Federal Court Certifies Class in Five Points Mobility Disability Case

A significant legal victory has been achieved for people with mobility disabilities at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, New York. On August 24, 2026, Judge Vacca of the District Court for the Western District of New York certified a class action lawsuit that could profoundly impact the treatment of incarcerated individuals needing mobility accommodations.

The lawsuit, titled Cardew v. New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, was filed by Disability Rights Advocates and Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York. It alleges that numerous inmates at the facility have been systematically denied essential mobility aids such as wheelchairs and canes. This lack of accommodations reportedly hindered the individuals' ability to move freely and safely within the facility.

Class certification is an essential step in allowing the claims of all affected individuals to be addressed collectively. It strengthens the potential for systemic change, aiming to ensure that required accommodations are provided consistently and equitably.

This case highlights ongoing challenges facing incarcerated people with disabilities, a group often overlooked in broader discussions on accessibility and rights. The decision to certify this class sets a precedent not only within New York but throughout the nation, calling attention to the necessity for comprehensive compliance with disability rights laws within correctional systems.

Disability Rights Advocates and their partners continue to bring attention to these critical issues, advocating for justice and equality for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances or environment.

The ongoing proceedings in this case will be closely watched as they unfold, marking an important moment in the fight for disability rights within the prison system.