An inmate complained to the Ombudsman that when he was moved from Palmer Correctional to Goose Creek, he was denied use of his television because he can’t pay the $17 per month fee for service due to his inability to physically work. He claimed that he was unable to work because he is in a wheelchair and gravely disabled. By law, inmates must (1) have a high school diploma or GED (or incapable of obtaining either); (2) be actively engaged in an educational, vocational training, or employment program; (3) comply with court orders for restitution, treatment or rehabilitation; and (4) be able to pay for a television and the utility services for cable television service in order to have a television in their cell. (AS 33.30.015(d)) While the complainant asserted he was disabled and unable to work, the Ombudsman determined after reviewing the agency’s records that he had worked previously and paid for his cable service in 2012. The agency also provided evidence that in March 2015, the inmate’s request for a television in his cell at Palmer Correctional was denied. There was no evidence that he had previously been allowed free cable service due to his disability. In 2015, the complainant had also asserted he was unable to work or pay for his cable service. But, in subsequent correspondence with Goose Creek staff in 2016, he indicated he was willing to work and he has applied for an inmate position. He is currently on the inmate job request waitlist. The facility standards officer indicated that there are other inmates at the facility with similar disability issues that are employed at the facility and that appropriate accommodations will be made for the complainant when a position he has applied for becomes available. The Ombudsman did not find a basis to recommend to the agency that they waive the utility fees for the complainant and closed the complaint. (A2016-1918)