[Blindtlk] a sincere appology, and a possible discrimination case.

[Judy Jones]

Hi, Mike,

I totally empathize.  My husband and I faced something similar in a 
supermarket several years ago in Florida.  I was asked if I could come back 
when they weren't so busy, and I said no.  I was working and needed to come 
in as time allowed.

After having said that, I did readily receive help, and never have been 
asked that question in any store since then.

I live in Idaho, and would strongly recommend you contact your state 
affiliate president and find out the closest local chapter so you can get 
some local support, as well as that of the list.

The other thing I would recommend is to not call ahead.  The market is a 
public place, and under the ADA, customer assistance is a reasonable 
accommodation.

Seems strange that Ryan is making a big deal out of this at four in the 
morning when I doubt there are long lines at the registers.

You are a consumer who trades at the store, as anyone else does, and 
although I bet you were calling out of courtesy, you should not have to do 
so.  Do other patrons call, asking permission to shop when they need to?  I 
doubt it.

Again, remind Ryan if you should see him that his business is a place of 
public business, and he has an obligation under the ADA to provide customer 
assistance.  Also, sometimes, the state laws are even tougher than the ADA.

There have been times when I need to delineate that all I need is to be 
shown where the item is and given its price.  Once that is understood, no 
problems.

Please let us know how things turn out, and know we support your right to 
shop.  (grins)

Judy

-----Original Message----- 
From: Michael Capelle via blindtlk
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2014 11:42 AM
To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org ; blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] a sincere appology, and a possible discrimination case.

Hello NFB!
I am coming to you to first of all, appologize for my bitterness.  For those
who know me, I was very bitter about the NFB and its practices.  After this
weekend, and my experience with another organization, I realize, that nfb is
where I belong.
Please see the following incident that did happen to me this past week.



> Hello all.
> I would like to discuss an incident which occured this past wednesday.
> I called a local grocery store, crossroads county market at or about 3:00
> A.M. I spoke to a gentleman, curtus, and asked if I could obtain shoppers
> assistance in an hour, as I am totally blind, and just needed a few items.
> He said that he would assist me, and to come on in.  I called metro cab,
> and was transported to the store.  When I arived, curtus was at the
> counter, and stated to the manager, ryan, that I was here, and he was
> going to help me shop.  Ryan immediately stopped him, and told him that I
> needed to bring in an assistant.  I immediately told him, that I don't
> just have assistance, and that they had helped me shop in the past.  He
> said yes we do have people that help us, and that if i can't bring in an
> assistant to arange one for later in the day.  I told him impossible, and
> he stated that he has handicapped friends who bring in assistance all the
> time.   I told him, that I am not his handicapped friends, and restated
> that they have helped me in the past, again, he said, his manager, ryan
> aiers told him that they are not to help us, and that we needed
> assistance.  I was outraged, and proceeded to call the Wausau police
> department.  After officers arived, and spoke to ryan, he told them that
> they are understaffed, and they again can not help me.
> The officers were very kind, and offered me a ride home.  Ryan told the
> officers that I was still allowed in the store, as long as I brought an
> assistant.
> Under the ADA, I believe there are clauses that protect our rights, and
> outline certain things a store must provide to blind persons?
> Do I have a case in regards to discrimination?
> Thanks.
> Mike.
After posting this to the ACB lists, a lot of people supported my side,
while the majority said I deserved it, that I should of prepared better, a
lot of people over there were just very rude, and really offended me.
I felt they just stood on the side-lines, I know the NFB stands up for what
we believe, and that is what I am looking for in an organized movement.
Thanks,
Mike.


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