[BlindTlk] Home Owner's Association complaining about video doorbell

[Judy Jones]

Hi, Sherri,

While I don't know if a video doorbell is documented as a reasonable
accommodation technically under the ADA, in spirit, I would agree with you,
since you don't have the ability to look through any kind of peephole.

The whole idea is that you have a right to know who is at your door before
opening.  

We're old-school, and have the regular doorbell, and have never thought
about getting one that allows some sort of identification.

How would that keep you safe though?  I'm just curious, trying to follow the
thought process.

I'm one that's so bad with voices anyway.

Also, it would be interesting to know what the specific complaint is.  After
all, you don't benefit from the video camera itself, unless you are talking
about a camera recording and surveillance, which, again, wouldn't help you
at the instant of the doorbell event.

What about a doorbell with audio speaker only?  That's why I'm asking what
the specific complaint is about a video doorbell.  Is it too loud, is the
complainant thinking they don't have privacy, whatever it is, hard to say.

Judy

-----Original Message-----
From: BlindTlk <blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sherri Brun via
BlindTlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2020 8:38 PM
To: BlindTlk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Sherri Brun <flmom2006 at gmail.com>
Subject: [BlindTlk] Home Owner's Association complaining about video
doorbell

This is take two for this message.  Tried to send earlier and it said it was
not deliverable.  Anyway, here's my story.

 

I live in a condo.  I own my own condo.  My condo is upstairs with an
entrance that goes I into the building and then up the stairs to my door.  I
share the hallway with one other condo.  

 

A year and a half ago for mothers' day, my children gave me a Ring video
doorbell.  They were concerned for my safety as I live alone and always had
to open the door when someone knocked.  The doorbell was installed.  No one
said anything until this week.

 

I got a letter from my Home Owner's Association saying that I did not get
permission to have the device installed and it is not allowed to be there.
Therefore, I must fill out a form and take it down immediately.

 

I do not want to remove the doorbell.  I cannot see anything on the camera,
as I am totally blind.  The only thing I do with it is communicate with
people at my door.  As of now, unless someone tells me something to the
contrary, I consider this a reasonable accommodation under the ADA and plan
on leaving this installed.  Any comments would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

Sherri Brun

flmom2006 at gmail.com

 

"life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."  John
Lennon

 

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."  John
Lennon

In tribute

 

_______________________________________________
BlindTlk mailing list
BlindTlk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
BlindTlk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/sonshines59%40gmail.co
m