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

Sun Aug 17 21:48:40 UTC 2014

Hi, Mike,

I think in NFB you will find a variety of different opinions about this as 
well.  As for whether or not you have a case, some good legal counseling 
from an attorney would be appropriate.  I suspect the national office would 
be able to direct you in that area, or others here on the list, but it 
certainly sounds like you might want to consult with an attorney.  I have 
almost never had problems getting assistance in a grocery store, wherever I 
lived.  There was a situation in which it was suggested by a store manager 
that I call first, to make sure there were staff available, which it sounds 
like you did, but other than that I have never had a problem.  In my present 
situation, as I live several miles from the nearest big grocery store, I pay 
someone to drive me there and to help me shop, but I suspect if I lived 
closer, since some of the staff there know me and are extremely helpful 
anyway, I would have no problem.  I don't understand this rather strange 
idea that we as blind people somehow have built-in aids, but I've heard it 
expressed more than once.  This is part of that stereotyping that some 
people insist on clinging to, no matter what we might say, borne of 
ignorance and this idea that all people with disabilities should be lumped 
together into one category.  It would seem that if the store is that 
indifferent about getting your business, I would see if there's another 
grocery store you could patronize and, just in case this happens again, see 
if you can get someone to drive you and help you shop.  Frankly, this is one 
area in which it just might be necessary to ask for that help if you keep 
getting this kind of treatment.  There is absolutely no shame in asking 
someone to go with you, and perhaps taking them to lunch or paying them a 
little gas money.

Mark Tardif
Nuclear arms will not hold you.
-----Original Message----- 
From: Michael Capelle via blindtlk
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2014 1:42 PM
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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