Effects of learning disabilities on social reactions to prison inmates

A body of research literature has emerged that indicates learning disabled (LD) offenders experience differential treatment in the criminal justice system due to difficulties associated with a LD. This study builds upon this literature by examining LD inmates' experiences in correctional facilities. I analyze the effects learning disabilities may have on social reactions from other inmates and correctional personnel to LD inmates. Drawing on survey data from the Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities, 2004, the analysis evaluates whether LD inmates are more severely victimized by other inmates and receive more serious rule violations from correctional staff. My results indicate that learning disabled inmates have a greater likelihood of being more severely victimized and of having more serious rule violations. Based on these findings, I conclude that social reactions from other inmates and correctional personnel to LD inmates affect their treatment in prison.