From mikefry79 at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 04:10:44 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:10:44 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] News Story about Blind Federal Prosecutor Yusef Dale In-Reply-To: <2e81e.72b62479.3b9016f2@aol.com> References: <2e81e.72b62479.3b9016f2@aol.com> Message-ID: That's a great story. I want to be like him. On Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 4:00 PM, wrote: > _http://www.wgntv.com/news/coverstory/wgntv-cover-story-yusef-dale-aug29,0,2 > 171165.story_ > (http://www.wgntv.com/news/coverstory/wgntv-cover-story-yusef-dale-aug29,0,2171165.story) > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 1 11:43:03 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 04:43:03 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com> <996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> Message-ID: <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 15:34:58 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 09:34:58 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com> <996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. Beth On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" > Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > >> Hi Beth: >> >> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding would >> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky remains >> your limit! >> >> Wishing you the very best. >> >> Sincerely, >> Olusegun >> Denver, Colorado >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >> > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com > From joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 15:48:57 2011 From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com (RJ Sandefur) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:48:57 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> If Jane were found to be incompetent in Florida from what was told me, The Colorado people could probley prohibit her from marrying, because a Colorado judge would have to abide by Florida's order of adjudication would they not? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:34 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent >> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >> found >> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >> to >> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may >> come in to play. >> Chuck >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >> >> >>> Hi Beth: >>> >>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>> would >>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>> remains >>> your limit! >>> >>> Wishing you the very best. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Olusegun >>> Denver, Colorado >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com From william_t_miller at hotmail.com Thu Sep 1 17:47:17 2011 From: william_t_miller at hotmail.com (Will Miller) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:17 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program Message-ID: Hello list: I am searching for an accessible online fax program. Any suggestions? I sampled e-fax and was not impressed with the accessibility. Thanks in advance, William T. Miller, Esq. From rthomas at emplmntattorney.com Thu Sep 1 18:27:49 2011 From: rthomas at emplmntattorney.com (Russell J. Thomas, Jr.) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:27:49 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Try Rapidfax.com. Respectfully, Russell J. Thomas, Jr. Law Office of Russell J. Thomas, Jr. 4121 Westerly Place, Suite 101 Newport Beach, California 92660 T: (949) 752-0101 F: (949) 257-4756 M: (949) 466-7238 www.emplmntattorney.com Follow me on Twitter: EmplmntAttorney -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Will Miller Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:47 AM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program Hello list: I am searching for an accessible online fax program. Any suggestions? I sampled e-fax and was not impressed with the accessibility. Thanks in advance, William T. Miller, Esq. _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rthomas%40emplmnta ttorney.com From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Thu Sep 1 18:35:35 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 12:35:35 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: <798DCC6AC9ED4512AD19B80887F2B3CE@victory2> I think we need to be reasonable in our discussion of the subject matter. The issue under discussion has NOTHING TO DO with mental incompetency. The issue is whether or not a blind lady, in this case, Ms. Beth, has a right to marry a Somalian man. Without mincing words, the answer is YES! In the past, a medical test to rule out certain disease conditions was required here in Colorado and perhaps elsewhere in these United States. If there is a medical condition that is transferrable from one partner to the other and eventually to their offspring(s) if any by way of marriage, the couple will be so advised. The couple then reserves the right to terminate the relationship or continue with it. Today, Colorado NO LONGER conducts such medical tests. May be the couple involved can request one or each other, but this will have to be a private affair. With this case, I don't see any extenuating circumstances that would prohibit Beth from marrying a Somalian man. Bigamy, if proven to be the case, becomes a different issue and presents a different argument. Nothing to suggest that this has been uncovered. Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Thu Sep 1 18:37:51 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 12:37:51 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program References: Message-ID: Hi Will: Try: www.myfax.com Or: www.rapidfax.com Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From william.burley3 at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 19:28:19 2011 From: william.burley3 at gmail.com (William Burley) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 14:28:19 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <4e5fdcbf.0591970a.2a03.0f99@mx.google.com> This is an interesting conversation. I am a bit confused though as I have not seen the original post yet. May be lost in spam folder. What is this issue really about...is it based upon blindness or mental compentancy? I think those two issues will make the conversation make better sense to me becase at this point some are discussing the mental issue and others the blindness issue. Thanks folks! Will every William Burley (713) 551-8689 William.burley3 at gmail.com www.facebook.com/wburley3 -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of RJ Sandefur Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:49 AM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions If Jane were found to be incompetent in Florida from what was told me, The Colorado people could probley prohibit her from marrying, because a Colorado judge would have to abide by Florida's order of adjudication would they not? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:34 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent >> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >> found >> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >> to >> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may >> come in to play. >> Chuck >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >> >> >>> Hi Beth: >>> >>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>> would >>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>> remains >>> your limit! >>> >>> Wishing you the very best. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Olusegun >>> Denver, Colorado >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglob al.net >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40 gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefu r%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/william.burley3%40 gmail.com From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 1 20:47:00 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person did not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where there has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It is also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age of consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will still try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these arguments. This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent >> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >> found >> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >> to >> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may >> come in to play. >> Chuck >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >> >> >>> Hi Beth: >>> >>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>> would >>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>> remains >>> your limit! >>> >>> Wishing you the very best. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Olusegun >>> Denver, Colorado >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 1 20:50:52 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:50:52 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: that could carry some wait in the decision and she it would be necessary to prove otherwise to reverse the findings of incompetency. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "RJ Sandefur" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:48 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > If Jane were found to be incompetent in Florida from what was told me, > The Colorado people could probley prohibit her from marrying, because a > Colorado judge would have to abide by Florida's order of adjudication > would they not? > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" > Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > >> Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a >> blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me >> because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. >> Beth >> >> On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >>> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that >>> prevent >>> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >>> found >>> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >>> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >>> to >>> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that >>> may >>> come in to play. >>> Chuck >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >>> >>> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >>> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >>> >>> >>>> Hi Beth: >>>> >>>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, >>>> and >>>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can >>>> move >>>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely >>>> happen >>>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>>> would >>>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>>> remains >>>> your limit! >>>> >>>> Wishing you the very best. >>>> >>>> Sincerely, >>>> Olusegun >>>> Denver, Colorado >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> blindlaw mailing list >>>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>>> blindlaw: >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >>>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 23:34:17 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:34:17 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions Message-ID: <4e60167e.4609440a.3ab3.06b2@mx.google.com> This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if you know what I mean. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." References: <4e60167e.4609440a.3ab3.06b2@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <003901cc6902$519b11f0$f4d135d0$@net> Hi everyone, I am just watching this thread and will take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am not an attorney, or legal expert, but have always been fascinated by civil rights law. Now, with the situation that Beth ahs been describing, wouldn't guardianship, protective placement or a chapter commitment be one of those circumstances? Steve -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 6:34 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if you know what I mean. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." References: <4e60167e.4609440a.3ab3.06b2@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <8F9545270E4F4760900BFCC608801B1E@spike> The important thing to continue to prove this is to continue to engage in your regular daily activities and show that you are following through with whatever schooling or work program that you are considering. The other factor that a court looks at in determining competency is how well you manage your finances and daily living activities and it soulds like you are doing well in trying to attain your goals. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 4:34 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent > adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations > with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be > any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to > provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if > you know what I mean. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person > would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person > did > not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not > understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where > there > has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It > is > also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age > of > consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the > argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of > providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will > still > try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a > disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these > arguments. > This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent > case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that > were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their > new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances > but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been > found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never > to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding > would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky > remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Fri Sep 2 03:46:55 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:46:55 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions Message-ID: <4e6051b5.4b13e70a.6319.2677@mx.google.com> Right. The thing is my dad has been trying to force me to use financial supports like this financial manager who jacked my dbit card, and so I fired her. Dad was then told about Financial Represntative Payee programs, of which I have no intrerest, but I'm afraid he'll force his will on me. This is something I can't accept. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." Message-ID: <5A3700BA40F74167BBC1AECDD3C60BDA@hometwxakonvzn> Beth, You were declared incompetent by a court, and your dad is your guardian. Correct? That is what you told me correct? I hate to say it but theirs nothing Colorado can do really because this is a Florida case, and if you did try to get married in Colorado, the judge would say, "I'm sorry, but you have an incapacitation order in Florida." I am not an attorney, but this is common sense. I hate to be this blunt, but you need to face reality that as long as you have this hanging over your head, you will, not be able to marry Deq or anybody for that matter. Again Beth, I'm not trying to be cruel or mean, but it seems you do not understand what this means. They do not, and they can not declare someone to be incompetent in Florida based on blindness alone. I have a Friend who is a county judge, and he told me that it is based on a persons mental capacity to care for themselves. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:46 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Right. The thing is my dad has been trying to force me to use financial > supports like this financial manager who jacked my dbit card, and so I > fired her. Dad was then told about Financial Represntative Payee > programs, of which I have no intrerest, but I'm afraid he'll force his > will on me. This is something I can't accept. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 20:05:26 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > The important thing to continue to prove this is to continue to engage in > your regular daily activities and show that you are following through with > whatever schooling or work program that you are considering. The other > factor that a court looks at in determining competency is how well you > manage your finances and daily living activities and it soulds like you > are > doing well in trying to attain your goals. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 4:34 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent > adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations > with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be > any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to > provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if > you know what I mean. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person > would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person > did > not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not > understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where > there > has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It > is > also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age > of > consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the > argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of > providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will > still > try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a > disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these > arguments. > This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent > case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that > were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their > new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances > but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been > found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never > to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding > would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky > remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > From AZNOR99 at aol.com Fri Sep 2 16:11:34 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 12:11:34 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] some questions - Taking legal advice requests off-list Message-ID: <37e85.67df28bd.3b925a35@aol.com> Hi All, This thread has had some very interesting discussions about the legality of prohibiting the blind from marrying. Those portions of the conversation have been on-topic with regard to staying within the framework of the list, e.g. laws that impact the blind differently than sighted counterparts. However, this list is not intended to be a forum to discuss personal legal advice or personal challenges faced by list members outside of the practice of law. If individuals are interested in continuing the conversation with Beth and wish to offer her advice, please email her off-list to do so. Thank you, Ronza From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Fri Sep 2 18:57:29 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:57:29 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions Message-ID: <4e61271f.8275e70a.54ee.ffffc0e6@mx.google.com> Well, I care for myself right now in Colorado, and Dad doesn't see that. I have to be absolutely sure that CCDC in Colorado, the Cross-Disability Coalition, can work with the Florida system and get rid of it. The prevention of marriage was based in part due to parent child conflict, and then they said I had to make changes. Whuat changes I don't know, but Deq has nearly broken up with me a bunch of times over this, so it is grounds for getting rid of it. I've needed help trying for months and perhaps years. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: "RJ Sandefur" wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." http://onsitesupply.ca/indexty120.php From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Sat Sep 3 03:19:18 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 20:19:18 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <4e61271f.8275e70a.54ee.ffffc0e6@mx.google.com> References: <4e61271f.8275e70a.54ee.ffffc0e6@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <10D3A7DDAE90430985A01CBE28C296C1@spike> You need to find an attorney in Colorado that specializes in probate matters of guardianship that can research the specific law regarding periodic review of conservatorships. If you were found mentally incompetent by a court you were most likely placed on some form of conservatorship. In most states conservatees have the right to have their status reviewed by the court periodically as people's conditions and circumstances change. Not working in Colorado or Florida and not being familiar with the specific laws I can't offer any other suggestion for you to resolve this. In many cities the local bar association provides a lawyer referral service where for a nominal fee you can get a consultation with an attorney specializing in a particular area of law. After the consultation you would then negotiate with the attorney if they are interested in handling your case with regard to legal fees and other requirements. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, September 02, 2011 11:57 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Well, I care for myself right now in Colorado, and Dad doesn't see that. > I have to be absolutely sure that CCDC in Colorado, the Cross-Disability > Coalition, can work with the Florida system and get rid of it. The > prevention of marriage was based in part due to parent child conflict, and > then they said I had to make changes. Whuat changes I don't know, but Deq > has nearly broken up with me a bunch of times over this, so it is grounds > for getting rid of it. I've needed help trying for months and perhaps > years. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "RJ Sandefur" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 10:39:26 -0400 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Beth, You were declared incompetent by a court, and your dad is your > guardian. Correct? That is what you told me correct? I hate to say it but > theirs nothing Colorado can do really because this is a Florida case, and > if > you did try to get married in Colorado, the judge would say, "I'm sorry, > but > you have an incapacitation order in Florida." I am not an attorney, but > this > is common sense. I hate to be this blunt, but you need to face reality > that > as long as you have this hanging over your head, you will, not be able to > marry Deq or anybody for that matter. Again Beth, I'm not trying to be > cruel > or mean, but it seems you do not understand what this means. They do not, > and they can not declare someone to be incompetent in Florida based on > blindness alone. I have a Friend who is a county judge, and he told me > that > it is based on a persons mental capacity to care for themselves. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:46 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Right. The thing is my dad has been trying to force me to use financial > supports like this financial manager who jacked my dbit card, and so I > fired her. Dad was then told about Financial Represntative Payee > programs, of which I have no intrerest, but I'm afraid he'll force his > will on me. This is something I can't accept. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 20:05:26 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > The important thing to continue to prove this is to continue to engage in > your regular daily activities and show that you are following through with > whatever schooling or work program that you are considering. The other > factor that a court looks at in determining competency is how well you > manage your finances and daily living activities and it soulds like you > are > doing well in trying to attain your goals. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 4:34 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent > adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations > with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be > any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to > provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if > you know what I mean. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person > would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person > did > not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not > understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where > there > has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It > is > also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age > of > consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the > argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of > providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will > still > try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a > disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these > arguments. > This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent > case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that > were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their > new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances > but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been > found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never > to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding > would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky > remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/jolting > jacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisl > oose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From william_t_miller at hotmail.com Sat Sep 3 23:08:09 2011 From: william_t_miller at hotmail.com (Will Miller) Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2011 19:08:09 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Thanks for the suggestions -- I'll give MyFax and RapidFax a look. From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Sun Sep 4 06:04:58 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2011 23:04:58 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM In-Reply-To: References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> What are the advantages and uses of the L.L.M. degree online or conventional? What is its marketability? Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "gary melconian" To: "'NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 3:15 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] online LLM > Hello Michael, that is true, the online llm's are accrediated by the ABA > and > that is why they ar popular for that reason, but the Jd is a new relm > and > so that will take some time forh the folks at the accrediateing body to > get > their heads around. So find the one you ar interested and go for it, if > you > ar one of those who can study on your own and don't need a class > environment, to get you motivated or performing any other tasks that > are > involved in acquiring your education on line. I did go for my > certifications > and I did not regret doing it online.So just do it and you wont regret it. > Take care. > Sincerely Yours: > Gary Melconian, MBA, CPA and JD candidates > Mobile: 818-731-3949 > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Mike Gilmore > Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 10:31 AM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM > > I've been reading all the recent posts on this listserv about online > j.d.'s. > Currently, I work for the feds and am licensed in Virginia. I'm thinking > about getting an l.l.m. I googled and there are several schools that offer > online l.l.m.'s, the only one coming to mind being Boston University > (which > if memory serves they have a pretty good reputation as a law school in > general.) Has anyone out there received an l.l.m. via distance learning? > For > those of you who have an l.l.m., would you recommend the traditional > classroom or is distance learning a viable option? > > Thanks. > > Mike > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/garymelc%40msn.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Sun Sep 4 19:18:55 2011 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 20:18:55 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] re spam on list Message-ID: I would be grateful if unsolicited ads were kept off this list. -- Best wishes Gerard Sadlier From mikefry79 at gmail.com Sun Sep 4 20:12:15 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 13:12:15 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM In-Reply-To: <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> Message-ID: Good question. The LLM provides additional education about a subject of particular interest to me. Additionally, I think it improves the attractiveness of my resume. My goal was to be an attorney for a government agency. Though I applied to numerous positions I was not hired until the LLM was on my resume. That could have been a coincidence, or, it may have helped me get hired. I will never know for sure, but I surmise the LLM helped me get the job. On Sat, Sep 3, 2011 at 11:04 PM, wrote: > What are the advantages and uses of the L.L.M. degree online or > conventional? What is its marketability? > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- From: "gary melconian" > To: "'NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List'" > Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 3:15 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] online LLM > > >> Hello Michael, that is true, the online llm's are accrediated by the ABA >> and >> that is why they ar popular for that   reason, but the Jd is a new relm >> and >> so that will take some time forh the folks at the accrediateing body to >> get >> their heads around. So find the one you ar interested and go for it, if >> you >> ar one of those who can study on your own and don't need a class >> environment, to get   you  motivated or performing any other tasks that >> are >> involved in acquiring your education on line. I did go for my >> certifications >> and I did not regret doing it online.So just do it and you wont regret it. >> Take care. >> Sincerely Yours: >> Gary Melconian, MBA, CPA and JD candidates >> Mobile: 818-731-3949 >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On >> Behalf Of Mike Gilmore >> Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 10:31 AM >> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM >> >> I've been reading all the recent posts on this listserv about online >> j.d.'s. >> Currently, I work for the feds and am licensed in Virginia. I'm thinking >> about getting an l.l.m. I googled and there are several schools that offer >> online l.l.m.'s, the only one coming to mind being Boston University >> (which >> if memory serves they have a pretty good reputation as a law school in >> general.) Has anyone out there received an l.l.m. via distance learning? >> For >> those of you who have an l.l.m., would you recommend the traditional >> classroom or is distance learning a viable option? >> >> Thanks. >> >> Mike >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/garymelc%40msn.com >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Sun Sep 4 23:59:46 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 17:59:46 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> Message-ID: <1EA1CAC07EA6483B92DD1E150CB9E536@valtd> Isn't it true that any individual could get a master's degree in law? Or does one have to be a lawyer to go down that route? Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From mikefry79 at gmail.com Mon Sep 5 00:33:33 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 17:33:33 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM In-Reply-To: <1EA1CAC07EA6483B92DD1E150CB9E536@valtd> References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> <1EA1CAC07EA6483B92DD1E150CB9E536@valtd> Message-ID: I think one needs to be a lawyer before getting an LLM. I think, a JD is a prerequisite to get an LLM, however, I know there is a one-year post graduate degree in law that doesn't require a JD. A psychology professor that taught at ASU law school had one. I can't remember the name of that type of degree, though. On Sun, Sep 4, 2011 at 4:59 PM, Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc. wrote: > Isn't it true that any individual could get a master's degree in law?  Or > does one have to be a lawyer to go down that route? > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From william_t_miller at hotmail.com Mon Sep 5 17:20:25 2011 From: william_t_miller at hotmail.com (Will Miller) Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2011 13:20:25 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Follow-up: I looked into My Fax and the program seems to be accessible. However, the company retains all rights in the telephone number under the terms & conditions and reserves the right to reassign the number if you cancel service with them. I think other internet fax programs have similar policies. According to a MyFax rep, you can port your own number in if you have one before enrolling in the service and can port it out if you choose to discontinue your account. FYI From joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com Mon Sep 5 17:31:09 2011 From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com (RJ Sandefur) Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2011 13:31:09 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program References: Message-ID: <9694C4D72AB341C7BB96611FEBDBF35F@hometwxakonvzn> How much does it caust? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Will Miller" To: Sent: Monday, September 05, 2011 1:20 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program > Follow-up: I looked into My Fax and the program seems to be accessible. > However, the company retains all rights in the telephone number under the > terms & conditions and reserves the right to reassign the number if you > cancel service with them. I think other internet fax programs have similar > policies. According to a MyFax rep, you can port your own number in if you > have one before enrolling in the service and can port it out if you choose > to discontinue your account. FYI > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue Sep 6 13:40:42 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2011 09:40:42 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Two Federal Atty postings Message-ID: <02AE8F01B0414B69B54E719C66479D6F@mycomputer> Neither posting had a URL that I could copy and paste into it as I usually do. Sorry about that. Federal Bureau of Prisons Office of General Counsel Labor Law Branch Attorney-Advisor GS-905-13/14 This position is open until filled, but no later than September 7, 2011. Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal Division United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Pennsylvania 11-MDPA-02 September 2, 2011 Position is opened until filled; however, resumes will only be accepted until September 12, 2011. From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri Sep 9 12:06:53 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:06:53 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. DOJ Atty posting Message-ID: <83B87E3636634AAF82FFFE41EE0CEDE4@mycomputer> Chief, ES-0905 Organized Crime and Gang Section Criminal Division U.S. Department of Justice Washington, DC Announcement #: 11-CRM- SES-02 Close: September 22, 2011. From fairall at shellworld.net Sun Sep 11 22:02:35 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:02:35 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: Hello: I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have the sign removed. I have a few questions. 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities or some other act? 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the facts straight. 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? In my rough draft, I stated seven days. 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly encourage them to remove the sign? Thanks for any and all advice. From billreif at ameritech.net Sun Sep 11 23:53:03 2011 From: billreif at ameritech.net (Bill Reif) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:53:03 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the area may be more cautious about hitting you. There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. cordially, Bill On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: > Hello: > > I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. > I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. > > To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind > person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have > known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told > me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. > > I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have > the sign removed. I have a few questions. > > > 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with > Disabilities or some other act? > 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of > discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the > facts straight. > 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? > In my rough draft, I stated seven days. > > 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly > encourage them to remove the sign? > > Thanks for any and all advice. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.net > > From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:18:20 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:18:20 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: I wonder if you could make a case arguing just this--that the presence of the sign poses more danger to you than a theoretical driver might post some time in the future. When, at Dartmouth in 1986, I found such a sign had been planted near my dormitory, I promptly uprooted it and, upon its third re-erection, dumped it, dirty post and all, on the dean of Freshman's desk and stated that, were it to appear again, I would be contacting my parents, who would be suing Dartmouth for discrimination against me. The sign did not appear, but neither was a case won on my argument, so I am merely stating an anecdote... Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From paulharpur at gmail.com Mon Sep 12 00:22:12 2011 From: paulharpur at gmail.com (Paul Harpur) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:22:12 +1000 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> The council might think they are being helpful so I would start being nice about it and just ask them to remove it. Considering this is a public post I could not suggest vandalising government property by having some friends around for dinner one night, and then around 2 AM going across the street with friends with the appropriate equipment and cutting the sign down. I would further not suggest having a friend with a car dispose of the sign in an industrial bin a few miles from your home. Such direct action would of course be unlawful and should not be recommended. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bill Reif Sent: Monday, 12 September 2011 9:53 AM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the area may be more cautious about hitting you. There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. cordially, Bill On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: > Hello: > > I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. > I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. > > To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind > person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have > known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told > me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. > > I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have > the sign removed. I have a few questions. > > > 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with > Disabilities or some other act? > 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of > discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the > facts straight. > 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? > In my rough draft, I stated seven days. > > 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly > encourage them to remove the sign? > > Thanks for any and all advice. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.n et > > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/paulharpur%40gmail.com From AZNOR99 at aol.com Mon Sep 12 00:22:54 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:22:54 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <88ac.23400acf.3b9eaade@aol.com> You might be able to argue that by placing the sign, the Village is providing a reasonable accommodation (a weak argument though) and that you have the right to refuse a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. You might also be able to argue that by erecting such a sign, the Village is violating your right to confidentiality under the ADA (also a weak argument). I suggest you contact Shawn Mayo, Executive Director at BLIND, Inc. I believe that the City of Minneapolis recently put up signs similar to yours near the training center, but Shawn, her staff, and the affilliate successfully advocated to get them removed. Shawn's email address is _smayo at blindinc.org_ (mailto:smayo at blindinc.org) . Good luck, Ronza In a message dated 9/11/2011 7:53:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, billreif at ameritech.net writes: I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the area may be more cautious about hitting you. There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. cordially, Bill On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: > Hello: > > I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. > I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. > > To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind > person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have > known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told > me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. > > I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have > the sign removed. I have a few questions. > > > 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with > Disabilities or some other act? > 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of > discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the > facts straight. > 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? > In my rough draft, I stated seven days. > > 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly > encourage them to remove the sign? > > Thanks for any and all advice. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.net > > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From fairall at shellworld.net Mon Sep 12 00:48:21 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:48:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: Actually, I live on a quiet residential street. I take paratransit which drops me off right in front of my house. Making me a target for a criminal is a good argument for removing the sign. Is everyone saying that I have no legal basis for having it removed? From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:49:33 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:49:33 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> Message-ID: <1363C207-0B90-4D69-AC86-BCB7CAC4A6F0@sbcglobal.net> *nods* I would seriously question whether one *should*, indeed, be "nice," to the people, since rewarding such unhelpful behavior, no matter in whose name or for what noble cause it is perpetrated, will only lead to its repetition, with equally disastrous, disrespectful, invasive and controlling results. Nor, this list being of a legal content and nature, should it be suggested or entertained at any level or to any degree that it would be suitable to take a can of spray paint in your favorite Daglo color, and artistically and creatively alter the sign to reflect a more community-minded spirit. It must not at all be implied much less boldly stated, that it might be only fitting to post a sign of one's own, in like mind decrying to the world some such statement about your neighbors as might describe their noisy bathroom habits, or, perhaps, odd noises made during the act of love... Oh I could just go on forever. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:51:54 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:51:54 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <88ac.23400acf.3b9eaade@aol.com> References: <88ac.23400acf.3b9eaade@aol.com> Message-ID: Is an accommodation "reasonable," when it has not been agreed to by the person being accommodated? My understanding of the term "reasonable accommodation," was that it was something agreed to by both the disabled person and the facility or employer or public sector whatever... Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:53:45 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:53:45 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: You don't have to be there for the rime to happen. The sign marks you as a target; then the person gets to know your habits and targets yo based on the nature of the intended crime and your daily routine. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From langlois2 at verizon.net Mon Sep 12 01:45:00 2011 From: langlois2 at verizon.net (Brian Langlois) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:45:00 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> Message-ID: <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> The sign may have been installed at the request of another blind resident or his/her family. In my old neighbourhood, there was a "blind child" sign which was near a crossing I had to frequently make. How embarrassing. Brian L. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Harpur" To: "'NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:22 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > The council might think they are being helpful so I would start being nice > about it and just ask them to remove it. > Considering this is a public post I could not suggest vandalising > government > property by having some friends around for dinner one night, and then > around > 2 AM going across the street with friends with the appropriate equipment > and > cutting the sign down. I would further not suggest having a friend with a > car dispose of the sign in an industrial bin a few miles from your home. > Such direct action would of course be unlawful and should not be > recommended. > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Bill Reif > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2011 9:53 AM > To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > > I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm > sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the > area may be more cautious about hitting you. > > There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It > signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look > out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send > criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the > opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could > thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their > property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or > even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please > demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. > > cordially, > Bill > > > On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: >> Hello: >> >> I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. >> I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. >> >> To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind >> person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have >> known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told >> me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. >> >> I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have >> the sign removed. I have a few questions. >> >> >> 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with >> Disabilities or some other act? >> 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of >> discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the >> facts straight. >> 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? >> In my rough draft, I stated seven days. >> >> 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly >> encourage them to remove the sign? >> >> Thanks for any and all advice. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.n > et >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/paulharpur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/langlois2%40verizon.net From fairall at shellworld.net Mon Sep 12 01:54:12 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:54:12 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> Message-ID: No, I'm the only blind person on the street. If there were another blind person, it should be erected in front of their house instead of mine. From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 01:56:14 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:56:14 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> Message-ID: I would point out that no other class of citizen has a sign proclaiming their residency. Oh, except for one--sexual offenders. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From AZNOR99 at aol.com Mon Sep 12 02:11:54 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:11:54 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Not true. There are often signs that notify residents that a deaf or "handicapped" individual is in the neighborhood. Some villages erect them believing they are akin to the "children at play" signs that are often posted near schools and parks. I suggest you contact the Village, as you said, and ask why it's there first. Then if you learn that it was put up for you and not someone else (just because a blind person doesn't live on your block doesn't mean one doesn't visit sometimes that you aren't aware of - you said you moved there recently?), ask them to remove it. Also, consider contacting Shawn - she can help you craft any language you might need for a letter or demand that it be removed. In a message dated 9/11/2011 9:57:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, stone_troll at sbcglobal.net writes: I would point out that no other class of citizen has a sign proclaiming their residency. Oh, except for one--sexual offenders. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 02:44:15 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:44:15 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: Other than the anecdote I related earlier, I know of no instance until this one where such a sign was put up without the consent and cooperation of the person for whom the sign was intended, except in the case of severely disabled children or if a legal guardian had the sign put up. I was not aware that it was legal for a town to decide that such a sign was appropriate. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From AZNOR99 at aol.com Mon Sep 12 02:52:47 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:52:47 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <45981.524d5b11.3b9ecdff@aol.com> I know of several who've done so in different places throughout the country. Some State Transportation Departments even subsidize the cost of such signs in the interest of promoting pedestrian and neighborhood safety. The City has the ability and arguably the right to erect signs it viewes are in the public good. We may disagree that this sort of sign is for the good of anyone, but others might have differing opinions. Whether such a sign is legal is exactly at the heart of this discussion. In a message dated 9/11/2011 10:45:19 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, stone_troll at sbcglobal.net writes: Other than the anecdote I related earlier, I know of no instance until this one where such a sign was put up without the consent and cooperation of the person for whom the sign was intended, except in the case of severely disabled children or if a legal guardian had the sign put up. I was not aware that it was legal for a town to decide that such a sign was appropriate. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From langlois2 at verizon.net Mon Sep 12 02:55:45 2011 From: langlois2 at verizon.net (Brian Langlois) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:55:45 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: Perhaps it is not legal. Maybe a local politician directed an employee at the Highway Dept. to make and install the sign. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark BurningHawk" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 10:44 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > Other than the anecdote I related earlier, I know of no instance until > this one where such a sign was put up without the consent and cooperation > of the person for whom the sign was intended, except in the case of > severely disabled children or if a legal guardian had the sign put up. I > was not aware that it was legal for a town to decide that such a sign was > appropriate. > > Mark BurningHawk > Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 > Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ > Namaste! > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/langlois2%40verizon.net From fairall at shellworld.net Mon Sep 12 11:01:26 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:01:26 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: Folks, This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the letter. Thank you for answers so far. From blinddog3 at charter.net Mon Sep 12 11:07:05 2011 From: blinddog3 at charter.net (Steven Johnson) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:07:05 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: <001701cc713c$1b74fd10$525ef730$@net> Leslie, there may be a city ordinance in place as I believe this was eluded to previously. If that is the case, some good education and advocacy is essential. Good luck with this and let us know the results. BTW, my neighbor has a 2-hour parking limit sign in the front of their home which is allowed under city ordinance due to their mobility impairment. However, they made the request which makes your situation all the more eyebrow raising. Again, the best to you, Steve Johnson -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Leslie Fairall Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 6:01 AM To: Brian Langlois; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Folks, This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the letter. Thank you for answers so far. _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/blinddog3%40charter.ne t From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Mon Sep 12 11:44:41 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:44:41 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <4e6df0c1.552fe70a.3f4b.1681@mx.google.com> That's ridiculous! A sign? What? That thing needs to go. Bill had a good point. When I moved into my place in Denver, nobody hung up a sign, and so people leave me in peace. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill Reif Message-ID: <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Good Morning Leslie: The research necessary to determine if your situation constitutes discriminatory condutc by the city is something that I am not now in a position to do. However, it is governmental activity - and the true question will center around the level of scrutiny that is required - Low, intermediate or strict. IE:"Can a governmental entity do someting to, or on behalf of, someone without their knowledge or consent when it is more likely than not suad activity will place the recipient at rish?" Would American Moslems appreciate having a sign put up at their home stating "Arams live here"? What about AFrican Americans, Hispanic Americans, Catholics, Protestants etc, etc - the list goes on. Yes, in my view, they have stepped over a line in doing this. Good research aimed at Title II of the ADA and the Rehab Act as well as other discriminatory legislation. I would also check witht he Human Rights Commission in your State to see about getting a legal opinion, and follow that up[ with a check on the Statutue of limitations for such civil litigation. I do apologize for not being able to give you more specific advice, I no longer have access to WestLaw or Lexis. You need legal advice from someone who knows the specifics of your situation, and is experienced with your State's laws and the local regulations. Sorry I can't help more from here. Best of luck, and if you want to get some more specifics on how to approach this situation, give me a an email off line and I'll be happy to talk things over. I used to get situations ike this on my desk all the time when I worked with the the disability law outfitsof two states. rumpole at roadrunner.com Ross ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leslie Fairall" To: "Brian Langlois" ; "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 7:01 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > Folks, > > This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN > THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there > a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted > a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether > the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the > letter. Thank you for answers so far. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rumpole%40roadrunner.com > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1392 / Virus Database: 1520/3891 - Release Date: 09/11/11 > From rumpole at roadrunner.com Mon Sep 12 12:18:14 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:18:14 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminatory sign Message-ID: <59CAA12644F24FE38063CC3643D33F98@mycomputer> Good Morning Leslie: The research necessary to determine if your situation constitutes discriminatory conduct by the city is something that I am not now in a position to do. However, it is nonetheless governmental activity - and the true question, in a federal sense, will center around the level of scrutiny that is required (in the S. Ct. reporter) - Low, intermediate or strict. IE:"Can a governmental entity do something to, or on behalf of, someone, without their knowledge or consent when it is more likely than not such activity will place the recipient at risk?" Would American Moslems appreciate having a sign put up at their home stating "Arabs live here"? What about African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Catholics, Protestants etc, etc - the list can definately go on. Yes, in my view, albeit unresearched, they have stepped over a line in putting up that sign. Good research aimed at Title II of the ADA and the Rehab Act as well as other discriminatory legislation is certainly called for. I would also check with the Human Rights Commission in your State to see about getting a legal opinion, and make sure that includes a check on the Statute of limitations for such civil litigation in your jurisdiction. I do apologize for not being able to give you more specific advice, I no longer have access to WestLaw or Lexis. You need legal advice from someone who knows the specifics of your situation, and is experienced with your State's laws and the local regulations. Sorry I can't help more from here. Best of luck, and if you want to get some more specifics on how to approach this situation, give me a an email off line and I'll be happy to discuss it. I used to get situations like this on my desk all the time when I worked with the disability law outfitsof two states over the past several years. rumpole at roadrunner.com Ross ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leslie Fairall" To: "Brian Langlois" ; "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 7:01 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > Folks, > > This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN > THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there > a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted > a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether > the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the > letter. Thank you for answers so far. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rumpole%40roadrunner.com > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1392 / Virus Database: 1520/3891 - Release Date: 09/11/11 > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rumpole%40roadrunner.com ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1392 / Virus Database: 1520/3891 - Release Date: 09/11/11 From fairall at shellworld.net Tue Sep 13 00:42:53 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:42:53 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Message-ID: Hello everyone: An update with the sign issue. I contacted City Hall this morning and eventually spoke to the person who handles signs. He informed me that a nosy neighbor had emailed him to erect the sign! He was not aware that I did not give her permission to do so. The sign should be removed within a week. The lady from church comes on Wednesday night, so she will keep me informed. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice. Hopefully this incident is over. From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Tue Sep 13 20:01:20 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:01:20 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com><342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Message-ID: Leslie, way to go!! Hurrah!! Keep up the good fight!! Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue Sep 13 22:31:21 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:31:21 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. attorney posting, Northern District of Illinois Message-ID: <5CCC04917EB14E36AA9C87CD1E11A289@mycomputer> a.. Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) United States Attorney's Office Northern District of Illinois Vacancy Announcement Number: AUSA-NDIL-11-AF. Position is open until filled. From mikefry79 at gmail.com Wed Sep 14 01:17:33 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:17:33 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Message-ID: Ditto that. On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 1:01 PM, Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc. wrote: > Leslie, way to go!!  Hurrah!!  Keep up the good fight!! > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From rumpole at roadrunner.com Wed Sep 14 15:21:50 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:21:50 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 2 U.S. Attorney postings, Eastern Tennessee no pay Message-ID: a.. Special Assistant United States Attorney (Serves Without Compensation) United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Tennessee Vacancy Announcement Number 11-EDTN-10 Applications must be received by Friday, September 30, 2011. a.. Special Assistant United States Attorney (Serves Without Compensation) United States Attorney's office Eastern District of Tennessee Vacancy Announcement Number 11-EDTN-09 Applications must be received by Friday, September 30, 2011. From david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us Thu Sep 15 17:49:06 2011 From: david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us (Hyde, David W. (ESC)) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:49:06 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Looking for a contact Message-ID: <8FE3DA4A52652B4D8EC80883B3DC1233865912A2EB@tiger> Let me say at the outset, the this is about law only tangentially. I have a student who wants to go into court reporting. I am looking for a blind court reporter. Now I know that Sandy Halverson was in it years ago, and that Jim Bowen was too. I'm looking for someone who is doing it now. Please feel free to contact me off list David.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us Or 608-758-6152. Thanks for your help. From joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com Fri Sep 16 21:07:31 2011 From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com (RJ Sandefur) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:07:31 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport Message-ID: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Fri Sep 16 21:28:22 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:28:22 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in NorfolkAirport References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <001301cc74b7$8ff07740$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Hello everyone, There's a solution to both passing through scanners with guide dogs and very invasive pat-downs. It's called private air charter. Peter Donahue ----- Original Message ----- From: "RJ Sandefur" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:07 PM Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in NorfolkAirport Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com From Susan.Kelly at pima.gov Fri Sep 16 21:30:40 2011 From: Susan.Kelly at pima.gov (Susan Kelly) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:30:40 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport In-Reply-To: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F1FA@EVS02.central.pima.gov> This sounds frighteningly similar to an experience I had in May, when we connected through Sky Harbor (Phoenix, AZ). The only exception is that I have some limited (very limited) vision in my left eye and thus use a white cane, rather than a guide dog. It was a horrible experience, simply horrendous. I am hoping that it is not repeated at our next trip, when we will be connecting through Denver. I have the unfortunate feeling that many TSA agents are either NOT trained in how to communicate with the public, particularly those with vision or mobility loss, or that they simply do not care. Litigation may be the only way to get them to care. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of RJ Sandefur Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 2:08 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur% 40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/susan.kelly%40pima .gov From b.schulz at sbcglobal.net Fri Sep 16 22:19:56 2011 From: b.schulz at sbcglobal.net (Bryan Schulz) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:19:56 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA inNorfolkAirport References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> <001301cc74b7$8ff07740$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Message-ID: <1D7AFB6658094520854848377E997B1F@HP8730notebook> it's also much more expensive than a deal from southwest or expedia! Bryan Schulz ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Donahue" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:28 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA inNorfolkAirport > Hello everyone, > > There's a solution to both passing through scanners with guide dogs and > very invasive pat-downs. It's called private air charter. > > Peter Donahue > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "RJ Sandefur" > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" > Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:07 PM > Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in > NorfolkAirport > > > Does this man have a case? RJ > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Matt Weihmuller" > To: > Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM > Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > > >> Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually >> do >> not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely >> necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my >> unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the >> Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have >> the >> same unfortunate encounter. >> This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, >> however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have >> been traveling >> for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email >> until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal >> Director >> in >> Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to >> gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible >> regarding >> the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager >> of >> the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with >> me >> to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps >> to >> ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I >> received >> with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time >> that >> he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the >> person >> did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the >> drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no >> further >> contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on >> how >> I >> can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would >> greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the >> letter >> below. It reads as follows: >> >> >> >> Dear Mr. Horowitz, >> >> My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an >> unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my >> guidedog, >> Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A >> checkpoint >> in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, >> and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and >> efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering >> the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, >> Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was >> cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my >> communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, >> without >> my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA >> agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab >> onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result >> of >> my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility >> tool >> I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and >> therefore,have >> bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the >> security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, >> however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to >> attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the >> hand >> of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, >> as >> not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the >> scanner, >> the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally >> concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling >> through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, >> not >> setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to >> travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the >> scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and >> directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very >> polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then >> exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she >> appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and >> Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from >> what >> I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to >> me >> later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us >> down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the >> dog >> while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any >> contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I >> was >> then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. >> I >> showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person >> during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants >> would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was >> neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to >> take >> off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me >> down, >> taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my >> underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this >> procedure >> took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a >> direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down >> procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost >> originally >> cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the >> area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then >> finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been >> put >> back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm >> the >> first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly >> protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long >> procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very >> strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not >> make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I >> contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my >> phone >> call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and >> that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. >> I >> explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I >> must >> have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed >> through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and >> was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any >> reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am >> currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to >> determine >> if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. >> I >> would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I >> informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I >> informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me >> during >> the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem >> unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. >> Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I >> was >> standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this >> again >> might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place >> where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your >> predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the >> TSA >> checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken >> necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary >> for >> both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. >> Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to >> properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper >> procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved >> in >> the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. >> The >> TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the >> scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there >> responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent >> Sunday >> or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another >> incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that >> Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA >> manager. >> This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and >> advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser >> independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences >> of >> such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any >> reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that >> the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a >> seminar >> given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind >> National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow >> guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To >> date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly >> explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening >> again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. >> Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was >> told >> that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national >> security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately >> trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very >> necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to >> inform >> you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are >> not >> as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to >> experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your >> time. >> >> Sincerely, >> >> Matt Weihmuller >> >> MMP 2010 >> >> Phone: 813-541-4012 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Flagdu mailing list >> Flagdu at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Flagdu: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/b.schulz%40sbcglobal.net From rthomas at emplmntattorney.com Fri Sep 16 23:30:48 2011 From: rthomas at emplmntattorney.com (Russell J. Thomas, Jr.) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:30:48 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Problems with TSA in NorfolkAirport In-Reply-To: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <8ABE9DE46480488BB4E48B14A832D717@RThomas> Unfortunately, those of us who travel frequently could share any number of horror stories. It might be useful for the NFB to compile some of these stories so that others are prepared for anything and everything. In recent trips from the airport in Orange County, I have learned that the airport has people that assist the disabled to the gate. As a matter of my own independence, I don't need these people. However, one purpose they do serve is getting you through security quickly. These people are recognized by the security screeners and that seems to speed up the process. Another strange, and silly thing I have noticed is that I am treated differently when I wear a suit and carry a briefcase, and when I dress casually. This is obviously is a sign of ignorance, but somehow many people must think that I wear a suit and carry a briefcase, I must be able to function as a human being. Respectfully, Russell J. Thomas, Jr. Law Office of Russell J. Thomas, Jr. 4121 Westerly Place, Suite 101 Newport Beach, California 92660 T: (949) 752-0101 F: (949) 257-4756 M: (949) 466-7238 www.emplmntattorney.com Follow me on Twitter: EmplmntAttorney -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of RJ Sandefur Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 2:08 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in NorfolkAirport Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gm ail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rthomas%40rjtlawfirm.c om From AZNOR99 at aol.com Sat Sep 17 13:04:21 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:04:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport Message-ID: <31a35.6578026d.3ba5f4d5@aol.com> This is very unfortunate. I previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and we provided such training to airport personnel as well as other DHS Components. Matt has the option of initiating a civil rights complaint at the headquarters level. If Matt wishes to do this, he can send an email to _crcl at dhs.gov_ (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) . If he wants contact information for people who can take his complaint, I can provide that to him off-list. I'll ask the list members to remember that this list is not intended to offer legal advice and assess whether a case has merit - we cannot give legal advice, as it may place list members and the National Association of Blind Lawyers in a position where we are subject to allegations of legal malpractice, the unauthorized practice of law, and on and on. However, this list is intended to discuss the manner in which laws and practices affect the blind, techniques for blind users to use while practicing law, and resources available to blind attorneys and legal practitioners. Regards, Ronza In a message dated 9/16/2011 5:08:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com writes: Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From mikefry79 at gmail.com Sat Sep 17 18:30:27 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 11:30:27 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport In-Reply-To: <31a35.6578026d.3ba5f4d5@aol.com> References: <31a35.6578026d.3ba5f4d5@aol.com> Message-ID: I sincerely hope that TSA agent is fired. People are such jerks sometimes. I hope you get justice. On Sat, Sep 17, 2011 at 6:04 AM, wrote: > This is very unfortunate.  I previously worked at the Department of > Homeland Security Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and we provided > such training to airport personnel as well as other DHS Components. > > Matt has the option of initiating a civil rights complaint at the > headquarters level.  If Matt wishes to do this, he can send an email to > _crcl at dhs.gov_ (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) .  If he wants contact  information for people who > can take his complaint, I can provide that to him  off-list. > > I'll ask the list members to remember that this list is not intended to > offer legal advice and assess whether a case has merit - we cannot give legal > advice, as it may place list members and the National Association of Blind > Lawyers in a position where we are subject to allegations of legal > malpractice,  the unauthorized practice of law, and on and on.  However, this list > is  intended to discuss the manner in which laws and practices affect the > blind,  techniques for blind users to use while practicing law, and resources > available  to blind attorneys and legal practitioners. > > > Regards, > Ronza > > > > In a message dated 9/16/2011 5:08:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com writes: > > Does  this man have a case? RJ > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Matt  Weihmuller" > To:   > Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55  PM > Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk  Airport > > >> Good afternoon everyone.  I appolygize for taking  your time.  I usually > do >> not wish to post on this list, unless it  is absolutely >> necessary.  However, I am posting on this list  today in the hopes that my >> unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA  security checkpoint in the >> Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and  educate others that might have >> the >> same unfortunate  encounter. >> This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday  September 2nd, >> however, for some reason it did not post and was  returned to me.  I have >> been  traveling >> for  the  last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my > email >> until today.  Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA  Federal > Director >> in >> Norfolk.  I have not yet sent it, as  I have been traveling and I hoped to >> gather some comments and  critiques from as many people as possible >> regarding >> the  matter.  I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA > manager >> of >> the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously  working with > me >> to review the video to confirm my accusations and take  the propper steps >> to >> ensure that it did not happen  again.  However, the last contact I > received >> with Mr. Carson was  the day I left on vacation.  He stated at that time >> that >>  he could only find one video of a person  with a service dog and the >> person >> did not fit my description.  He was therefore,  going to "go back to the >> drawing board" to find the video of  myself.  I have currently had no >> further >> contact with  Mr,. Carson since then.  If anyone has any suggestions on > how >>  I >> can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very  curtius way, I  would >> greatly appreciate it.  Thanks again for all your  time.  Here is the >> letter >> below.  It reads as  follows: >> >> >> >> Dear Mr.  Horowitz, >> >>    My name is Matt Weihmuller.  I am  writing you in regards to an >> unfortunately humiliating and frustrating  experience I had with my >> guidedog, >> Daisy, the morning of  Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A >> checkpoint >> in the  Norfolk, Virginia airport.  As usual, I showed my ID and > passport, >> and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a  quick and >> efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray  machine.  Before entering >> the scanner, I informed the agent that  I was traveling with my guidedog, >> Daisy, and would "heel" the dog,  having her sit and stay while I was >> cleared.  I can only assume  that I must have not been clear enough in my >> communication as to my  situation.  I am totally blind, and as such, >> without >> my  mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA >>  agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to > grab >> onto after I pass  through the scanner. This has come about  as  a result >> of >> my travel over the years, where I have  been asked to leave my mobility >> tool >> I.E. cane or dog behind  while passing through the scanner and >> therefore,have >> bumped  into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the >>  security check process.    I appolygize for this lengthy  explanation, >> however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next.  I proceeded to >> attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and  expecting to grab the >> hand >> of the agent on the other side to  assist guiding me to a safe location, > as >> not to run into  anything.  As I ran squarely into the side of the > scanner, >> the  TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally >>  concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance  traveling >> through the center of the scanner.  I then passed  through a second time, >> not >> setting anything off, and was then  cleared.  I then commanded Daisy to >> travel through the  scanner.  She then proceeded, by herself, through the >> scanner,  and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and >>  directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was  very >> polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she  licked.  We then >> exchanged some casual remarks about what a good  dog I have and that she >> appeared to be ok.  The agent then began  to express that both myself and >> Daisy were clear, when a TSA   supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from >> what >> I perceived to  be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to >> me >>  later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of > us >> down.  I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact  with the >> dog >> while she passed through the scanner.  I  stated that I did not have any >> contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I  did and promptly walked away.  I >> was >> then grabbed by a  man and told to hold tightly onto my  pants strongly. > I >>  showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person >>  during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my  pants >> would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure  which I was >> neither properly prepared or notified about.  He then  commanded me to >> take >> off my belt and promptly snatched it  away from me.  He then patted me >> down, >> taking his hands  and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my >>  underwear  and all over my body.  I  should state that while  this >> procedure >> took place, at no time, was I allowed to have  control of my guide dog, a >> direct violation of TSA disability  regulations.  After the pat-down >> procedure, the first female  agent, who was very polite and almost >> originally >> cleared my  dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the >> area. I  stated that my belt had not been  returned to me.  It was  then >> finally explained to me, after several  minutes  that  my belt had been > put >> back through the X-Ray machine, even though it  did not alert the alarm > the >> first time I traveled  through the  scanner.  I would have strongly >> protested, however, by this time,  I needed to go to the gate.  This long >> procedure had caused me  a  great deal of stress and time, and I felt very >> strongly that  at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not >> make it in  time to board the aircraft.  Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I >>  contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my > phone >> call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's  inception, and >> that if she came from behind her poste, that I must  have been in error. > I >> explained the sequence of events as stated  above, and was told that I > must >> have had some type of incidental  contact with the dog after it passed >> through the scanner, before it  was cleared.  I stated that I did not, and >> was told that I must  have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any >> reason to come and  given the order for the pat-down procedure.  I am >> currently  awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to >>  determine >> if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with  my guidedog. > I >> would like to state that even if this is somehow  true, at no time was I >> informed by any TSA agent of my error.   Furthermore, at no time was I >> informed of the consequences of my error  or what would be done to me >> during >> the pat-down procedure. I  realize that this might normally seem >> unnecessary, however, as I  previously stated, I am totally blind. >> Therefore, it was somewhat  unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I >> was >> standing or  exactly what was going to be done to me.  I realize this > again >>  might not seem relevant.  Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a  place >> where you are standing in total darkness, while some person  without your >> predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body.   The agents at the > TSA >> checkpoint should have been trained on this  matter and should have taken >> necessary action to state to myself what  exact procedure was necessary > for >> both Daisy and I to passs correctly  through the security checkpoint. >> Furthermore, if such action is not  taken, such training should be done to >> properly notify myself and any  other blind individuals of what the proper >> procedure is should I not  correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved >> in >> the  pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. >>  The >> TSA agents  didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran  into the >> scanner the first time.  I would like to point out that  it is not there >> responsibility to have such knolodge, but the  responsibility of Agent >> Sunday >> or her superiors to train  those on what should be done should another >> incident of this kind  should occur in the future. It is very clear that >> Agent Sunday has not  had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA >> manager. >> This  greatly troubles me.  I am a well educated blind individual and >>  advoocate.  It frightens me what could happen should a person of  lesser >> independence experience the same situation.  I fear that  the > consequences >> of >> such an incident could be severe.  I  still have not been given any >> reassurance that should I follow the  proper procedure in the future, that >> the same events will not occur to  me again.  I recently attended a > seminar >> given by a TSA  representative at the National Federation of the Blind >> National  Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow >> guidelines  given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs.  To >>  date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly >>  explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening >>  again.  Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with  Mr. >> Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I  was >> told >> that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines  would compromise national >> security.  It is again very clear to me  that agents are not adequately >> trained for these situations, and such  a reeducation program is very >> necessary.  I appolygize for taking  your time, however, I wanted to > inform >> you of the situation in the  hopes  that either myself or others who are >> not >> as  willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to >>  experience what I had to go through in the future.  Thanks again for > your >> time. >> >>     Sincerely, >> >>    Matt Weihmuller >> >>   MMP 2010 >> >>    Phone:  813-541-4012 >> >>  _______________________________________________ >> Flagdu mailing  list >> Flagdu at nfbnet.org >>  http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe,  change your list options or get your account info for >> Flagdu: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw  mailing  list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To  unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Mon Sep 19 15:41:46 2011 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:41:46 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [DRBA] 2012 Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLL Disability Rights Fellowship Message-ID: FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: Greg Care To: DRBA at LISTSERV.SYR.EDU Sent: Monday, September 19, 2011 9:18 AM Subject: [DRBA] 2012 Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLL Disability Rights Fellowship Hello everyone: In September 2009, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP welcomed its first Disability Rights Fellow. We are now accepting applications for our fourth annual Disability Rights Fellowship to begin in September 2012. The Fellowship offers a recent law school graduate or judicial clerk with a disability the opportunity to participate for a year in all phases of disability rights litigation at our firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a 16-lawyer law firm devoted principally to litigation. The firm has developed a national reputation for its high-profile, high-impact disability rights cases. The one-year fellowship will begin in September 2012. The application deadline is November 15, 2011. Please visit our website for additional details about the Fellowship and the firm and to download an application: www.browngold.com. Attached are accessible pdf and Word versions of the application requirements. Please feel free to pass this information along to individuals who you believe would be interested in a great opportunity to both gain experience and put their knowledge and drive to salutary use. Thanks, Greg Gregory P. Care Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP 120 E. Baltimore Street Suite 1700 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Phone: 410-962-1030 ext. 1316 Fax: 410-385-0869 gpc at browngold.com www.browngold.com Please consider the environment before printing this email Confidentiality Notice This e-mail may contain confidential information that may also be legally privileged and that is intended only for the use of the Addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized agent of the recipient, please be advised that any dissemination or copying of this e-mail, or taking of any action in reliance on the information contained herein, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify me immediately by use of the reply button, and then delete the e-mail from your system. Thank you! REMINDER: The DRBA listserv is intended to facilitate open discussion and sharing of ideas. Members need to feel confident that their discussions will not be distributed beyond the group unnecessarily. PLEASE CONSULT WITH THE SENDER(S) BEFORE FORWARDING ANY LISTSERV DISCUSSIONS BEYOND THE DRBA GROUP. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 16188 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.doc Type: application/msword Size: 56320 bytes Desc: not available URL: From gpc at browngold.com Mon Sep 19 15:55:59 2011 From: gpc at browngold.com (Greg Care) Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:55:59 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Brown, Goldstein & Levy 2012 Disability Rights Fellowship Message-ID: Hello everyone: I am a newcomer to the listserv, but I believe I know some of you from my work at Brown, Goldstein & Levy on behalf of the NFB. It is my pleasure to announce that the time has again come for me to begin seeking candidates for the Brown, Goldstein & Levy Disability Rights Fellowship. I would greatly appreciate it if you could pass long the following information to any recent law graduates with a disability who you think would be interested in this opportunity: In September 2009, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP welcomed its first Disability Rights Fellow. We are now accepting applications for our fourth annual Disability Rights Fellowship to begin in September 2012. The Fellowship offers a recent law school graduate or judicial clerk with a disability the opportunity to participate for a year in all phases of disability rights litigation at our firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a 16-lawyer law firm devoted principally to litigation. The firm has developed a national reputation for its high-profile, high-impact disability rights cases. The one-year fellowship will begin in September 2012. The application deadline is November 15, 2011. Please visit our website for additional details about the Fellowship and the firm and to download an application: www.browngold.com. I have attached accessible pdf and Word versions of the application requirements. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Many thanks, Greg Care Gregory P. Care Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP 120 E. Baltimore Street Suite 1700 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Phone: 410-962-1030 ext. 1316 Fax: 410-385-0869 gpc at browngold.com www.browngold.com Please consider the environment before printing this email Confidentiality Notice This e-mail may contain confidential information that may also be legally privileged and that is intended only for the use of the Addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized agent of the recipient, please be advised that any dissemination or copying of this e-mail, or taking of any action in reliance on the information contained herein, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify me immediately by use of the reply button, and then delete the e-mail from your system. Thank you! -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.doc Type: application/msword Size: 56320 bytes Desc: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.doc URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 16188 bytes Desc: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.pdf URL: From taiablas at gmail.com Wed Sep 21 21:08:46 2011 From: taiablas at gmail.com (Tai Blas) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:08:46 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Message-ID: Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have experience with immigration forms? Any information is appreciated. Thanks. Tai From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed Sep 21 21:15:34 2011 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:15:34 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Tai, Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here in Texas. What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not rendered in an accessible form. Good luck, Rob Robert D. Dittman Student Attorney St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) 2507 N.W. 36th Street San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have experience with immigration forms? Any information is appreciated. Thanks. Tai _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From taiablas at gmail.com Wed Sep 21 21:30:53 2011 From: taiablas at gmail.com (Tai Blas) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:30:53 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: Rob, Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only somewhat accessible. On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: > Tai, > > Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same > thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here > in Texas. > > What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working > fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick > nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. > Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and > then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you > can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not > rendered in an accessible form. > > Good luck, > Rob > > > Robert D. Dittman > Student Attorney > St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) > 2507 N.W. 36th Street > San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 > Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 > Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may > contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not > the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail > and destroy all copies of the original message. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Tai Blas > Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms > > Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping > victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. > Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I > tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. > Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can > someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i > really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of > form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have > experience with immigration forms? > > Any information is appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Tai > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > From Susan.Kelly at pima.gov Wed Sep 21 21:30:44 2011 From: Susan.Kelly at pima.gov (Susan Kelly) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:30:44 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F219@EVS02.central.pima.gov> I will also try to check on my system - we do public defense (juvenile), but because I also have a background in immigration issues, I occasionally have to pull forms for families to submit. I had not thought about it before because JAWS has only recently become necessary - more soon. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 2:16 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Tai, Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here in Texas. What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not rendered in an accessible form. Good luck, Rob Robert D. Dittman Student Attorney St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) 2507 N.W. 36th Street San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have experience with immigration forms? Any information is appreciated. Thanks. Tai _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/susan.kelly%40pima.gov From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed Sep 21 22:03:18 2011 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:03:18 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D57F@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Your direct email address did not come through, but I would be very happy to talk to you about my experiences. In Texas, (not all states have this), after the completion of 45 hours of legal study, and after being approved by the state bar, you can be admitted as an associate member of the bar. This means you are a "student attorney" and may practice under the direct instruction and supervision of another attorney. Most times this is at your law school's legal clinic. It rocks and provides valued experience. Give me a call at 210 389 3388 and I will be happy to help or answer questions about the experience. Take care, Rob Robert D. Dittman Student Attorney St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) 2507 N.W. 36th Street San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:31 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Rob, Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only somewhat accessible. On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: > Tai, > > Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the > same thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of > Law here in Texas. > > What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be > working fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is > still no pick nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. > Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word > form and then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last > resort option, you can always go to sighted assistance because some of > the forms are just not rendered in an accessible form. > > Good luck, > Rob > > > Robert D. Dittman > Student Attorney > St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil > Clinic) > 2507 N.W. 36th Street > San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 > Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 > Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may > contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not > the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail > and destroy all copies of the original message. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] > On Behalf Of Tai Blas > Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms > > Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic > helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. > Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. > When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. > Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are > labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to > address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't > want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does > anyone else have experience with immigration forms? > > Any information is appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Tai > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmar > ytx.edu > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail > .com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From AZNOR99 at aol.com Thu Sep 22 00:24:32 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:24:32 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Message-ID: <1be2e.4f4b4a4d.3babda40@aol.com> Hi Tai, I have experience with the forms to which you are referring. The problem has been that once USCIS finally gets a form to be accessible, they release a newer version that is no longer so. I suggest you contact the DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at _crcl at dhs.gov_ (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) - if memory serves, they were working on helping USCIS make their forms 508 compliant. USCIS has a civil rights office as well, but my experience is that HQ tends to do a better job of accountability. Thanks, Ronza In a message dated 9/21/2011 7:36:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, taiablas at gmail.com writes: Rob, Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only somewhat accessible. On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: > Tai, > > Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same > thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here > in Texas. > > What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working > fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick > nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. > Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and > then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you > can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not > rendered in an accessible form. > > Good luck, > Rob > > > Robert D. Dittman > Student Attorney > St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) > 2507 N.W. 36th Street > San Antonio, TX 78228-3918 > Phone: (210) 431-5760 fax: (210) 431-5700 > Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may > contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not > the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail > and destroy all copies of the original message. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Tai Blas > Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms > > Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping > victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. > Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I > tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. > Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can > someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i > really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of > form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have > experience with immigration forms? > > Any information is appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Tai > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 22 00:54:39 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:54:39 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F219@EVS02.central.pima.gov> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F219@EVS02.central.pima.gov> Message-ID: My government student loans (Stafford) all require that I fill out PDFS forms, which are inaccessible to me (from either Mac or Windows side, I've tried them both). The organization itself only sends me print forms which I must have someone write on for me, thus needing to disclose financial information to that person. I don't have rush a person readily available anyway. The upshot of this is that \my credit has been very adversely affected by this; is there something I can use to persuade them to change the status quo? Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From taiablas at gmail.com Thu Sep 22 00:56:53 2011 From: taiablas at gmail.com (Tai Blas) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:56:53 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <1be2e.4f4b4a4d.3babda40@aol.com> References: <1be2e.4f4b4a4d.3babda40@aol.com> Message-ID: Thanks for the tip, Ronza! I will report back to the list after I make contact with someone at CRCL. On 9/21/11, AZNOR99 at aol.com wrote: > Hi Tai, > I have experience with the forms to which you are referring. The problem > has been that once USCIS finally gets a form to be accessible, they release > a newer version that is no longer so. I suggest you contact the DHS > Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at _crcl at dhs.gov_ > (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) - if memory serves, they were working on helping > USCIS make their forms > 508 compliant. USCIS has a civil rights office as well, but my experience > is that HQ tends to do a better job of accountability. > > Thanks, > Ronza > > > In a message dated 9/21/2011 7:36:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > taiablas at gmail.com writes: > > Rob, > > Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your > experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school > has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only > somewhat accessible. > > On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: >> Tai, >> >> Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same >> thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law > here >> in Texas. >> >> What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working >> fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick >> nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. >> Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form > and >> then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, > you >> can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just > not >> rendered in an accessible form. >> >> Good luck, >> Rob >> >> >> Robert D. Dittman >> Student Attorney >> St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil > Clinic) >> 2507 N.W. 36th Street >> San Antonio, TX 78228-3918 >> Phone: (210) 431-5760 fax: (210) 431-5700 >> Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu >> >> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any >> attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may >> contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized >> review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not >> the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail >> and destroy all copies of the original message. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] > On >> Behalf Of Tai Blas >> Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM >> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms >> >> Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping >> victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. >> Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. > When I >> tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. >> Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. > Can >> someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? > i >> really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of >> form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have >> experience with immigration forms? >> >> Any information is appreciated. >> >> Thanks. >> >> Tai >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > From AZNOR99 at aol.com Thu Sep 22 02:03:50 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:03:50 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Message-ID: <3ea1d.3428b6d4.3babf186@aol.com> Tai, I contacted a former colleague there and am forwarding you his email off-list. It has the info you need for the 508 coordinator at USCIS and also the folks at CRCL's Office of Accessible Systems and Technology. If anyone else needs this information, email me off-list and I'll send it on. In a message dated 9/21/2011 9:20:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, taiablas at gmail.com writes: Thanks for the tip, Ronza! I will report back to the list after I make contact with someone at CRCL. On 9/21/11, AZNOR99 at aol.com wrote: > Hi Tai, > I have experience with the forms to which you are referring. The problem > has been that once USCIS finally gets a form to be accessible, they release > a newer version that is no longer so. I suggest you contact the DHS > Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at _crcl at dhs.gov_ > (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) - if memory serves, they were working on helping > USCIS make their forms > 508 compliant. USCIS has a civil rights office as well, but my experience > is that HQ tends to do a better job of accountability. > > Thanks, > Ronza > > > In a message dated 9/21/2011 7:36:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > taiablas at gmail.com writes: > > Rob, > > Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your > experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school > has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only > somewhat accessible. > > On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: >> Tai, >> >> Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same >> thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law > here >> in Texas. >> >> What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working >> fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick >> nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. >> Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form > and >> then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, > you >> can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just > not >> rendered in an accessible form. >> >> Good luck, >> Rob >> >> >> Robert D. Dittman >> Student Attorney >> St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil > Clinic) >> 2507 N.W. 36th Street >> San Antonio, TX 78228-3918 >> Phone: (210) 431-5760 fax: (210) 431-5700 >> Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu >> >> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any >> attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may >> contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized >> review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not >> the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail >> and destroy all copies of the original message. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] > On >> Behalf Of Tai Blas >> Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM >> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms >> >> Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping >> victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. >> Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. > When I >> tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. >> Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. > Can >> someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? > i >> really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of >> form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have >> experience with immigration forms? >> >> Any information is appreciated. >> >> Thanks. >> >> Tai >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Thu Sep 22 16:02:12 2011 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:02:12 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Vacancy Announcement-Attorney Advisor (General); GS-0905-11/12/13 US Coast Guard Message-ID: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=102594938&JobTitle=Attorney+Advisor+(General)%3b+GS-0905-11%2f12%2f13&where=Seattle%2c+WA&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&x=0&y=0&rad=100&rad_units=miles&re=4&tm=5&pg=2&AVSDM=2011-09-20+18%3a58%3a00 Job Title: Attorney Advisor (General); GS-0905-11/12/13 Department: Department Of Homeland Security Agency: U.S. Coast Guard Sub Agency: United States Coast Guard Job Announcement Number: 11-2082-HQ-TE SALARY RANGE: $61,255.00 - $113,496.00 /year OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 to Tuesday, October 04, 2011 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0905-11/13 POSITION INFORMATION: This is a full-time position. This is an excepted appointment limited to 2 years. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 13 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: Seattle, WA WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens. Position is in the Excepted Service. JOB SUMMARY: Do you desire to protect American interests and secure our Nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism, secure borders, enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and ensure resilience to disasters. The vitality and magnitude of this mission is achieved by a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. Apply for this exciting position to support the CG missions of safeguarding our Nation's maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe. For over two centuries the The U.S. Coast Guard has protected the maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as America's Maritime Guardian - Always Ready for all hazards and all threats. This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Administrative Law Judges, in Seattle, WA. KEY REQUIREMENTS: * U.S. Citizenship is required. * This position requires travel. * This position requires a Secret clearance. Back to top Duties Additional Duty Location Info: Seattle, WA Coast Guard ALJs are responsible for conducting administrative hearings and issuing decisions for several different Federal departments and agencies, to include the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Agency, Customs and Border Protection, and the Bureau of Industry and Security. The primary purpose for this position is to serve as an attorney/adviser providing assistance to an ALJ by conducting legal research and analysis of laws, regulations, case law, interpretations, and opinions; preparing cases for hearing; developing case decisions; and responding to inquiries from parties and attorneys regarding procedures and case status. Being a CG civilian makes you a valuable member of the CG team. Typical work assignments include: -Serving as adviser to an ALJ in preparation of cases. Studies and analyzes case files; conducts a detailed analysis of the factual and legal issues involved; conducts legal research for cases and analyzes and studies the statutes, executive orders, regulations, and rules applicable to the cases heard by Coast Guard ALJs, as well as the Rules of Administrative Procedure as requested by the ALJ and the Federal Rules of Evidence. -On own determination or as requested by the ALJ, prepare pre-hearing memorandum which sets for the facts and issues presented, procedural history of the case, evidence presented and any conflicts which may need further clarification. On occasion, the attorney will be required to travel and attend administrative hearings and assist the ALJ with receiving evidence and coordinate witnesses, parties and court reporter to ensure the hearing is conducted fairly, fast and impartial. Back to top Qualifications and Evaluations QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: In addition to the above: To qualify for the GS-11 level candidates must: * possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited Law School; * be a member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia; or * must have specialized experience and ability to independently 1) assist ALJ in case preparation and knowledge of legal research and procedure sufficient for independently preparing draft decisions and orders, 2) general understanding of applicable regulations, statutes, and case law; 3) ability to research and analyze. To qualify for the GS-12 level candidates must: * possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited Law School; * be a member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia; and * must have specialized experience and ability to independently 1) assist ALJ in case preparation and knowledge of legal research and procedure sufficient for independently preparing draft decisions and orders, 2) provide analyses of laws and prepare cases for hearings; 3) develop case decisions; and, 4) general understanding of applicable regulations, statutes, and case law. To qualify for the GS-13 level candidates must: * possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited Law School; * be a member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia; and * must have specialized experience and ability to independently 1) assist ALJ in case preparation and knowledge of legal research and procedure sufficient for independently preparing draft decisions and orders, 2) provide analyses of laws and prepare cases for hearings; 3) develop case decisions; 4) advising judges in preparation for cases; and, 5) Mastery level understanding of applicable regulations, statutes, and case law. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. This position has a positive education requirement. All Candidates must possess a J.D. or LL.B degree from an accredited law school; AND, must be a member in good standing of the appropriate licensing authority of any state or the District of Columbia Bar. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Qualified candidates will be rated by comparing each candidate's qualifications to the skills and experience pertinent to the position to be filled. Experience, education, training, awards, and performance will be considered. The following factors are of particular importance to the position to be filled, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas as part of their application. These areas must be addressed in a document separate from the resume and submitted as part of the application package. 1. Experience with administrative adjudication and the Administrative Procedure Act and Federal Rules of Evidence. 2. Effective written and verbal communication skills. 3. Knowledge of or experience with Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Personnel Enforcement statutes and regulations (46 USC 7701-7705, 46 CFR Part 5, and 33 CFR Part 20). 4. The ability to provide advice to senior officials within the Coast Guard and other stakeholder communities. NOTE: Qualified candidates may be invited for an interview. Final selection will be made on the basis of relevant experience, education, training, performance appraisal, job-related awards, interview, and the skills and experience identified above. To preview questions please click here. Back to top Benefits and Other Info BENEFITS: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to www.dhs.gov/careers and select "benefits." OTHER INFORMATION: Your application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579-5 USC 552a.) The information is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Sections 3302 and 3361. Selection is contingent upon proof of U.S. Citizenship. Applicants should be available for employment within 45 days of the date they were officially offered the position. Please be aware that applicants will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. If selected, at the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306. Certain responses on the form could pose a problem with suitability for employment determinations e.g., an affirmative answer to a conviction of a felony. If you are selected for this position, you will be subject to a determination of your suitability for Federal employment. Recruitment incentives may be authorized. Males born after 12/31/59 and at least 18 years of age must be registered with the Selective Service System. Visit Selective Service Registration Moving expenses will not be paid. If selection is made below the full performance level, the incumbent may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s). All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. All selectees are subject to an appropriate investigation. For Veterans' preference eligibility, visit Veterans' Employment Resources .More than 1 selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued. This is an excepted appointment not to exceed 2 years. However, an extension is possible. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. USCG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact 202-475-5269. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation Back to top How To Apply HOW TO APPLY: Application packages for this vacancy must be received on-line by 11:59 p.m ET on the closing date of the announcement. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: In order to receive full consideration, you must submit: 1. A resume or any other written format of your choice which clearly identifies the following information: *Job Information-Announcement number, title and grade. *Personal Information- Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address if available, day and evening phone numbers (with area code), country of citizenship, veterans' preference, highest Federal civilian series and grade held, if applicable. *Education- College or University name, city and state, major(s)and type and year of any degrees received. *Work Experience- job title, duties and accomplishments, current and former (within the last 10 years) employers' names and addresses, current and former supervisors' names and phone numbers where available, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary, and indicate whether your current supervisor may be contacted. *Other Qualifications- job-related training courses (title and year), skills, certificates and licenses, honors, awards, and special accomplishments. 2. A copy of your J.D. or LL.B. transcript. 3. A legal writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages. 4. You will be required to submit proof of current membership, in good standing, with the appropriate licensing authority of any state or the District of Columbia prior to any formal job offer. 5. Information related to the skills and experience listed under the Evaluations section above, may be done on a separate document, or incorporate it within your resume. You may find general application information and other forms at the website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, www.usajobs.opm.gov. None of the application documents will be returned. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard offers Career Transition Assistance Placement (CTAP) coverage to Attorneys within the Department of Homeland Security. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under CTAP provisions must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. If you are eligible under CTAP, you must submit a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or your specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP, a copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, series, grade level and duty location. You must clearly indicate the grade from which you separated or declared surplus. AGENCY CONTACT INFO: USCG Applicant Support Phone: 866-656-6830 Fax: 000-000-0000 Email: mgshelp at monster.com Agency Information: United States Coast Guard 1900 Half St., S.W. JR-8-0807 Washington, DC 20593 Fax: 000-000-0000 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: For information regarding the receipt of your application, you may call Robin Lewis at (202) 372-4445. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 106 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From AZNOR99 at aol.com Fri Sep 23 12:04:47 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:04:47 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] With which Immigration Forms are people having the most trouble? Message-ID: <2db8a.6bd49cdc.3badcfde@aol.com> Hi All, I was able to contact someone at DHS and USCIS and they want to work with us to resolve the issues with the inaccessibility of USCIS forms. Can you let me know which forms are giving you the most trouble and why? So far I've noticed that there are several common issues among many forms - that in general, form fields are often either not tagged properly or are not tagged at all, radio buttons are sometimes not labeled, and checkboxes are either totally confusing because of incorrect tagging or are devoid of tagging. There also appears to be some extraneous form fields beneath the footer/revision dates of the form, and some radio buttons for certain questions are scattered all over the page. Also, there is no consistency in whether checkboxes and radio buttons appear before or after the statement to which they apply, so the user is confused as to which is the corresponding question. Section headings are often nonexistent, and questions that ask for multiple pieces of information about multiple individuals (e.g. list all children, dates of birth, addresses, place of birth, gender, etc.) are not in a tabular structure so there just appear to be a host of form fields without labels or tags. Finally, some of the tags for form fields are missing spaces between words or have improper spelling. So far, the forms that I've identified with some or all of these problems are the following: - Form G-1145 - Form AR-11 - Form G-28 - Form G-325A - Form G-635 - Form I-130 - Form I-34 - Form I-485 Please let me know the form number and title of the specific form and what the problem with it is with regard to accessibility. Please also let me know if you are aware of any other access issues common among forms to supplement the list above. Thanks, Ronza From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Wed Sep 28 23:07:05 2011 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:07:05 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: Job Opening: CAIR-WA Seeks Staff Attorney Message-ID: From: Jennifer Carter [mailto:jenniferc at wsba.org] Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 4:00 PM To: leeperthuynguyen at yahoo.com; asb at bmatlaw.com; aaron at glblaw.com; edelossantos at trueblueinc.com; castillo.mimi at ymail.com; asachs at wrenngroup.com; boksulee at yahoo.com; dko at kellerrohrback.com; lopezf at seattleu.edu; DavisJK at LanePowell.com; nicole at gaineslawoffice.com; rblack at susmangodfrey.com; bramirez at bpmlaw.com; efry at sisna.com; dclarks at co.pierce.wa.us; Aravind.swaminathan at usdoj.gov; ty.ho at hoassociates.com; DINHS at FOSTER.COM; MLe at perkinscoie.com; stuarpix at microsoft.com; Nightingale, Noel; Jessica.skelton at pacificalawgroup.com; zanabugaighis at DWT.com; kerem at melegal.org; milliek at nwjustice.org Cc: aneelah afzali Subject: Job Opening: CAIR-WA Seeks Staff Attorney FYI! Jennifer Carter| Diversity Program Coordinator Washington State Bar Association |* 206.239.2116 | F 206.727.8319 | * jenniferc at wsba.org 1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 600 | Seattle, WA 98101 | www.wsba.org Job Opening: CAIR-WA Seeks Staff Attorney CAIR-WA seeks a qualified Staff Attorney to work in its Civil Rights Department . About CAIR-WA: CAIR-Washington State is the local chapter of CAIR, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization committed to building a stronger civic society and a more vibrant democracy. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. Learn more at www.cairseattle.org Our office is conveniently located near downtown Seattle just three blocks from Metro's International District tunnel station. View our photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49994784 at N05/sets/ Watch our videos: www.youtube.com/cairwashington and www.youtube.com/cairtv RESPONSIBILITIES: The Staff Attorney will engage in civil rights litigation and advocacy for CAIR, including but not limited to representing complainants who have experienced religious discrimination in negotiations with opposing parties; filing complaints, discovery, motions practice, court appearances, and trial if necessary; and identifying, recruiting, and collaborating with private attorneys on religious discrimination cases. Religious discrimination may arise in areas including employment discrimination, police misconduct, government office discrimination, racial/religious profiling, school/university discrimination, immigration, family law, and defamation. The Staff Attorney will be expected to identify, strategize and use creative legal solutions to address systematic issues affecting those who suffer discrimination in the full range of potential forums (not just litigation). The Staff Attorney may also directly supervise the work of externs/interns in the department. QUALIFICATIONS: * Two-plus (2+) years litigation experience * Familiarity with civil rights, employment law, immigration law, family law, criminal law, and constitutional law * Excellent oral and written communication and advocacy skills * Strong ability to identify, recruit, and work with a number of private attorneys on cases * Demonstrated commitment to protecting civil liberties in the United States * High degree of initiative and willingness to work hard and collaborate with others * Creativity, passion, determination, and a positive attitude * Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to follow through on various ongoing and newly assigned case work * Admittance to the Washington State Bar Salary will range from $40k-$50k based on education, skills and experience. Benefits include paid holiday, vacation and sick leave. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are offered after three months. Application deadline is October 7, 2011. Start date to be mutually determined. Please submit a résumé, cover letter, two formal legal writing samples, and a list of at least three references. CAIR - Washington State 9594 First Avenue NE, #272 Seattle, WA 98115 E-MAIL: info at cairseattle.org If applying via e-mail, please be sure to include the position title in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be processed. CAIR-WA considers all candidates strictly on the basis of merit however Muslims are strongly encouraged to apply. ________________________________ ________________________________ Forward email CAIR-Washington | 9594 1st Avenue NE, Suite 272 | Seattle | WA | 98115 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 332 bytes Desc: image004.jpg URL: From mikefry79 at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 04:10:44 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:10:44 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] News Story about Blind Federal Prosecutor Yusef Dale In-Reply-To: <2e81e.72b62479.3b9016f2@aol.com> References: <2e81e.72b62479.3b9016f2@aol.com> Message-ID: That's a great story. I want to be like him. On Wed, Aug 31, 2011 at 4:00 PM, wrote: > _http://www.wgntv.com/news/coverstory/wgntv-cover-story-yusef-dale-aug29,0,2 > 171165.story_ > (http://www.wgntv.com/news/coverstory/wgntv-cover-story-yusef-dale-aug29,0,2171165.story) > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 1 11:43:03 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 04:43:03 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com> <996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> Message-ID: <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 15:34:58 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 09:34:58 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com> <996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. Beth On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" > Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > >> Hi Beth: >> >> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding would >> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky remains >> your limit! >> >> Wishing you the very best. >> >> Sincerely, >> Olusegun >> Denver, Colorado >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >> > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com > From joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 15:48:57 2011 From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com (RJ Sandefur) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:48:57 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> If Jane were found to be incompetent in Florida from what was told me, The Colorado people could probley prohibit her from marrying, because a Colorado judge would have to abide by Florida's order of adjudication would they not? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:34 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent >> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >> found >> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >> to >> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may >> come in to play. >> Chuck >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >> >> >>> Hi Beth: >>> >>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>> would >>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>> remains >>> your limit! >>> >>> Wishing you the very best. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Olusegun >>> Denver, Colorado >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com From william_t_miller at hotmail.com Thu Sep 1 17:47:17 2011 From: william_t_miller at hotmail.com (Will Miller) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:17 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program Message-ID: Hello list: I am searching for an accessible online fax program. Any suggestions? I sampled e-fax and was not impressed with the accessibility. Thanks in advance, William T. Miller, Esq. From rthomas at emplmntattorney.com Thu Sep 1 18:27:49 2011 From: rthomas at emplmntattorney.com (Russell J. Thomas, Jr.) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:27:49 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Try Rapidfax.com. Respectfully, Russell J. Thomas, Jr. Law Office of Russell J. Thomas, Jr. 4121 Westerly Place, Suite 101 Newport Beach, California 92660 T: (949) 752-0101 F: (949) 257-4756 M: (949) 466-7238 www.emplmntattorney.com Follow me on Twitter: EmplmntAttorney -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Will Miller Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:47 AM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program Hello list: I am searching for an accessible online fax program. Any suggestions? I sampled e-fax and was not impressed with the accessibility. Thanks in advance, William T. Miller, Esq. _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rthomas%40emplmnta ttorney.com From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Thu Sep 1 18:35:35 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 12:35:35 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2> <34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: <798DCC6AC9ED4512AD19B80887F2B3CE@victory2> I think we need to be reasonable in our discussion of the subject matter. The issue under discussion has NOTHING TO DO with mental incompetency. The issue is whether or not a blind lady, in this case, Ms. Beth, has a right to marry a Somalian man. Without mincing words, the answer is YES! In the past, a medical test to rule out certain disease conditions was required here in Colorado and perhaps elsewhere in these United States. If there is a medical condition that is transferrable from one partner to the other and eventually to their offspring(s) if any by way of marriage, the couple will be so advised. The couple then reserves the right to terminate the relationship or continue with it. Today, Colorado NO LONGER conducts such medical tests. May be the couple involved can request one or each other, but this will have to be a private affair. With this case, I don't see any extenuating circumstances that would prohibit Beth from marrying a Somalian man. Bigamy, if proven to be the case, becomes a different issue and presents a different argument. Nothing to suggest that this has been uncovered. Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Thu Sep 1 18:37:51 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 12:37:51 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program References: Message-ID: Hi Will: Try: www.myfax.com Or: www.rapidfax.com Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From william.burley3 at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 19:28:19 2011 From: william.burley3 at gmail.com (William Burley) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 14:28:19 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <4e5fdcbf.0591970a.2a03.0f99@mx.google.com> This is an interesting conversation. I am a bit confused though as I have not seen the original post yet. May be lost in spam folder. What is this issue really about...is it based upon blindness or mental compentancy? I think those two issues will make the conversation make better sense to me becase at this point some are discussing the mental issue and others the blindness issue. Thanks folks! Will every William Burley (713) 551-8689 William.burley3 at gmail.com www.facebook.com/wburley3 -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of RJ Sandefur Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:49 AM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions If Jane were found to be incompetent in Florida from what was told me, The Colorado people could probley prohibit her from marrying, because a Colorado judge would have to abide by Florida's order of adjudication would they not? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:34 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent >> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >> found >> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >> to >> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may >> come in to play. >> Chuck >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >> >> >>> Hi Beth: >>> >>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>> would >>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>> remains >>> your limit! >>> >>> Wishing you the very best. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Olusegun >>> Denver, Colorado >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglob al.net >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40 gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefu r%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/william.burley3%40 gmail.com From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 1 20:47:00 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> Message-ID: Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person did not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where there has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It is also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age of consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will still try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these arguments. This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent >> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >> found >> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >> to >> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may >> come in to play. >> Chuck >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >> >> >>> Hi Beth: >>> >>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and >>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move >>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen >>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>> would >>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>> remains >>> your limit! >>> >>> Wishing you the very best. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Olusegun >>> Denver, Colorado >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 1 20:50:52 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:50:52 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> References: <4e3bf1b6.4e592a0a.2f41.ffffc70c@mx.google.com><996B9D8EA5EA414EA04A7FDCFCB16C73@victory2><34AD132702094FD598A46DC633DF8A4D@spike> <29E7B2AF6F36428D9303256944D9B764@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: that could carry some wait in the decision and she it would be necessary to prove otherwise to reverse the findings of incompetency. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "RJ Sandefur" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:48 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > If Jane were found to be incompetent in Florida from what was told me, > The Colorado people could probley prohibit her from marrying, because a > Colorado judge would have to abide by Florida's order of adjudication > would they not? > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" > Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > >> Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a >> blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me >> because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. >> Beth >> >> On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: >>> actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that >>> prevent >>> people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been >>> found >>> mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be >>> prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never >>> to >>> make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that >>> may >>> come in to play. >>> Chuck >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." >>> >>> To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" >>> Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM >>> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions >>> >>> >>>> Hi Beth: >>>> >>>> There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, >>>> and >>>> the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits >>>> you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: >>>> You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can >>>> move >>>> on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely >>>> happen >>>> is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you >>>> should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding >>>> would >>>> be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky >>>> remains >>>> your limit! >>>> >>>> Wishing you the very best. >>>> >>>> Sincerely, >>>> Olusegun >>>> Denver, Colorado >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> blindlaw mailing list >>>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>>> blindlaw: >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net >>>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> blindlaw mailing list >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> blindlaw: >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisloose%40gmail.com >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Thu Sep 1 23:34:17 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:34:17 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions Message-ID: <4e60167e.4609440a.3ab3.06b2@mx.google.com> This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if you know what I mean. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." References: <4e60167e.4609440a.3ab3.06b2@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <003901cc6902$519b11f0$f4d135d0$@net> Hi everyone, I am just watching this thread and will take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am not an attorney, or legal expert, but have always been fascinated by civil rights law. Now, with the situation that Beth ahs been describing, wouldn't guardianship, protective placement or a chapter commitment be one of those circumstances? Steve -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 6:34 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if you know what I mean. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." References: <4e60167e.4609440a.3ab3.06b2@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <8F9545270E4F4760900BFCC608801B1E@spike> The important thing to continue to prove this is to continue to engage in your regular daily activities and show that you are following through with whatever schooling or work program that you are considering. The other factor that a court looks at in determining competency is how well you manage your finances and daily living activities and it soulds like you are doing well in trying to attain your goals. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 4:34 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent > adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations > with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be > any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to > provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if > you know what I mean. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person > would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person > did > not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not > understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where > there > has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It > is > also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age > of > consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the > argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of > providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will > still > try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a > disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these > arguments. > This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent > case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that > were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their > new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances > but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been > found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never > to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding > would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky > remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Fri Sep 2 03:46:55 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:46:55 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions Message-ID: <4e6051b5.4b13e70a.6319.2677@mx.google.com> Right. The thing is my dad has been trying to force me to use financial supports like this financial manager who jacked my dbit card, and so I fired her. Dad was then told about Financial Represntative Payee programs, of which I have no intrerest, but I'm afraid he'll force his will on me. This is something I can't accept. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." Message-ID: <5A3700BA40F74167BBC1AECDD3C60BDA@hometwxakonvzn> Beth, You were declared incompetent by a court, and your dad is your guardian. Correct? That is what you told me correct? I hate to say it but theirs nothing Colorado can do really because this is a Florida case, and if you did try to get married in Colorado, the judge would say, "I'm sorry, but you have an incapacitation order in Florida." I am not an attorney, but this is common sense. I hate to be this blunt, but you need to face reality that as long as you have this hanging over your head, you will, not be able to marry Deq or anybody for that matter. Again Beth, I'm not trying to be cruel or mean, but it seems you do not understand what this means. They do not, and they can not declare someone to be incompetent in Florida based on blindness alone. I have a Friend who is a county judge, and he told me that it is based on a persons mental capacity to care for themselves. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:46 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Right. The thing is my dad has been trying to force me to use financial > supports like this financial manager who jacked my dbit card, and so I > fired her. Dad was then told about Financial Represntative Payee > programs, of which I have no intrerest, but I'm afraid he'll force his > will on me. This is something I can't accept. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 20:05:26 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > The important thing to continue to prove this is to continue to engage in > your regular daily activities and show that you are following through with > whatever schooling or work program that you are considering. The other > factor that a court looks at in determining competency is how well you > manage your finances and daily living activities and it soulds like you > are > doing well in trying to attain your goals. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 4:34 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent > adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations > with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be > any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to > provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if > you know what I mean. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person > would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person > did > not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not > understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where > there > has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It > is > also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age > of > consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the > argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of > providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will > still > try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a > disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these > arguments. > This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent > case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that > were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their > new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances > but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been > found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never > to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding > would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky > remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > From AZNOR99 at aol.com Fri Sep 2 16:11:34 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 12:11:34 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] some questions - Taking legal advice requests off-list Message-ID: <37e85.67df28bd.3b925a35@aol.com> Hi All, This thread has had some very interesting discussions about the legality of prohibiting the blind from marrying. Those portions of the conversation have been on-topic with regard to staying within the framework of the list, e.g. laws that impact the blind differently than sighted counterparts. However, this list is not intended to be a forum to discuss personal legal advice or personal challenges faced by list members outside of the practice of law. If individuals are interested in continuing the conversation with Beth and wish to offer her advice, please email her off-list to do so. Thank you, Ronza From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Fri Sep 2 18:57:29 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:57:29 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions Message-ID: <4e61271f.8275e70a.54ee.ffffc0e6@mx.google.com> Well, I care for myself right now in Colorado, and Dad doesn't see that. I have to be absolutely sure that CCDC in Colorado, the Cross-Disability Coalition, can work with the Florida system and get rid of it. The prevention of marriage was based in part due to parent child conflict, and then they said I had to make changes. Whuat changes I don't know, but Deq has nearly broken up with me a bunch of times over this, so it is grounds for getting rid of it. I've needed help trying for months and perhaps years. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: "RJ Sandefur" wrote: actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been found mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never to make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may come in to play. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." http://onsitesupply.ca/indexty120.php From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Sat Sep 3 03:19:18 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 20:19:18 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] some questions In-Reply-To: <4e61271f.8275e70a.54ee.ffffc0e6@mx.google.com> References: <4e61271f.8275e70a.54ee.ffffc0e6@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <10D3A7DDAE90430985A01CBE28C296C1@spike> You need to find an attorney in Colorado that specializes in probate matters of guardianship that can research the specific law regarding periodic review of conservatorships. If you were found mentally incompetent by a court you were most likely placed on some form of conservatorship. In most states conservatees have the right to have their status reviewed by the court periodically as people's conditions and circumstances change. Not working in Colorado or Florida and not being familiar with the specific laws I can't offer any other suggestion for you to resolve this. In many cities the local bar association provides a lawyer referral service where for a nominal fee you can get a consultation with an attorney specializing in a particular area of law. After the consultation you would then negotiate with the attorney if they are interested in handling your case with regard to legal fees and other requirements. Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, September 02, 2011 11:57 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > Well, I care for myself right now in Colorado, and Dad doesn't see that. > I have to be absolutely sure that CCDC in Colorado, the Cross-Disability > Coalition, can work with the Florida system and get rid of it. The > prevention of marriage was based in part due to parent child conflict, and > then they said I had to make changes. Whuat changes I don't know, but Deq > has nearly broken up with me a bunch of times over this, so it is grounds > for getting rid of it. I've needed help trying for months and perhaps > years. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "RJ Sandefur" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Fri, 2 Sep 2011 10:39:26 -0400 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Beth, You were declared incompetent by a court, and your dad is your > guardian. Correct? That is what you told me correct? I hate to say it but > theirs nothing Colorado can do really because this is a Florida case, and > if > you did try to get married in Colorado, the judge would say, "I'm sorry, > but > you have an incapacitation order in Florida." I am not an attorney, but > this > is common sense. I hate to be this blunt, but you need to face reality > that > as long as you have this hanging over your head, you will, not be able to > marry Deq or anybody for that matter. Again Beth, I'm not trying to be > cruel > or mean, but it seems you do not understand what this means. They do not, > and they can not declare someone to be incompetent in Florida based on > blindness alone. I have a Friend who is a county judge, and he told me > that > it is based on a persons mental capacity to care for themselves. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 11:46 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Right. The thing is my dad has been trying to force me to use financial > supports like this financial manager who jacked my dbit card, and so I > fired her. Dad was then told about Financial Represntative Payee > programs, of which I have no intrerest, but I'm afraid he'll force his > will on me. This is something I can't accept. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 20:05:26 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > The important thing to continue to prove this is to continue to engage in > your regular daily activities and show that you are following through with > whatever schooling or work program that you are considering. The other > factor that a court looks at in determining competency is how well you > manage your finances and daily living activities and it soulds like you > are > doing well in trying to attain your goals. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 4:34 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > This is so true. I'm trying to prove to judges that I m a competent > adult, and so we know, I did and am able to consent to sexual relations > with the man I intend to marry. So there's no way there is going to be > any kind of thing dealing with "providing for" me. Deq does not have to > provide for me. We will simply have to let Allah take care of things, if > you know what I mean. > Beth > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Date sent: Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:47:00 -0700 > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > Theoretically they could not necessarily use the argument that a person > would be blind. They would have to use arguments saying that the person > did > not have the capacity to enter in to a marriage contract as they did not > understand what was involved in marriage. This is done at times where > there > has been documented evidence of mental illness or mental retardation. It > is > also done in cases where a party to the marriage has not reached the age > of > consent. While I don't know the specific circumstances they could make the > argument that the person that you intend to marry is not capable of > providing for you and meeting your needs. Unfortunately families will > still > try to try some strange angles to prevent a marriage where there is a > disabled party involved and judges will some times fall for these > arguments. > This applies to other matters in family law as well. There was the recent > case where NFB had to intervene on behalf of the couple in Missouri that > were told by Child Protective Services that they could not raise their > new-born infant. This does not mean it would happen in your circumstances > but these are possibilities that can sometimes occur. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beth" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:34 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Like what extenuating circumstances are there? How can you prevent a > blind person from marrying? In CO, they couldn't do this to me > because Deq isn't taking advantage of me. > Beth > > On 9/1/11, ckrugman at sbcglobal.net wrote: > actually, in some cases there are laws in rare circumstances that prevent > people from marrying in this country. In cases where a person has been > found > mentally incompetent or if they are under a certain age a person may be > prohibited from marrying. In reviewing and studying law it is best never > to > make a blanket statement as there are always extenuating factors that may > come in to play. > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 10:28 AM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] some questions > > > Hi Beth: > > There is no law, especially since slavery was abolished around 1865, and > the Civil Rights Act became the law of the land in 1964, that prohibits > you from marrying whomsoever you choose. The choice is yours to make: > You can pander to the dictates of the folks bugging you, or you can move > on and marry the individual you're in love with. What may likely happen > is that these folks won't show up at your wedding. The question you > should ask yourself is how important their presence at your wedding > would > be. Hence, as an adult that's capable of making choices, the sky > remains > your limit! > > Wishing you the very best. > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugma > n%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/theblue > sisloose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/jolting > jacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thebluesisl > oose%40gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From william_t_miller at hotmail.com Sat Sep 3 23:08:09 2011 From: william_t_miller at hotmail.com (Will Miller) Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2011 19:08:09 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Thanks for the suggestions -- I'll give MyFax and RapidFax a look. From ckrugman at sbcglobal.net Sun Sep 4 06:04:58 2011 From: ckrugman at sbcglobal.net (ckrugman at sbcglobal.net) Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2011 23:04:58 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM In-Reply-To: References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> What are the advantages and uses of the L.L.M. degree online or conventional? What is its marketability? Chuck ----- Original Message ----- From: "gary melconian" To: "'NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 3:15 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] online LLM > Hello Michael, that is true, the online llm's are accrediated by the ABA > and > that is why they ar popular for that reason, but the Jd is a new relm > and > so that will take some time forh the folks at the accrediateing body to > get > their heads around. So find the one you ar interested and go for it, if > you > ar one of those who can study on your own and don't need a class > environment, to get you motivated or performing any other tasks that > are > involved in acquiring your education on line. I did go for my > certifications > and I did not regret doing it online.So just do it and you wont regret it. > Take care. > Sincerely Yours: > Gary Melconian, MBA, CPA and JD candidates > Mobile: 818-731-3949 > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Mike Gilmore > Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 10:31 AM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM > > I've been reading all the recent posts on this listserv about online > j.d.'s. > Currently, I work for the feds and am licensed in Virginia. I'm thinking > about getting an l.l.m. I googled and there are several schools that offer > online l.l.m.'s, the only one coming to mind being Boston University > (which > if memory serves they have a pretty good reputation as a law school in > general.) Has anyone out there received an l.l.m. via distance learning? > For > those of you who have an l.l.m., would you recommend the traditional > classroom or is distance learning a viable option? > > Thanks. > > Mike > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/garymelc%40msn.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net From gerard.sadlier at gmail.com Sun Sep 4 19:18:55 2011 From: gerard.sadlier at gmail.com (Gerard Sadlier) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 20:18:55 +0100 Subject: [blindlaw] re spam on list Message-ID: I would be grateful if unsolicited ads were kept off this list. -- Best wishes Gerard Sadlier From mikefry79 at gmail.com Sun Sep 4 20:12:15 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 13:12:15 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM In-Reply-To: <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> Message-ID: Good question. The LLM provides additional education about a subject of particular interest to me. Additionally, I think it improves the attractiveness of my resume. My goal was to be an attorney for a government agency. Though I applied to numerous positions I was not hired until the LLM was on my resume. That could have been a coincidence, or, it may have helped me get hired. I will never know for sure, but I surmise the LLM helped me get the job. On Sat, Sep 3, 2011 at 11:04 PM, wrote: > What are the advantages and uses of the L.L.M. degree online or > conventional? What is its marketability? > Chuck > ----- Original Message ----- From: "gary melconian" > To: "'NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List'" > Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 3:15 PM > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] online LLM > > >> Hello Michael, that is true, the online llm's are accrediated by the ABA >> and >> that is why they ar popular for that   reason, but the Jd is a new relm >> and >> so that will take some time forh the folks at the accrediateing body to >> get >> their heads around. So find the one you ar interested and go for it, if >> you >> ar one of those who can study on your own and don't need a class >> environment, to get   you  motivated or performing any other tasks that >> are >> involved in acquiring your education on line. I did go for my >> certifications >> and I did not regret doing it online.So just do it and you wont regret it. >> Take care. >> Sincerely Yours: >> Gary Melconian, MBA, CPA and JD candidates >> Mobile: 818-731-3949 >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On >> Behalf Of Mike Gilmore >> Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 10:31 AM >> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM >> >> I've been reading all the recent posts on this listserv about online >> j.d.'s. >> Currently, I work for the feds and am licensed in Virginia. I'm thinking >> about getting an l.l.m. I googled and there are several schools that offer >> online l.l.m.'s, the only one coming to mind being Boston University >> (which >> if memory serves they have a pretty good reputation as a law school in >> general.) Has anyone out there received an l.l.m. via distance learning? >> For >> those of you who have an l.l.m., would you recommend the traditional >> classroom or is distance learning a viable option? >> >> Thanks. >> >> Mike >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/garymelc%40msn.com >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ckrugman%40sbcglobal.net > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Sun Sep 4 23:59:46 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 17:59:46 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> Message-ID: <1EA1CAC07EA6483B92DD1E150CB9E536@valtd> Isn't it true that any individual could get a master's degree in law? Or does one have to be a lawyer to go down that route? Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From mikefry79 at gmail.com Mon Sep 5 00:33:33 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 17:33:33 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] online LLM In-Reply-To: <1EA1CAC07EA6483B92DD1E150CB9E536@valtd> References: <1312824663.70349.YahooMailClassic@web112404.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <346667C21D6344EFB2EECDAD932755D8@spike> <1EA1CAC07EA6483B92DD1E150CB9E536@valtd> Message-ID: I think one needs to be a lawyer before getting an LLM. I think, a JD is a prerequisite to get an LLM, however, I know there is a one-year post graduate degree in law that doesn't require a JD. A psychology professor that taught at ASU law school had one. I can't remember the name of that type of degree, though. On Sun, Sep 4, 2011 at 4:59 PM, Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc. wrote: > Isn't it true that any individual could get a master's degree in law?  Or > does one have to be a lawyer to go down that route? > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From william_t_miller at hotmail.com Mon Sep 5 17:20:25 2011 From: william_t_miller at hotmail.com (Will Miller) Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2011 13:20:25 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Follow-up: I looked into My Fax and the program seems to be accessible. However, the company retains all rights in the telephone number under the terms & conditions and reserves the right to reassign the number if you cancel service with them. I think other internet fax programs have similar policies. According to a MyFax rep, you can port your own number in if you have one before enrolling in the service and can port it out if you choose to discontinue your account. FYI From joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com Mon Sep 5 17:31:09 2011 From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com (RJ Sandefur) Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2011 13:31:09 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program References: Message-ID: <9694C4D72AB341C7BB96611FEBDBF35F@hometwxakonvzn> How much does it caust? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Will Miller" To: Sent: Monday, September 05, 2011 1:20 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] (OT) accessible online fax program > Follow-up: I looked into My Fax and the program seems to be accessible. > However, the company retains all rights in the telephone number under the > terms & conditions and reserves the right to reassign the number if you > cancel service with them. I think other internet fax programs have similar > policies. According to a MyFax rep, you can port your own number in if you > have one before enrolling in the service and can port it out if you choose > to discontinue your account. FYI > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue Sep 6 13:40:42 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2011 09:40:42 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Two Federal Atty postings Message-ID: <02AE8F01B0414B69B54E719C66479D6F@mycomputer> Neither posting had a URL that I could copy and paste into it as I usually do. Sorry about that. Federal Bureau of Prisons Office of General Counsel Labor Law Branch Attorney-Advisor GS-905-13/14 This position is open until filled, but no later than September 7, 2011. Assistant United States Attorney - Criminal Division United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Pennsylvania 11-MDPA-02 September 2, 2011 Position is opened until filled; however, resumes will only be accepted until September 12, 2011. From rumpole at roadrunner.com Fri Sep 9 12:06:53 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:06:53 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. DOJ Atty posting Message-ID: <83B87E3636634AAF82FFFE41EE0CEDE4@mycomputer> Chief, ES-0905 Organized Crime and Gang Section Criminal Division U.S. Department of Justice Washington, DC Announcement #: 11-CRM- SES-02 Close: September 22, 2011. From fairall at shellworld.net Sun Sep 11 22:02:35 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:02:35 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: Hello: I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have the sign removed. I have a few questions. 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities or some other act? 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the facts straight. 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? In my rough draft, I stated seven days. 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly encourage them to remove the sign? Thanks for any and all advice. From billreif at ameritech.net Sun Sep 11 23:53:03 2011 From: billreif at ameritech.net (Bill Reif) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:53:03 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the area may be more cautious about hitting you. There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. cordially, Bill On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: > Hello: > > I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. > I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. > > To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind > person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have > known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told > me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. > > I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have > the sign removed. I have a few questions. > > > 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with > Disabilities or some other act? > 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of > discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the > facts straight. > 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? > In my rough draft, I stated seven days. > > 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly > encourage them to remove the sign? > > Thanks for any and all advice. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.net > > From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:18:20 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:18:20 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: I wonder if you could make a case arguing just this--that the presence of the sign poses more danger to you than a theoretical driver might post some time in the future. When, at Dartmouth in 1986, I found such a sign had been planted near my dormitory, I promptly uprooted it and, upon its third re-erection, dumped it, dirty post and all, on the dean of Freshman's desk and stated that, were it to appear again, I would be contacting my parents, who would be suing Dartmouth for discrimination against me. The sign did not appear, but neither was a case won on my argument, so I am merely stating an anecdote... Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From paulharpur at gmail.com Mon Sep 12 00:22:12 2011 From: paulharpur at gmail.com (Paul Harpur) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:22:12 +1000 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> The council might think they are being helpful so I would start being nice about it and just ask them to remove it. Considering this is a public post I could not suggest vandalising government property by having some friends around for dinner one night, and then around 2 AM going across the street with friends with the appropriate equipment and cutting the sign down. I would further not suggest having a friend with a car dispose of the sign in an industrial bin a few miles from your home. Such direct action would of course be unlawful and should not be recommended. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bill Reif Sent: Monday, 12 September 2011 9:53 AM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the area may be more cautious about hitting you. There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. cordially, Bill On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: > Hello: > > I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. > I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. > > To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind > person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have > known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told > me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. > > I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have > the sign removed. I have a few questions. > > > 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with > Disabilities or some other act? > 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of > discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the > facts straight. > 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? > In my rough draft, I stated seven days. > > 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly > encourage them to remove the sign? > > Thanks for any and all advice. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.n et > > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/paulharpur%40gmail.com From AZNOR99 at aol.com Mon Sep 12 00:22:54 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:22:54 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <88ac.23400acf.3b9eaade@aol.com> You might be able to argue that by placing the sign, the Village is providing a reasonable accommodation (a weak argument though) and that you have the right to refuse a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. You might also be able to argue that by erecting such a sign, the Village is violating your right to confidentiality under the ADA (also a weak argument). I suggest you contact Shawn Mayo, Executive Director at BLIND, Inc. I believe that the City of Minneapolis recently put up signs similar to yours near the training center, but Shawn, her staff, and the affilliate successfully advocated to get them removed. Shawn's email address is _smayo at blindinc.org_ (mailto:smayo at blindinc.org) . Good luck, Ronza In a message dated 9/11/2011 7:53:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, billreif at ameritech.net writes: I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the area may be more cautious about hitting you. There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. cordially, Bill On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: > Hello: > > I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. > I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. > > To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind > person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have > known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told > me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. > > I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have > the sign removed. I have a few questions. > > > 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with > Disabilities or some other act? > 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of > discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the > facts straight. > 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? > In my rough draft, I stated seven days. > > 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly > encourage them to remove the sign? > > Thanks for any and all advice. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.net > > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From fairall at shellworld.net Mon Sep 12 00:48:21 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:48:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: Actually, I live on a quiet residential street. I take paratransit which drops me off right in front of my house. Making me a target for a criminal is a good argument for removing the sign. Is everyone saying that I have no legal basis for having it removed? From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:49:33 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:49:33 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> Message-ID: <1363C207-0B90-4D69-AC86-BCB7CAC4A6F0@sbcglobal.net> *nods* I would seriously question whether one *should*, indeed, be "nice," to the people, since rewarding such unhelpful behavior, no matter in whose name or for what noble cause it is perpetrated, will only lead to its repetition, with equally disastrous, disrespectful, invasive and controlling results. Nor, this list being of a legal content and nature, should it be suggested or entertained at any level or to any degree that it would be suitable to take a can of spray paint in your favorite Daglo color, and artistically and creatively alter the sign to reflect a more community-minded spirit. It must not at all be implied much less boldly stated, that it might be only fitting to post a sign of one's own, in like mind decrying to the world some such statement about your neighbors as might describe their noisy bathroom habits, or, perhaps, odd noises made during the act of love... Oh I could just go on forever. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:51:54 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:51:54 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <88ac.23400acf.3b9eaade@aol.com> References: <88ac.23400acf.3b9eaade@aol.com> Message-ID: Is an accommodation "reasonable," when it has not been agreed to by the person being accommodated? My understanding of the term "reasonable accommodation," was that it was something agreed to by both the disabled person and the facility or employer or public sector whatever... Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 00:53:45 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:53:45 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> Message-ID: You don't have to be there for the rime to happen. The sign marks you as a target; then the person gets to know your habits and targets yo based on the nature of the intended crime and your daily routine. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From langlois2 at verizon.net Mon Sep 12 01:45:00 2011 From: langlois2 at verizon.net (Brian Langlois) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:45:00 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> Message-ID: <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> The sign may have been installed at the request of another blind resident or his/her family. In my old neighbourhood, there was a "blind child" sign which was near a crossing I had to frequently make. How embarrassing. Brian L. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Harpur" To: "'NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List'" Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:22 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > The council might think they are being helpful so I would start being nice > about it and just ask them to remove it. > Considering this is a public post I could not suggest vandalising > government > property by having some friends around for dinner one night, and then > around > 2 AM going across the street with friends with the appropriate equipment > and > cutting the sign down. I would further not suggest having a friend with a > car dispose of the sign in an industrial bin a few miles from your home. > Such direct action would of course be unlawful and should not be > recommended. > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Bill Reif > Sent: Monday, 12 September 2011 9:53 AM > To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List > Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > > I don't know in what manner the sign can be said to discriminate. I'm > sure that whoever put it up has the mistaken belief that drivers in the > area may be more cautious about hitting you. > > There is nevertheless much objectionable about such a sign. It > signifies that you are owed some special degree of care, and can't look > out for yourself. Of more concern is the message such a sign would send > criminals of various sorts. Were I a criminal, I would relish the > opportunity to wait for someone who can't visually identify me. I could > thus sneak in behind them to do whatever I cared to with them or their > property; and they would have no way of picking me out of a lineup or > even providing a description in the absence of other witnesses. Please > demand that the City remove its inadvertent way of making you a target. > > cordially, > Bill > > > On 9/11/2011 5:02 PM, Leslie Fairall wrote: >> Hello: >> >> I have moved to the state of Rhode Island to take another position. >> I'm renting a single family residence and have lived here for a month. >> >> To my horror, the town of Cranston has erected a sign that says "blind >> person" directly across the street from my home. I would not have >> known this if a friend of mine who picks me up for church hadn't told >> me. It is a bright yellow sign with black lettering. >> >> I will be contacting City Hall both by phone and in writing to have >> the sign removed. I have a few questions. >> >> >> 1. Would this be considered discrimination under the Americans with >> Disabilities or some other act? >> 2. Is singling out a person because of disability a form of >> discrimination? My knee-jerk reaction is yes, but I want to get the >> facts straight. >> 3. What is a reasonable timeframe to request that the sign be removed? >> In my rough draft, I stated seven days. >> >> 4. Are their any other points I should make that would strongly >> encourage them to remove the sign? >> >> Thanks for any and all advice. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/billreif%40ameritech.n > et >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/paulharpur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/langlois2%40verizon.net From fairall at shellworld.net Mon Sep 12 01:54:12 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:54:12 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> Message-ID: No, I'm the only blind person on the street. If there were another blind person, it should be erected in front of their house instead of mine. From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 01:56:14 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:56:14 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> References: <4E6D49DF.5010909@ameritech.net> <000c01cc70e2$088bc800$19a35800$@com> <90B6E0B5303E45D9B9DD9F76856469C9@barney03> Message-ID: I would point out that no other class of citizen has a sign proclaiming their residency. Oh, except for one--sexual offenders. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From AZNOR99 at aol.com Mon Sep 12 02:11:54 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:11:54 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Not true. There are often signs that notify residents that a deaf or "handicapped" individual is in the neighborhood. Some villages erect them believing they are akin to the "children at play" signs that are often posted near schools and parks. I suggest you contact the Village, as you said, and ask why it's there first. Then if you learn that it was put up for you and not someone else (just because a blind person doesn't live on your block doesn't mean one doesn't visit sometimes that you aren't aware of - you said you moved there recently?), ask them to remove it. Also, consider contacting Shawn - she can help you craft any language you might need for a letter or demand that it be removed. In a message dated 9/11/2011 9:57:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, stone_troll at sbcglobal.net writes: I would point out that no other class of citizen has a sign proclaiming their residency. Oh, except for one--sexual offenders. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 12 02:44:15 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:44:15 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: Other than the anecdote I related earlier, I know of no instance until this one where such a sign was put up without the consent and cooperation of the person for whom the sign was intended, except in the case of severely disabled children or if a legal guardian had the sign put up. I was not aware that it was legal for a town to decide that such a sign was appropriate. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From AZNOR99 at aol.com Mon Sep 12 02:52:47 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:52:47 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <45981.524d5b11.3b9ecdff@aol.com> I know of several who've done so in different places throughout the country. Some State Transportation Departments even subsidize the cost of such signs in the interest of promoting pedestrian and neighborhood safety. The City has the ability and arguably the right to erect signs it viewes are in the public good. We may disagree that this sort of sign is for the good of anyone, but others might have differing opinions. Whether such a sign is legal is exactly at the heart of this discussion. In a message dated 9/11/2011 10:45:19 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, stone_troll at sbcglobal.net writes: Other than the anecdote I related earlier, I know of no instance until this one where such a sign was put up without the consent and cooperation of the person for whom the sign was intended, except in the case of severely disabled children or if a legal guardian had the sign put up. I was not aware that it was legal for a town to decide that such a sign was appropriate. Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From langlois2 at verizon.net Mon Sep 12 02:55:45 2011 From: langlois2 at verizon.net (Brian Langlois) Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:55:45 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: Perhaps it is not legal. Maybe a local politician directed an employee at the Highway Dept. to make and install the sign. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark BurningHawk" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 10:44 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > Other than the anecdote I related earlier, I know of no instance until > this one where such a sign was put up without the consent and cooperation > of the person for whom the sign was intended, except in the case of > severely disabled children or if a legal guardian had the sign put up. I > was not aware that it was legal for a town to decide that such a sign was > appropriate. > > Mark BurningHawk > Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 > Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ > Namaste! > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/langlois2%40verizon.net From fairall at shellworld.net Mon Sep 12 11:01:26 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:01:26 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: Folks, This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the letter. Thank you for answers so far. From blinddog3 at charter.net Mon Sep 12 11:07:05 2011 From: blinddog3 at charter.net (Steven Johnson) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:07:05 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> Message-ID: <001701cc713c$1b74fd10$525ef730$@net> Leslie, there may be a city ordinance in place as I believe this was eluded to previously. If that is the case, some good education and advocacy is essential. Good luck with this and let us know the results. BTW, my neighbor has a 2-hour parking limit sign in the front of their home which is allowed under city ordinance due to their mobility impairment. However, they made the request which makes your situation all the more eyebrow raising. Again, the best to you, Steve Johnson -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Leslie Fairall Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 6:01 AM To: Brian Langlois; NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Folks, This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the letter. Thank you for answers so far. _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/blinddog3%40charter.ne t From thebluesisloose at gmail.com Mon Sep 12 11:44:41 2011 From: thebluesisloose at gmail.com (Beth) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:44:41 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs Message-ID: <4e6df0c1.552fe70a.3f4b.1681@mx.google.com> That's ridiculous! A sign? What? That thing needs to go. Bill had a good point. When I moved into my place in Denver, nobody hung up a sign, and so people leave me in peace. Beth ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill Reif Message-ID: <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Good Morning Leslie: The research necessary to determine if your situation constitutes discriminatory condutc by the city is something that I am not now in a position to do. However, it is governmental activity - and the true question will center around the level of scrutiny that is required - Low, intermediate or strict. IE:"Can a governmental entity do someting to, or on behalf of, someone without their knowledge or consent when it is more likely than not suad activity will place the recipient at rish?" Would American Moslems appreciate having a sign put up at their home stating "Arams live here"? What about AFrican Americans, Hispanic Americans, Catholics, Protestants etc, etc - the list goes on. Yes, in my view, they have stepped over a line in doing this. Good research aimed at Title II of the ADA and the Rehab Act as well as other discriminatory legislation. I would also check witht he Human Rights Commission in your State to see about getting a legal opinion, and follow that up[ with a check on the Statutue of limitations for such civil litigation. I do apologize for not being able to give you more specific advice, I no longer have access to WestLaw or Lexis. You need legal advice from someone who knows the specifics of your situation, and is experienced with your State's laws and the local regulations. Sorry I can't help more from here. Best of luck, and if you want to get some more specifics on how to approach this situation, give me a an email off line and I'll be happy to talk things over. I used to get situations ike this on my desk all the time when I worked with the the disability law outfitsof two states. rumpole at roadrunner.com Ross ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leslie Fairall" To: "Brian Langlois" ; "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 7:01 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > Folks, > > This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN > THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there > a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted > a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether > the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the > letter. Thank you for answers so far. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rumpole%40roadrunner.com > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1392 / Virus Database: 1520/3891 - Release Date: 09/11/11 > From rumpole at roadrunner.com Mon Sep 12 12:18:14 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:18:14 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminatory sign Message-ID: <59CAA12644F24FE38063CC3643D33F98@mycomputer> Good Morning Leslie: The research necessary to determine if your situation constitutes discriminatory conduct by the city is something that I am not now in a position to do. However, it is nonetheless governmental activity - and the true question, in a federal sense, will center around the level of scrutiny that is required (in the S. Ct. reporter) - Low, intermediate or strict. IE:"Can a governmental entity do something to, or on behalf of, someone, without their knowledge or consent when it is more likely than not such activity will place the recipient at risk?" Would American Moslems appreciate having a sign put up at their home stating "Arabs live here"? What about African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Catholics, Protestants etc, etc - the list can definately go on. Yes, in my view, albeit unresearched, they have stepped over a line in putting up that sign. Good research aimed at Title II of the ADA and the Rehab Act as well as other discriminatory legislation is certainly called for. I would also check with the Human Rights Commission in your State to see about getting a legal opinion, and make sure that includes a check on the Statute of limitations for such civil litigation in your jurisdiction. I do apologize for not being able to give you more specific advice, I no longer have access to WestLaw or Lexis. You need legal advice from someone who knows the specifics of your situation, and is experienced with your State's laws and the local regulations. Sorry I can't help more from here. Best of luck, and if you want to get some more specifics on how to approach this situation, give me a an email off line and I'll be happy to discuss it. I used to get situations like this on my desk all the time when I worked with the disability law outfitsof two states over the past several years. rumpole at roadrunner.com Ross ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leslie Fairall" To: "Brian Langlois" ; "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 7:01 AM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs > Folks, > > This is a sign erected by the town. THERE IS NOT ANOTHER BLIND PERSON IN > THE AREA. It is directly across the street from my home. It was not there > a week ago. I will be contacting City Hall today and have already drafted > a letter. The purpose of writing my original post was to find out whether > the sign is legal and get advice on points I need to make when writing the > letter. Thank you for answers so far. > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rumpole%40roadrunner.com > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1392 / Virus Database: 1520/3891 - Release Date: 09/11/11 > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rumpole%40roadrunner.com ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1392 / Virus Database: 1520/3891 - Release Date: 09/11/11 From fairall at shellworld.net Tue Sep 13 00:42:53 2011 From: fairall at shellworld.net (Leslie Fairall) Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:42:53 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Message-ID: Hello everyone: An update with the sign issue. I contacted City Hall this morning and eventually spoke to the person who handles signs. He informed me that a nosy neighbor had emailed him to erect the sign! He was not aware that I did not give her permission to do so. The sign should be removed within a week. The lady from church comes on Wednesday night, so she will keep me informed. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice. Hopefully this incident is over. From ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com Tue Sep 13 20:01:20 2011 From: ukekearuaro at valtdnet.com (Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc.) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:01:20 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com><342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Message-ID: Leslie, way to go!! Hurrah!! Keep up the good fight!! Sincerely, Olusegun Denver, Colorado From rumpole at roadrunner.com Tue Sep 13 22:31:21 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:31:21 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] U.S. attorney posting, Northern District of Illinois Message-ID: <5CCC04917EB14E36AA9C87CD1E11A289@mycomputer> a.. Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) United States Attorney's Office Northern District of Illinois Vacancy Announcement Number: AUSA-NDIL-11-AF. Position is open until filled. From mikefry79 at gmail.com Wed Sep 14 01:17:33 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:17:33 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Discriminating Signs In-Reply-To: References: <2ca24.6582ea8.3b9ec46a@aol.com> <342511F02E504C99983D7E3326B75108@mycomputer> Message-ID: Ditto that. On Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 1:01 PM, Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc. wrote: > Leslie, way to go!!  Hurrah!!  Keep up the good fight!! > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From rumpole at roadrunner.com Wed Sep 14 15:21:50 2011 From: rumpole at roadrunner.com (Ross Doerr) Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:21:50 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] 2 U.S. Attorney postings, Eastern Tennessee no pay Message-ID: a.. Special Assistant United States Attorney (Serves Without Compensation) United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Tennessee Vacancy Announcement Number 11-EDTN-10 Applications must be received by Friday, September 30, 2011. a.. Special Assistant United States Attorney (Serves Without Compensation) United States Attorney's office Eastern District of Tennessee Vacancy Announcement Number 11-EDTN-09 Applications must be received by Friday, September 30, 2011. From david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us Thu Sep 15 17:49:06 2011 From: david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us (Hyde, David W. (ESC)) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:49:06 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Looking for a contact Message-ID: <8FE3DA4A52652B4D8EC80883B3DC1233865912A2EB@tiger> Let me say at the outset, the this is about law only tangentially. I have a student who wants to go into court reporting. I am looking for a blind court reporter. Now I know that Sandy Halverson was in it years ago, and that Jim Bowen was too. I'm looking for someone who is doing it now. Please feel free to contact me off list David.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us Or 608-758-6152. Thanks for your help. From joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com Fri Sep 16 21:07:31 2011 From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com (RJ Sandefur) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:07:31 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport Message-ID: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com Fri Sep 16 21:28:22 2011 From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:28:22 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in NorfolkAirport References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <001301cc74b7$8ff07740$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Hello everyone, There's a solution to both passing through scanners with guide dogs and very invasive pat-downs. It's called private air charter. Peter Donahue ----- Original Message ----- From: "RJ Sandefur" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:07 PM Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in NorfolkAirport Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com From Susan.Kelly at pima.gov Fri Sep 16 21:30:40 2011 From: Susan.Kelly at pima.gov (Susan Kelly) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:30:40 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport In-Reply-To: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F1FA@EVS02.central.pima.gov> This sounds frighteningly similar to an experience I had in May, when we connected through Sky Harbor (Phoenix, AZ). The only exception is that I have some limited (very limited) vision in my left eye and thus use a white cane, rather than a guide dog. It was a horrible experience, simply horrendous. I am hoping that it is not repeated at our next trip, when we will be connecting through Denver. I have the unfortunate feeling that many TSA agents are either NOT trained in how to communicate with the public, particularly those with vision or mobility loss, or that they simply do not care. Litigation may be the only way to get them to care. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of RJ Sandefur Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 2:08 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur% 40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/susan.kelly%40pima .gov From b.schulz at sbcglobal.net Fri Sep 16 22:19:56 2011 From: b.schulz at sbcglobal.net (Bryan Schulz) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:19:56 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA inNorfolkAirport References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> <001301cc74b7$8ff07740$9e010b43@yourfsyly0jtwn> Message-ID: <1D7AFB6658094520854848377E997B1F@HP8730notebook> it's also much more expensive than a deal from southwest or expedia! Bryan Schulz ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Donahue" To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:28 PM Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA inNorfolkAirport > Hello everyone, > > There's a solution to both passing through scanners with guide dogs and > very invasive pat-downs. It's called private air charter. > > Peter Donahue > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "RJ Sandefur" > To: "NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List" > Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:07 PM > Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in > NorfolkAirport > > > Does this man have a case? RJ > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Matt Weihmuller" > To: > Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM > Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > > >> Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually >> do >> not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely >> necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my >> unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the >> Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have >> the >> same unfortunate encounter. >> This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, >> however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have >> been traveling >> for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email >> until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal >> Director >> in >> Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to >> gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible >> regarding >> the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager >> of >> the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with >> me >> to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps >> to >> ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I >> received >> with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time >> that >> he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the >> person >> did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the >> drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no >> further >> contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on >> how >> I >> can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would >> greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the >> letter >> below. It reads as follows: >> >> >> >> Dear Mr. Horowitz, >> >> My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an >> unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my >> guidedog, >> Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A >> checkpoint >> in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, >> and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and >> efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering >> the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, >> Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was >> cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my >> communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, >> without >> my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA >> agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab >> onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result >> of >> my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility >> tool >> I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and >> therefore,have >> bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the >> security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, >> however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to >> attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the >> hand >> of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, >> as >> not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the >> scanner, >> the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally >> concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling >> through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, >> not >> setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to >> travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the >> scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and >> directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very >> polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then >> exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she >> appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and >> Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from >> what >> I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to >> me >> later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us >> down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the >> dog >> while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any >> contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I >> was >> then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. >> I >> showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person >> during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants >> would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was >> neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to >> take >> off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me >> down, >> taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my >> underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this >> procedure >> took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a >> direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down >> procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost >> originally >> cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the >> area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then >> finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been >> put >> back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm >> the >> first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly >> protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long >> procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very >> strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not >> make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I >> contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my >> phone >> call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and >> that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. >> I >> explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I >> must >> have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed >> through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and >> was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any >> reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am >> currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to >> determine >> if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. >> I >> would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I >> informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I >> informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me >> during >> the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem >> unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. >> Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I >> was >> standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this >> again >> might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place >> where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your >> predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the >> TSA >> checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken >> necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary >> for >> both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. >> Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to >> properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper >> procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved >> in >> the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. >> The >> TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the >> scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there >> responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent >> Sunday >> or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another >> incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that >> Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA >> manager. >> This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and >> advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser >> independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences >> of >> such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any >> reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that >> the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a >> seminar >> given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind >> National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow >> guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To >> date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly >> explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening >> again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. >> Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was >> told >> that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national >> security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately >> trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very >> necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to >> inform >> you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are >> not >> as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to >> experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your >> time. >> >> Sincerely, >> >> Matt Weihmuller >> >> MMP 2010 >> >> Phone: 813-541-4012 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Flagdu mailing list >> Flagdu at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> Flagdu: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/b.schulz%40sbcglobal.net From rthomas at emplmntattorney.com Fri Sep 16 23:30:48 2011 From: rthomas at emplmntattorney.com (Russell J. Thomas, Jr.) Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:30:48 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Problems with TSA in NorfolkAirport In-Reply-To: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> References: <289999B16D804C08BB80B170F790BFC2@hometwxakonvzn> Message-ID: <8ABE9DE46480488BB4E48B14A832D717@RThomas> Unfortunately, those of us who travel frequently could share any number of horror stories. It might be useful for the NFB to compile some of these stories so that others are prepared for anything and everything. In recent trips from the airport in Orange County, I have learned that the airport has people that assist the disabled to the gate. As a matter of my own independence, I don't need these people. However, one purpose they do serve is getting you through security quickly. These people are recognized by the security screeners and that seems to speed up the process. Another strange, and silly thing I have noticed is that I am treated differently when I wear a suit and carry a briefcase, and when I dress casually. This is obviously is a sign of ignorance, but somehow many people must think that I wear a suit and carry a briefcase, I must be able to function as a human being. Respectfully, Russell J. Thomas, Jr. Law Office of Russell J. Thomas, Jr. 4121 Westerly Place, Suite 101 Newport Beach, California 92660 T: (949) 752-0101 F: (949) 257-4756 M: (949) 466-7238 www.emplmntattorney.com Follow me on Twitter: EmplmntAttorney -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of RJ Sandefur Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 2:08 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in NorfolkAirport Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gm ail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rthomas%40rjtlawfirm.c om From AZNOR99 at aol.com Sat Sep 17 13:04:21 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:04:21 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport Message-ID: <31a35.6578026d.3ba5f4d5@aol.com> This is very unfortunate. I previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and we provided such training to airport personnel as well as other DHS Components. Matt has the option of initiating a civil rights complaint at the headquarters level. If Matt wishes to do this, he can send an email to _crcl at dhs.gov_ (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) . If he wants contact information for people who can take his complaint, I can provide that to him off-list. I'll ask the list members to remember that this list is not intended to offer legal advice and assess whether a case has merit - we cannot give legal advice, as it may place list members and the National Association of Blind Lawyers in a position where we are subject to allegations of legal malpractice, the unauthorized practice of law, and on and on. However, this list is intended to discuss the manner in which laws and practices affect the blind, techniques for blind users to use while practicing law, and resources available to blind attorneys and legal practitioners. Regards, Ronza In a message dated 9/16/2011 5:08:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com writes: Does this man have a case? RJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Weihmuller" To: Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55 PM Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport > Good afternoon everyone. I appolygize for taking your time. I usually do > not wish to post on this list, unless it is absolutely > necessary. However, I am posting on this list today in the hopes that my > unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA security checkpoint in the > Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and educate others that might have > the > same unfortunate encounter. > This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday September 2nd, > however, for some reason it did not post and was returned to me. I have > been traveling > for the last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my email > until today. Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA Federal Director > in > Norfolk. I have not yet sent it, as I have been traveling and I hoped to > gather some comments and critiques from as many people as possible > regarding > the matter. I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA manager > of > the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously working with me > to review the video to confirm my accusations and take the propper steps > to > ensure that it did not happen again. However, the last contact I received > with Mr. Carson was the day I left on vacation. He stated at that time > that > he could only find one video of a person with a service dog and the > person > did not fit my description. He was therefore, going to "go back to the > drawing board" to find the video of myself. I have currently had no > further > contact with Mr,. Carson since then. If anyone has any suggestions on how > I > can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very curtius way, I would > greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for all your time. Here is the > letter > below. It reads as follows: > > > > Dear Mr. Horowitz, > > My name is Matt Weihmuller. I am writing you in regards to an > unfortunately humiliating and frustrating experience I had with my > guidedog, > Daisy, the morning of Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A > checkpoint > in the Norfolk, Virginia airport. As usual, I showed my ID and passport, > and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a quick and > efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray machine. Before entering > the scanner, I informed the agent that I was traveling with my guidedog, > Daisy, and would "heel" the dog, having her sit and stay while I was > cleared. I can only assume that I must have not been clear enough in my > communication as to my situation. I am totally blind, and as such, > without > my mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA > agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to grab > onto after I pass through the scanner. This has come about as a result > of > my travel over the years, where I have been asked to leave my mobility > tool > I.E. cane or dog behind while passing through the scanner and > therefore,have > bumped into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the > security check process. I appolygize for this lengthy explanation, > however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next. I proceeded to > attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and expecting to grab the > hand > of the agent on the other side to assist guiding me to a safe location, as > not to run into anything. As I ran squarely into the side of the scanner, > the TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally > concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance traveling > through the center of the scanner. I then passed through a second time, > not > setting anything off, and was then cleared. I then commanded Daisy to > travel through the scanner. She then proceeded, by herself, through the > scanner, and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and > directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was very > polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she licked. We then > exchanged some casual remarks about what a good dog I have and that she > appeared to be ok. The agent then began to express that both myself and > Daisy were clear, when a TSA supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from > what > I perceived to be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to > me > later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of us > down. I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact with the > dog > while she passed through the scanner. I stated that I did not have any > contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I did and promptly walked away. I > was > then grabbed by a man and told to hold tightly onto my pants strongly. I > showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person > during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my pants > would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure which I was > neither properly prepared or notified about. He then commanded me to > take > off my belt and promptly snatched it away from me. He then patted me > down, > taking his hands and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my > underwear and all over my body. I should state that while this > procedure > took place, at no time, was I allowed to have control of my guide dog, a > direct violation of TSA disability regulations. After the pat-down > procedure, the first female agent, who was very polite and almost > originally > cleared my dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the > area. I stated that my belt had not been returned to me. It was then > finally explained to me, after several minutes that my belt had been put > back through the X-Ray machine, even though it did not alert the alarm the > first time I traveled through the scanner. I would have strongly > protested, however, by this time, I needed to go to the gate. This long > procedure had caused me a great deal of stress and time, and I felt very > strongly that at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not > make it in time to board the aircraft. Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I > contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my phone > call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's inception, and > that if she came from behind her poste, that I must have been in error. I > explained the sequence of events as stated above, and was told that I must > have had some type of incidental contact with the dog after it passed > through the scanner, before it was cleared. I stated that I did not, and > was told that I must have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any > reason to come and given the order for the pat-down procedure. I am > currently awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to > determine > if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with my guidedog. I > would like to state that even if this is somehow true, at no time was I > informed by any TSA agent of my error. Furthermore, at no time was I > informed of the consequences of my error or what would be done to me > during > the pat-down procedure. I realize that this might normally seem > unnecessary, however, as I previously stated, I am totally blind. > Therefore, it was somewhat unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I > was > standing or exactly what was going to be done to me. I realize this again > might not seem relevant. Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a place > where you are standing in total darkness, while some person without your > predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body. The agents at the TSA > checkpoint should have been trained on this matter and should have taken > necessary action to state to myself what exact procedure was necessary for > both Daisy and I to passs correctly through the security checkpoint. > Furthermore, if such action is not taken, such training should be done to > properly notify myself and any other blind individuals of what the proper > procedure is should I not correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved > in > the pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. > The > TSA agents didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran into the > scanner the first time. I would like to point out that it is not there > responsibility to have such knolodge, but the responsibility of Agent > Sunday > or her superiors to train those on what should be done should another > incident of this kind should occur in the future. It is very clear that > Agent Sunday has not had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA > manager. > This greatly troubles me. I am a well educated blind individual and > advoocate. It frightens me what could happen should a person of lesser > independence experience the same situation. I fear that the consequences > of > such an incident could be severe. I still have not been given any > reassurance that should I follow the proper procedure in the future, that > the same events will not occur to me again. I recently attended a seminar > given by a TSA representative at the National Federation of the Blind > National Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow > guidelines given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs. To > date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly > explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening > again. Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with Mr. > Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I was > told > that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines would compromise national > security. It is again very clear to me that agents are not adequately > trained for these situations, and such a reeducation program is very > necessary. I appolygize for taking your time, however, I wanted to inform > you of the situation in the hopes that either myself or others who are > not > as willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to > experience what I had to go through in the future. Thanks again for your > time. > > Sincerely, > > Matt Weihmuller > > MMP 2010 > > Phone: 813-541-4012 > > _______________________________________________ > Flagdu mailing list > Flagdu at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Flagdu: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From mikefry79 at gmail.com Sat Sep 17 18:30:27 2011 From: mikefry79 at gmail.com (Michael Fry) Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2011 11:30:27 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk Airport In-Reply-To: <31a35.6578026d.3ba5f4d5@aol.com> References: <31a35.6578026d.3ba5f4d5@aol.com> Message-ID: I sincerely hope that TSA agent is fired. People are such jerks sometimes. I hope you get justice. On Sat, Sep 17, 2011 at 6:04 AM, wrote: > This is very unfortunate.  I previously worked at the Department of > Homeland Security Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and we provided > such training to airport personnel as well as other DHS Components. > > Matt has the option of initiating a civil rights complaint at the > headquarters level.  If Matt wishes to do this, he can send an email to > _crcl at dhs.gov_ (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) .  If he wants contact  information for people who > can take his complaint, I can provide that to him  off-list. > > I'll ask the list members to remember that this list is not intended to > offer legal advice and assess whether a case has merit - we cannot give legal > advice, as it may place list members and the National Association of Blind > Lawyers in a position where we are subject to allegations of legal > malpractice,  the unauthorized practice of law, and on and on.  However, this list > is  intended to discuss the manner in which laws and practices affect the > blind,  techniques for blind users to use while practicing law, and resources > available  to blind attorneys and legal practitioners. > > > Regards, > Ronza > > > > In a message dated 9/16/2011 5:08:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com writes: > > Does  this man have a case? RJ > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Matt  Weihmuller" > To:   > Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 4:55  PM > Subject: [Flagdu] Concerns and Promblems with TSA in Norfolk  Airport > > >> Good afternoon everyone.  I appolygize for taking  your time.  I usually > do >> not wish to post on this list, unless it  is absolutely >> necessary.  However, I am posting on this list  today in the hopes that my >> unfortunate event I experienced at the TSA  security checkpoint in the >> Norfolk Airport will help to benefit and  educate others that might have >> the >> same unfortunate  encounter. >> This post was suppose to go out two weeks ago on Friday  September 2nd, >> however, for some reason it did not post and was  returned to me.  I have >> been  traveling >> for  the  last two weeks and have not been able to have access to my > email >> until today.  Below is a letter I have drafted to the TSA  Federal > Director >> in >> Norfolk.  I have not yet sent it, as  I have been traveling and I hoped to >> gather some comments and  critiques from as many people as possible >> regarding >> the  matter.  I also was hoping to resolve the matter with the TSA > manager >> of >> the Norfolk Airport, Mr. Carson, as he was very graciously  working with > me >> to review the video to confirm my accusations and take  the propper steps >> to >> ensure that it did not happen  again.  However, the last contact I > received >> with Mr. Carson was  the day I left on vacation.  He stated at that time >> that >>  he could only find one video of a person  with a service dog and the >> person >> did not fit my description.  He was therefore,  going to "go back to the >> drawing board" to find the video of  myself.  I have currently had no >> further >> contact with  Mr,. Carson since then.  If anyone has any suggestions on > how >>  I >> can ensure that my concerns are heard in a very  curtius way, I  would >> greatly appreciate it.  Thanks again for all your  time.  Here is the >> letter >> below.  It reads as  follows: >> >> >> >> Dear Mr.  Horowitz, >> >>    My name is Matt Weihmuller.  I am  writing you in regards to an >> unfortunately humiliating and frustrating  experience I had with my >> guidedog, >> Daisy, the morning of  Monday, August 29th, at the TSA Concourse A >> checkpoint >> in the  Norfolk, Virginia airport.  As usual, I showed my ID and > passport, >> and proceeded to remove all necessary belongings to ensure a  quick and >> efficient passage through the scanner and X-ray  machine.  Before entering >> the scanner, I informed the agent that  I was traveling with my guidedog, >> Daisy, and would "heel" the dog,  having her sit and stay while I was >> cleared.  I can only assume  that I must have not been clear enough in my >> communication as to my  situation.  I am totally blind, and as such, >> without >> my  mobility tools, such as a guidedog, or cane, usually one of the TSA >>  agents assist me through the scanner by holding out a hand for me to > grab >> onto after I pass  through the scanner. This has come about  as  a result >> of >> my travel over the years, where I have  been asked to leave my mobility >> tool >> I.E. cane or dog behind  while passing through the scanner and >> therefore,have >> bumped  into the sides of the machine, enjuring myself and lengthening the >>  security check process.    I appolygize for this lengthy  explanation, >> however, it was necessary, as this is what happened next.  I proceeded to >> attempt to travel through the scanner, hoping and  expecting to grab the >> hand >> of the agent on the other side to  assist guiding me to a safe location, > as >> not to run into  anything.  As I ran squarely into the side of the > scanner, >> the  TSA agent stated, "Oh, sorry, you are blind, huh?". They then finally >>  concluded that I was in fact, blind and needed some assistance  traveling >> through the center of the scanner.  I then passed  through a second time, >> not >> setting anything off, and was then  cleared.  I then commanded Daisy to >> travel through the  scanner.  She then proceeded, by herself, through the >> scanner,  and I grabbed her leash directly after she set off the alarm and >>  directed her toward the TSA agent to be patted down. The agent was  very >> polite and greeted Daisy, commenting on how much she  licked.  We then >> exchanged some casual remarks about what a good  dog I have and that she >> appeared to be ok.  The agent then began  to express that both myself and >> Daisy were clear, when a TSA   supervisor, Agent Margy Sunday came from >> what >> I perceived to  be out of nowhere, a nearby podium which was explained to >> me >>  later, and very abruptly ordered her subordinant agents to pat both of > us >> down.  I asked why and was immediately told that I had contact  with the >> dog >> while she passed through the scanner.  I  stated that I did not have any >> contact and. Agent Sunday stated that I  did and promptly walked away.  I >> was >> then grabbed by a  man and told to hold tightly onto my  pants strongly. > I >>  showed him that I was wearing a belt, an item which I had on my person >>  during my cleared passage through the scanner, and stated that my  pants >> would not fall off during the pat-down process, a procedure  which I was >> neither properly prepared or notified about.  He then  commanded me to >> take >> off my belt and promptly snatched it  away from me.  He then patted me >> down, >> taking his hands  and placing them inside my pants, firmly patting down my >>  underwear  and all over my body.  I  should state that while  this >> procedure >> took place, at no time, was I allowed to have  control of my guide dog, a >> direct violation of TSA disability  regulations.  After the pat-down >> procedure, the first female  agent, who was very polite and almost >> originally >> cleared my  dog and myself, stated that I was finally cleared to leave the >> area. I  stated that my belt had not been  returned to me.  It was  then >> finally explained to me, after several  minutes  that  my belt had been > put >> back through the X-Ray machine, even though it  did not alert the alarm > the >> first time I traveled  through the  scanner.  I would have strongly >> protested, however, by this time,  I needed to go to the gate.  This long >> procedure had caused me  a  great deal of stress and time, and I felt very >> strongly that  at that time I needed to be somewhat rushed, or I would not >> make it in  time to board the aircraft.  Upon my safe arrival in Tampa, I >>  contacted the TSA Norfolk manager, Mr. Carson, who upon returning my > phone >> call, stated that Ms. Sunday has been with TSA since it's  inception, and >> that if she came from behind her poste, that I must  have been in error. > I >> explained the sequence of events as stated  above, and was told that I > must >> have had some type of incidental  contact with the dog after it passed >> through the scanner, before it  was cleared.  I stated that I did not, and >> was told that I must  have or else Agent Sunday would not have seen any >> reason to come and  given the order for the pat-down procedure.  I am >> currently  awaiting Mr. Carson's review of the Concourse A video to >>  determine >> if I did in fact have some sort of incidental contact with  my guidedog. > I >> would like to state that even if this is somehow  true, at no time was I >> informed by any TSA agent of my error.   Furthermore, at no time was I >> informed of the consequences of my error  or what would be done to me >> during >> the pat-down procedure. I  realize that this might normally seem >> unnecessary, however, as I  previously stated, I am totally blind. >> Therefore, it was somewhat  unnerving and terrifying, not knowing where I >> was >> standing or  exactly what was going to be done to me.  I realize this > again >>  might not seem relevant.  Again, I ask you to imagine, being in a  place >> where you are standing in total darkness, while some person  without your >> predetermined knolodge, evasively probes your body.   The agents at the > TSA >> checkpoint should have been trained on this  matter and should have taken >> necessary action to state to myself what  exact procedure was necessary > for >> both Daisy and I to passs correctly  through the security checkpoint. >> Furthermore, if such action is not  taken, such training should be done to >> properly notify myself and any  other blind individuals of what the proper >> procedure is should I not  correctly pass through, I.E. what was involved >> in >> the  pat-down and what articles of clothing would need to be reexamined. >>  The >> TSA agents  didn't even realize that I was blind until I ran  into the >> scanner the first time.  I would like to point out that  it is not there >> responsibility to have such knolodge, but the  responsibility of Agent >> Sunday >> or her superiors to train  those on what should be done should another >> incident of this kind  should occur in the future. It is very clear that >> Agent Sunday has not  had such training, nor did Mr. Carson, the TSA >> manager. >> This  greatly troubles me.  I am a well educated blind individual and >>  advoocate.  It frightens me what could happen should a person of  lesser >> independence experience the same situation.  I fear that  the > consequences >> of >> such an incident could be severe.  I  still have not been given any >> reassurance that should I follow the  proper procedure in the future, that >> the same events will not occur to  me again.  I recently attended a > seminar >> given by a TSA  representative at the National Federation of the Blind >> National  Convention in Orlando this past July. I attempted to follow >> guidelines  given to me at the seminar and this incident still occurs.  To >>  date, no TSA agent, including Agent Sunday nor Mr. Carson has properly >>  explained me what I need to do to prevent this incident from happening >>  again.  Upon requesting such guidelines during my conversations with  Mr. >> Carson regarding the contact of service animals during scanning, I  was >> told >> that it is "SOP" and to explain such guidelines  would compromise national >> security.  It is again very clear to me  that agents are not adequately >> trained for these situations, and such  a reeducation program is very >> necessary.  I appolygize for taking  your time, however, I wanted to > inform >> you of the situation in the  hopes  that either myself or others who are >> not >> as  willing to come forward and advocate for themselves will not have to >>  experience what I had to go through in the future.  Thanks again for > your >> time. >> >>     Sincerely, >> >>    Matt Weihmuller >> >>   MMP 2010 >> >>    Phone:  813-541-4012 >> >>  _______________________________________________ >> Flagdu mailing  list >> Flagdu at nfbnet.org >>  http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe,  change your list options or get your account info for >> Flagdu: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/flagdu_nfbnet.org/joltingjacksandefur%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw  mailing  list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To  unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/mikefry79%40gmail.com > From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Mon Sep 19 15:41:46 2011 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:41:46 -0600 Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: [DRBA] 2012 Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLL Disability Rights Fellowship Message-ID: FYI ----- Original Message ----- From: Greg Care To: DRBA at LISTSERV.SYR.EDU Sent: Monday, September 19, 2011 9:18 AM Subject: [DRBA] 2012 Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLL Disability Rights Fellowship Hello everyone: In September 2009, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP welcomed its first Disability Rights Fellow. We are now accepting applications for our fourth annual Disability Rights Fellowship to begin in September 2012. The Fellowship offers a recent law school graduate or judicial clerk with a disability the opportunity to participate for a year in all phases of disability rights litigation at our firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a 16-lawyer law firm devoted principally to litigation. The firm has developed a national reputation for its high-profile, high-impact disability rights cases. The one-year fellowship will begin in September 2012. The application deadline is November 15, 2011. Please visit our website for additional details about the Fellowship and the firm and to download an application: www.browngold.com. Attached are accessible pdf and Word versions of the application requirements. Please feel free to pass this information along to individuals who you believe would be interested in a great opportunity to both gain experience and put their knowledge and drive to salutary use. Thanks, Greg Gregory P. Care Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP 120 E. Baltimore Street Suite 1700 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Phone: 410-962-1030 ext. 1316 Fax: 410-385-0869 gpc at browngold.com www.browngold.com Please consider the environment before printing this email Confidentiality Notice This e-mail may contain confidential information that may also be legally privileged and that is intended only for the use of the Addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized agent of the recipient, please be advised that any dissemination or copying of this e-mail, or taking of any action in reliance on the information contained herein, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify me immediately by use of the reply button, and then delete the e-mail from your system. Thank you! REMINDER: The DRBA listserv is intended to facilitate open discussion and sharing of ideas. Members need to feel confident that their discussions will not be distributed beyond the group unnecessarily. PLEASE CONSULT WITH THE SENDER(S) BEFORE FORWARDING ANY LISTSERV DISCUSSIONS BEYOND THE DRBA GROUP. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 16188 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.doc Type: application/msword Size: 56320 bytes Desc: not available URL: From gpc at browngold.com Mon Sep 19 15:55:59 2011 From: gpc at browngold.com (Greg Care) Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:55:59 -0400 Subject: [blindlaw] Brown, Goldstein & Levy 2012 Disability Rights Fellowship Message-ID: Hello everyone: I am a newcomer to the listserv, but I believe I know some of you from my work at Brown, Goldstein & Levy on behalf of the NFB. It is my pleasure to announce that the time has again come for me to begin seeking candidates for the Brown, Goldstein & Levy Disability Rights Fellowship. I would greatly appreciate it if you could pass long the following information to any recent law graduates with a disability who you think would be interested in this opportunity: In September 2009, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP welcomed its first Disability Rights Fellow. We are now accepting applications for our fourth annual Disability Rights Fellowship to begin in September 2012. The Fellowship offers a recent law school graduate or judicial clerk with a disability the opportunity to participate for a year in all phases of disability rights litigation at our firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a 16-lawyer law firm devoted principally to litigation. The firm has developed a national reputation for its high-profile, high-impact disability rights cases. The one-year fellowship will begin in September 2012. The application deadline is November 15, 2011. Please visit our website for additional details about the Fellowship and the firm and to download an application: www.browngold.com. I have attached accessible pdf and Word versions of the application requirements. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Many thanks, Greg Care Gregory P. Care Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP 120 E. Baltimore Street Suite 1700 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Phone: 410-962-1030 ext. 1316 Fax: 410-385-0869 gpc at browngold.com www.browngold.com Please consider the environment before printing this email Confidentiality Notice This e-mail may contain confidential information that may also be legally privileged and that is intended only for the use of the Addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized agent of the recipient, please be advised that any dissemination or copying of this e-mail, or taking of any action in reliance on the information contained herein, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify me immediately by use of the reply button, and then delete the e-mail from your system. Thank you! -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.doc Type: application/msword Size: 56320 bytes Desc: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.doc URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 16188 bytes Desc: 2012 BGL Fellowship Application.pdf URL: From taiablas at gmail.com Wed Sep 21 21:08:46 2011 From: taiablas at gmail.com (Tai Blas) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:08:46 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Message-ID: Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have experience with immigration forms? Any information is appreciated. Thanks. Tai From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed Sep 21 21:15:34 2011 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:15:34 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Tai, Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here in Texas. What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not rendered in an accessible form. Good luck, Rob Robert D. Dittman Student Attorney St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) 2507 N.W. 36th Street San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have experience with immigration forms? Any information is appreciated. Thanks. Tai _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From taiablas at gmail.com Wed Sep 21 21:30:53 2011 From: taiablas at gmail.com (Tai Blas) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:30:53 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: Rob, Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only somewhat accessible. On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: > Tai, > > Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same > thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here > in Texas. > > What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working > fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick > nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. > Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and > then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you > can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not > rendered in an accessible form. > > Good luck, > Rob > > > Robert D. Dittman > Student Attorney > St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) > 2507 N.W. 36th Street > San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 > Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 > Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may > contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not > the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail > and destroy all copies of the original message. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Tai Blas > Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms > > Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping > victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. > Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I > tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. > Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can > someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i > really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of > form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have > experience with immigration forms? > > Any information is appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Tai > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > From Susan.Kelly at pima.gov Wed Sep 21 21:30:44 2011 From: Susan.Kelly at pima.gov (Susan Kelly) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:30:44 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F219@EVS02.central.pima.gov> I will also try to check on my system - we do public defense (juvenile), but because I also have a background in immigration issues, I occasionally have to pull forms for families to submit. I had not thought about it before because JAWS has only recently become necessary - more soon. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dittman, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 2:16 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Tai, Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here in Texas. What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not rendered in an accessible form. Good luck, Rob Robert D. Dittman Student Attorney St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) 2507 N.W. 36th Street San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have experience with immigration forms? Any information is appreciated. Thanks. Tai _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/susan.kelly%40pima.gov From rdittman at stmarytx.edu Wed Sep 21 22:03:18 2011 From: rdittman at stmarytx.edu (Dittman, Robert) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:03:18 +0000 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Message-ID: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D57F@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> Your direct email address did not come through, but I would be very happy to talk to you about my experiences. In Texas, (not all states have this), after the completion of 45 hours of legal study, and after being approved by the state bar, you can be admitted as an associate member of the bar. This means you are a "student attorney" and may practice under the direct instruction and supervision of another attorney. Most times this is at your law school's legal clinic. It rocks and provides valued experience. Give me a call at 210 389 3388 and I will be happy to help or answer questions about the experience. Take care, Rob Robert D. Dittman Student Attorney St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) 2507 N.W. 36th Street San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:31 PM To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Rob, Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only somewhat accessible. On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: > Tai, > > Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the > same thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of > Law here in Texas. > > What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be > working fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is > still no pick nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. > Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word > form and then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last > resort option, you can always go to sighted assistance because some of > the forms are just not rendered in an accessible form. > > Good luck, > Rob > > > Robert D. Dittman > Student Attorney > St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil > Clinic) > 2507 N.W. 36th Street > San Antonio, TX  78228-3918 > Phone: (210) 431-5760  fax: (210) 431-5700 > Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may > contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not > the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail > and destroy all copies of the original message. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] > On Behalf Of Tai Blas > Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms > > Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic > helping victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. > Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. > When I tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. > Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are > labeled. Can someone please outline what steps I should take to > address this problem? i really want to assist these clients and don't > want the burden of form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does > anyone else have experience with immigration forms? > > Any information is appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Tai > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmar > ytx.edu > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail > .com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu From AZNOR99 at aol.com Thu Sep 22 00:24:32 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:24:32 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Message-ID: <1be2e.4f4b4a4d.3babda40@aol.com> Hi Tai, I have experience with the forms to which you are referring. The problem has been that once USCIS finally gets a form to be accessible, they release a newer version that is no longer so. I suggest you contact the DHS Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at _crcl at dhs.gov_ (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) - if memory serves, they were working on helping USCIS make their forms 508 compliant. USCIS has a civil rights office as well, but my experience is that HQ tends to do a better job of accountability. Thanks, Ronza In a message dated 9/21/2011 7:36:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, taiablas at gmail.com writes: Rob, Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only somewhat accessible. On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: > Tai, > > Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same > thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law here > in Texas. > > What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working > fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick > nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. > Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form and > then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, you > can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just not > rendered in an accessible form. > > Good luck, > Rob > > > Robert D. Dittman > Student Attorney > St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil Clinic) > 2507 N.W. 36th Street > San Antonio, TX 78228-3918 > Phone: (210) 431-5760 fax: (210) 431-5700 > Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may > contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not > the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail > and destroy all copies of the original message. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On > Behalf Of Tai Blas > Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms > > Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping > victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. > Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. When I > tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. > Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. Can > someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? i > really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of > form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have > experience with immigration forms? > > Any information is appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Tai > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From stone_troll at sbcglobal.net Thu Sep 22 00:54:39 2011 From: stone_troll at sbcglobal.net (Mark BurningHawk) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:54:39 -0700 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F219@EVS02.central.pima.gov> References: <687DEBB12226C246A2070B791A47BD4E0E19D525@EXCH1.stmarytx.edu> <1C09B58171332F49B237676A5158B1F705F3F219@EVS02.central.pima.gov> Message-ID: My government student loans (Stafford) all require that I fill out PDFS forms, which are inaccessible to me (from either Mac or Windows side, I've tried them both). The organization itself only sends me print forms which I must have someone write on for me, thus needing to disclose financial information to that person. I don't have rush a person readily available anyway. The upshot of this is that \my credit has been very adversely affected by this; is there something I can use to persuade them to change the status quo? Mark BurningHawk Skype and Twitter: BurningHawk1969 Home: Http://MarkBurningHawk.net/ Namaste! From taiablas at gmail.com Thu Sep 22 00:56:53 2011 From: taiablas at gmail.com (Tai Blas) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:56:53 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms In-Reply-To: <1be2e.4f4b4a4d.3babda40@aol.com> References: <1be2e.4f4b4a4d.3babda40@aol.com> Message-ID: Thanks for the tip, Ronza! I will report back to the list after I make contact with someone at CRCL. On 9/21/11, AZNOR99 at aol.com wrote: > Hi Tai, > I have experience with the forms to which you are referring. The problem > has been that once USCIS finally gets a form to be accessible, they release > a newer version that is no longer so. I suggest you contact the DHS > Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at _crcl at dhs.gov_ > (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) - if memory serves, they were working on helping > USCIS make their forms > 508 compliant. USCIS has a civil rights office as well, but my experience > is that HQ tends to do a better job of accountability. > > Thanks, > Ronza > > > In a message dated 9/21/2011 7:36:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > taiablas at gmail.com writes: > > Rob, > > Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your > experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school > has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only > somewhat accessible. > > On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: >> Tai, >> >> Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same >> thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law > here >> in Texas. >> >> What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working >> fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick >> nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. >> Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form > and >> then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, > you >> can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just > not >> rendered in an accessible form. >> >> Good luck, >> Rob >> >> >> Robert D. Dittman >> Student Attorney >> St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil > Clinic) >> 2507 N.W. 36th Street >> San Antonio, TX 78228-3918 >> Phone: (210) 431-5760 fax: (210) 431-5700 >> Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu >> >> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any >> attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may >> contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized >> review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not >> the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail >> and destroy all copies of the original message. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] > On >> Behalf Of Tai Blas >> Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM >> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms >> >> Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping >> victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. >> Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. > When I >> tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. >> Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. > Can >> someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? > i >> really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of >> form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have >> experience with immigration forms? >> >> Any information is appreciated. >> >> Thanks. >> >> Tai >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > From AZNOR99 at aol.com Thu Sep 22 02:03:50 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:03:50 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms Message-ID: <3ea1d.3428b6d4.3babf186@aol.com> Tai, I contacted a former colleague there and am forwarding you his email off-list. It has the info you need for the 508 coordinator at USCIS and also the folks at CRCL's Office of Accessible Systems and Technology. If anyone else needs this information, email me off-list and I'll send it on. In a message dated 9/21/2011 9:20:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, taiablas at gmail.com writes: Thanks for the tip, Ronza! I will report back to the list after I make contact with someone at CRCL. On 9/21/11, AZNOR99 at aol.com wrote: > Hi Tai, > I have experience with the forms to which you are referring. The problem > has been that once USCIS finally gets a form to be accessible, they release > a newer version that is no longer so. I suggest you contact the DHS > Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at _crcl at dhs.gov_ > (mailto:crcl at dhs.gov) - if memory serves, they were working on helping > USCIS make their forms > 508 compliant. USCIS has a civil rights office as well, but my experience > is that HQ tends to do a better job of accountability. > > Thanks, > Ronza > > > In a message dated 9/21/2011 7:36:32 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > taiablas at gmail.com writes: > > Rob, > > Email me privately off list. I would like to talk to you about your > experiences. Perhaps we could talk via phone. I am a 1l, but my school > has a volunteer program. I am using forms from USCIS and they are only > somewhat accessible. > > On 9/21/11, Dittman, Robert wrote: >> Tai, >> >> Are you also a student attorney, just asking because I am doing the same >> thing in the civil clinic here at St. Mary's University School of Law > here >> in Texas. >> >> What version of jaws are you running? Jaws version 12 seems to be working >> fine on most government forms from the SSA although it is still no pick >> nick. I will be trying out a Mac as soon as I can get my paws on one. >> Secondly I have had good luck having the forms converted into word form > and >> then filling out the forms as well. As a third and last resort option, > you >> can always go to sighted assistance because some of the forms are just > not >> rendered in an accessible form. >> >> Good luck, >> Rob >> >> >> Robert D. Dittman >> Student Attorney >> St. Mary's University, Center for Legal and Social Justice (Civil > Clinic) >> 2507 N.W. 36th Street >> San Antonio, TX 78228-3918 >> Phone: (210) 431-5760 fax: (210) 431-5700 >> Email: rdittman at mail.stmarytx.edu >> >> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any >> attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may >> contain confidential or proprietary information. Any unauthorized >> review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not >> the intended recipient, immediately contact the sender by reply e-mail >> and destroy all copies of the original message. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] > On >> Behalf Of Tai Blas >> Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:09 PM >> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> Subject: [blindlaw] Inaccessible Government PDF Forms >> >> Hi all. I am working as a volunteer with my school's legal clinic helping >> victims of domestic violence file immigration forms to get U-visas. >> Unfortunately, these PDF forms are extremely inaccessible with JAWS. > When I >> tab through them, many of the fields are unlabeled. >> Sometimes, the checkboxes are confusing due to the way they are labeled. > Can >> someone please outline what steps I should take to address this problem? > i >> really want to assist these clients and don't want the burden of >> form-filling to fall to my sighted colleagues. Does anyone else have >> experience with immigration forms? >> >> Any information is appreciated. >> >> Thanks. >> >> Tai >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rdittman%40stmarytx.edu >> >> _______________________________________________ >> blindlaw mailing list >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> blindlaw: >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com >> > > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com > _______________________________________________ > blindlaw mailing list > blindlaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > blindlaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/taiablas%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ blindlaw mailing list blindlaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindlaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/aznor99%40aol.com From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Thu Sep 22 16:02:12 2011 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:02:12 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] Vacancy Announcement-Attorney Advisor (General); GS-0905-11/12/13 US Coast Guard Message-ID: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=102594938&JobTitle=Attorney+Advisor+(General)%3b+GS-0905-11%2f12%2f13&where=Seattle%2c+WA&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&x=0&y=0&rad=100&rad_units=miles&re=4&tm=5&pg=2&AVSDM=2011-09-20+18%3a58%3a00 Job Title: Attorney Advisor (General); GS-0905-11/12/13 Department: Department Of Homeland Security Agency: U.S. Coast Guard Sub Agency: United States Coast Guard Job Announcement Number: 11-2082-HQ-TE SALARY RANGE: $61,255.00 - $113,496.00 /year OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 to Tuesday, October 04, 2011 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0905-11/13 POSITION INFORMATION: This is a full-time position. This is an excepted appointment limited to 2 years. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 13 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: Seattle, WA WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens. Position is in the Excepted Service. JOB SUMMARY: Do you desire to protect American interests and secure our Nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism, secure borders, enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and ensure resilience to disasters. The vitality and magnitude of this mission is achieved by a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS. Apply for this exciting position to support the CG missions of safeguarding our Nation's maritime interests in the heartland, in the ports, at sea, and around the globe. For over two centuries the The U.S. Coast Guard has protected the maritime economy and the environment, we defend our maritime borders, and we save those in peril. This history has forged our character and purpose as America's Maritime Guardian - Always Ready for all hazards and all threats. This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Administrative Law Judges, in Seattle, WA. KEY REQUIREMENTS: * U.S. Citizenship is required. * This position requires travel. * This position requires a Secret clearance. Back to top Duties Additional Duty Location Info: Seattle, WA Coast Guard ALJs are responsible for conducting administrative hearings and issuing decisions for several different Federal departments and agencies, to include the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Agency, Customs and Border Protection, and the Bureau of Industry and Security. The primary purpose for this position is to serve as an attorney/adviser providing assistance to an ALJ by conducting legal research and analysis of laws, regulations, case law, interpretations, and opinions; preparing cases for hearing; developing case decisions; and responding to inquiries from parties and attorneys regarding procedures and case status. Being a CG civilian makes you a valuable member of the CG team. Typical work assignments include: -Serving as adviser to an ALJ in preparation of cases. Studies and analyzes case files; conducts a detailed analysis of the factual and legal issues involved; conducts legal research for cases and analyzes and studies the statutes, executive orders, regulations, and rules applicable to the cases heard by Coast Guard ALJs, as well as the Rules of Administrative Procedure as requested by the ALJ and the Federal Rules of Evidence. -On own determination or as requested by the ALJ, prepare pre-hearing memorandum which sets for the facts and issues presented, procedural history of the case, evidence presented and any conflicts which may need further clarification. On occasion, the attorney will be required to travel and attend administrative hearings and assist the ALJ with receiving evidence and coordinate witnesses, parties and court reporter to ensure the hearing is conducted fairly, fast and impartial. Back to top Qualifications and Evaluations QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: In addition to the above: To qualify for the GS-11 level candidates must: * possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited Law School; * be a member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia; or * must have specialized experience and ability to independently 1) assist ALJ in case preparation and knowledge of legal research and procedure sufficient for independently preparing draft decisions and orders, 2) general understanding of applicable regulations, statutes, and case law; 3) ability to research and analyze. To qualify for the GS-12 level candidates must: * possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited Law School; * be a member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia; and * must have specialized experience and ability to independently 1) assist ALJ in case preparation and knowledge of legal research and procedure sufficient for independently preparing draft decisions and orders, 2) provide analyses of laws and prepare cases for hearings; 3) develop case decisions; and, 4) general understanding of applicable regulations, statutes, and case law. To qualify for the GS-13 level candidates must: * possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA accredited Law School; * be a member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia; and * must have specialized experience and ability to independently 1) assist ALJ in case preparation and knowledge of legal research and procedure sufficient for independently preparing draft decisions and orders, 2) provide analyses of laws and prepare cases for hearings; 3) develop case decisions; 4) advising judges in preparation for cases; and, 5) Mastery level understanding of applicable regulations, statutes, and case law. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. This position has a positive education requirement. All Candidates must possess a J.D. or LL.B degree from an accredited law school; AND, must be a member in good standing of the appropriate licensing authority of any state or the District of Columbia Bar. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Qualified candidates will be rated by comparing each candidate's qualifications to the skills and experience pertinent to the position to be filled. Experience, education, training, awards, and performance will be considered. The following factors are of particular importance to the position to be filled, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas as part of their application. These areas must be addressed in a document separate from the resume and submitted as part of the application package. 1. Experience with administrative adjudication and the Administrative Procedure Act and Federal Rules of Evidence. 2. Effective written and verbal communication skills. 3. Knowledge of or experience with Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Personnel Enforcement statutes and regulations (46 USC 7701-7705, 46 CFR Part 5, and 33 CFR Part 20). 4. The ability to provide advice to senior officials within the Coast Guard and other stakeholder communities. NOTE: Qualified candidates may be invited for an interview. Final selection will be made on the basis of relevant experience, education, training, performance appraisal, job-related awards, interview, and the skills and experience identified above. To preview questions please click here. Back to top Benefits and Other Info BENEFITS: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to www.dhs.gov/careers and select "benefits." OTHER INFORMATION: Your application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579-5 USC 552a.) The information is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Sections 3302 and 3361. Selection is contingent upon proof of U.S. Citizenship. Applicants should be available for employment within 45 days of the date they were officially offered the position. Please be aware that applicants will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. If selected, at the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306. Certain responses on the form could pose a problem with suitability for employment determinations e.g., an affirmative answer to a conviction of a felony. If you are selected for this position, you will be subject to a determination of your suitability for Federal employment. Recruitment incentives may be authorized. Males born after 12/31/59 and at least 18 years of age must be registered with the Selective Service System. Visit Selective Service Registration Moving expenses will not be paid. If selection is made below the full performance level, the incumbent may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s). All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. All selectees are subject to an appropriate investigation. For Veterans' preference eligibility, visit Veterans' Employment Resources .More than 1 selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued. This is an excepted appointment not to exceed 2 years. However, an extension is possible. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. USCG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact 202-475-5269. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation Back to top How To Apply HOW TO APPLY: Application packages for this vacancy must be received on-line by 11:59 p.m ET on the closing date of the announcement. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: In order to receive full consideration, you must submit: 1. A resume or any other written format of your choice which clearly identifies the following information: *Job Information-Announcement number, title and grade. *Personal Information- Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address if available, day and evening phone numbers (with area code), country of citizenship, veterans' preference, highest Federal civilian series and grade held, if applicable. *Education- College or University name, city and state, major(s)and type and year of any degrees received. *Work Experience- job title, duties and accomplishments, current and former (within the last 10 years) employers' names and addresses, current and former supervisors' names and phone numbers where available, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary, and indicate whether your current supervisor may be contacted. *Other Qualifications- job-related training courses (title and year), skills, certificates and licenses, honors, awards, and special accomplishments. 2. A copy of your J.D. or LL.B. transcript. 3. A legal writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages. 4. You will be required to submit proof of current membership, in good standing, with the appropriate licensing authority of any state or the District of Columbia prior to any formal job offer. 5. Information related to the skills and experience listed under the Evaluations section above, may be done on a separate document, or incorporate it within your resume. You may find general application information and other forms at the website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, www.usajobs.opm.gov. None of the application documents will be returned. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard offers Career Transition Assistance Placement (CTAP) coverage to Attorneys within the Department of Homeland Security. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under CTAP provisions must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. If you are eligible under CTAP, you must submit a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or your specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP, a copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, series, grade level and duty location. You must clearly indicate the grade from which you separated or declared surplus. AGENCY CONTACT INFO: USCG Applicant Support Phone: 866-656-6830 Fax: 000-000-0000 Email: mgshelp at monster.com Agency Information: United States Coast Guard 1900 Half St., S.W. JR-8-0807 Washington, DC 20593 Fax: 000-000-0000 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: For information regarding the receipt of your application, you may call Robin Lewis at (202) 372-4445. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 106 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From AZNOR99 at aol.com Fri Sep 23 12:04:47 2011 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (AZNOR99 at aol.com) Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:04:47 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [blindlaw] With which Immigration Forms are people having the most trouble? Message-ID: <2db8a.6bd49cdc.3badcfde@aol.com> Hi All, I was able to contact someone at DHS and USCIS and they want to work with us to resolve the issues with the inaccessibility of USCIS forms. Can you let me know which forms are giving you the most trouble and why? So far I've noticed that there are several common issues among many forms - that in general, form fields are often either not tagged properly or are not tagged at all, radio buttons are sometimes not labeled, and checkboxes are either totally confusing because of incorrect tagging or are devoid of tagging. There also appears to be some extraneous form fields beneath the footer/revision dates of the form, and some radio buttons for certain questions are scattered all over the page. Also, there is no consistency in whether checkboxes and radio buttons appear before or after the statement to which they apply, so the user is confused as to which is the corresponding question. Section headings are often nonexistent, and questions that ask for multiple pieces of information about multiple individuals (e.g. list all children, dates of birth, addresses, place of birth, gender, etc.) are not in a tabular structure so there just appear to be a host of form fields without labels or tags. Finally, some of the tags for form fields are missing spaces between words or have improper spelling. So far, the forms that I've identified with some or all of these problems are the following: - Form G-1145 - Form AR-11 - Form G-28 - Form G-325A - Form G-635 - Form I-130 - Form I-34 - Form I-485 Please let me know the form number and title of the specific form and what the problem with it is with regard to accessibility. Please also let me know if you are aware of any other access issues common among forms to supplement the list above. Thanks, Ronza From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Wed Sep 28 23:07:05 2011 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:07:05 -0500 Subject: [blindlaw] FW: Job Opening: CAIR-WA Seeks Staff Attorney Message-ID: From: Jennifer Carter [mailto:jenniferc at wsba.org] Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 4:00 PM To: leeperthuynguyen at yahoo.com; asb at bmatlaw.com; aaron at glblaw.com; edelossantos at trueblueinc.com; castillo.mimi at ymail.com; asachs at wrenngroup.com; boksulee at yahoo.com; dko at kellerrohrback.com; lopezf at seattleu.edu; DavisJK at LanePowell.com; nicole at gaineslawoffice.com; rblack at susmangodfrey.com; bramirez at bpmlaw.com; efry at sisna.com; dclarks at co.pierce.wa.us; Aravind.swaminathan at usdoj.gov; ty.ho at hoassociates.com; DINHS at FOSTER.COM; MLe at perkinscoie.com; stuarpix at microsoft.com; Nightingale, Noel; Jessica.skelton at pacificalawgroup.com; zanabugaighis at DWT.com; kerem at melegal.org; milliek at nwjustice.org Cc: aneelah afzali Subject: Job Opening: CAIR-WA Seeks Staff Attorney FYI! Jennifer Carter| Diversity Program Coordinator Washington State Bar Association |* 206.239.2116 | F 206.727.8319 | * jenniferc at wsba.org 1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 600 | Seattle, WA 98101 | www.wsba.org Job Opening: CAIR-WA Seeks Staff Attorney CAIR-WA seeks a qualified Staff Attorney to work in its Civil Rights Department . About CAIR-WA: CAIR-Washington State is the local chapter of CAIR, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization committed to building a stronger civic society and a more vibrant democracy. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. Learn more at www.cairseattle.org Our office is conveniently located near downtown Seattle just three blocks from Metro's International District tunnel station. View our photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49994784 at N05/sets/ Watch our videos: www.youtube.com/cairwashington and www.youtube.com/cairtv RESPONSIBILITIES: The Staff Attorney will engage in civil rights litigation and advocacy for CAIR, including but not limited to representing complainants who have experienced religious discrimination in negotiations with opposing parties; filing complaints, discovery, motions practice, court appearances, and trial if necessary; and identifying, recruiting, and collaborating with private attorneys on religious discrimination cases. Religious discrimination may arise in areas including employment discrimination, police misconduct, government office discrimination, racial/religious profiling, school/university discrimination, immigration, family law, and defamation. The Staff Attorney will be expected to identify, strategize and use creative legal solutions to address systematic issues affecting those who suffer discrimination in the full range of potential forums (not just litigation). The Staff Attorney may also directly supervise the work of externs/interns in the department. QUALIFICATIONS: * Two-plus (2+) years litigation experience * Familiarity with civil rights, employment law, immigration law, family law, criminal law, and constitutional law * Excellent oral and written communication and advocacy skills * Strong ability to identify, recruit, and work with a number of private attorneys on cases * Demonstrated commitment to protecting civil liberties in the United States * High degree of initiative and willingness to work hard and collaborate with others * Creativity, passion, determination, and a positive attitude * Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to follow through on various ongoing and newly assigned case work * Admittance to the Washington State Bar Salary will range from $40k-$50k based on education, skills and experience. Benefits include paid holiday, vacation and sick leave. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are offered after three months. Application deadline is October 7, 2011. Start date to be mutually determined. Please submit a résumé, cover letter, two formal legal writing samples, and a list of at least three references. CAIR - Washington State 9594 First Avenue NE, #272 Seattle, WA 98115 E-MAIL: info at cairseattle.org If applying via e-mail, please be sure to include the position title in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be processed. CAIR-WA considers all candidates strictly on the basis of merit however Muslims are strongly encouraged to apply. ________________________________ ________________________________ Forward email CAIR-Washington | 9594 1st Avenue NE, Suite 272 | Seattle | WA | 98115 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 332 bytes Desc: image004.jpg URL: