The report comes on the back of the Disability Royal Commission which heard of challenges faced by people with disability in various institutional settings including custodial facilities.
OICS said the Department had made progress towards developing systems to effectively identify hearing impairment in adult prisoners and youth detainees.
These included the implementation of a new screening process, which OICS described as a “positive innovation” that had seen more hearing-impaired people in custody identified.
The screening occurs during an initial medical assessment when prisoners enter custody, with periodic follow-up health assessments also checking on ear health and hearing issues.
OICS said the screening allowed clinical staff to capture impairments to prisoners’ daily functions and help determine supports, services or formal diagnostic screening that may be required.
Technology and infrastructure upgrades designed to aid in providing audiology services and solutions for prisoners were also being considered.
OICS also noted adjustments made for hearing-impaired prisoners to enhance participation in treatment and education programs based on treatment and program facilitator assessments.
Director General Dr Adam Tomison said the Department was committed to screening all prisoners across the custodial estate for hearing, ear and other health impairments.
“Better identification of prisoners and detainees’ hearing issues helps reduce vulnerabilities and improve engagement in programs and education while they serve their sentence,” he said.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said all adults and young people in custody with a hearing impairment were able to access hearing services where a need was established.
“The findings of this OICS report will be considered as part of a review of policies and procedures for prisoners with disabilities,” he said.
“This will assist our custodial facilities in providing best-practice management of prisoners with disabilities, including hearing impairments.”
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