The U.S. Justice Department says it has reached agreement with Erie County to improve access to its jail for disabled individuals.
The jail, primarily used for pretrial detention, processes more than 20,000 inmates annually.
Federal authorities say they reviewed the jail's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation Act after receiving a complaint the jail lacked sufficient cells and showers that were accessible to inmates with mobility handicaps who were housed in its medical unit though they didn't require medical treatment.
The settlement requires modifications within four years, including accessible cells, showers and toilets in various housing units.
It also calls for ensuring wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment are kept in operable condition and several other measures.
