left ear. He cannot hear on the unit telephones and is requesting accommodations.
Under the Briggs Settlement, the DOC must make accommodations related to hearing loss for those seeking them. Shortly after the federal monitor, Elaine Gardner, came to verify the DOC’s compliance, they arbitrarily changed the requirements for accessing the CAPTEL telephone. Therefore, incarcerated people who had been granted that particular accommodation for many months and were successful in using it, were suddenly denied access. The DOC made a unilateral decision that incarcerated people must have ”severe” hearing loss in both ears.
This is not in accordance with national ADA standards and is in violation of the settlement agreement, which both state that if someone has documented hearing loss and requests an accommodation, it must be granted. Incarcerated people who have ”moderate/severe” hearing loss are being denied access to the CAPTEL telephone, and therefore are having difficulties talking to their families.
This is not right and we are asking that incarcerated people with documented hearing loss who were formerly granted accommodations be able to continue accessing them.
We know that the DOC needs to cancel Wellpath’s contract. Until then, join us in demanding that they provide Michael with the care he needs.
CALL SCRIPT:
Call the superintendent at MCI-Concord: (978) 405-6100
Superintendent’s Office Ext. 111 or Ext. 113
Even if no one answers when you call, leave a message with the script below.
“Hello, my name is [X] and I am a concerned community member calling on behalf of Michael Moscaritolo, W113890. For the past two months, Michael has been requesting access to a CAPTEL phone, an accommodation that he was formerly granted for the past year and a half. Shortly after the federal monitor, Elaine Gardner, came to verify the DOC’s compliance to the provisions in the Briggs Settlement, the requirements for accessing the CAPTEL telephone were arbitrarily changed. This is not in accordance with national ADA standards and is in violation of the settlement agreement, which both state that if someone has documented hearing loss and requests an accommodation, it must be granted.
To remedy this, I’m demanding that you process Michael’s ADA request to regrant him access to a CAPTEL phone.
Will you confirm that Michael will immediately receive this accommodation?”
