[IL-Talk] Help with discrimination incident

[Kelly Pierce]

Today’s experience with the owner of one of the best gyms in America
was like going back to the attitudes of the 1980s. Legal action
certainly is needed as well as education in the capacities of blind
people.  I will appreciate any help in opening up this gym to blind
people.  My description of the blindness discrimination is below.

Kelly


On September 26, 2022 I visited Quads Gym at 3727 N. Broadway Street
in Chicago for the purpose of obtaining a membership and performing a
workout.  I spoke to Dave De Young, the owner of Quads Gym.  He
refused to sell me a membership because blind people pose a safety
risk to themselves and others. I am blind and use a long, white cane
for travel and navigation. Specifically, he said that I could fall
down stairs, trip over personal bags and weights placed on the floor,
or injure myself on the equipment. He also said I could pose insurance
liability risks, and suggested I visit a chain gym such as Planet
Fitness. I stated that I had been a member of Defined gym for the last
10 years. Defined is a gym about a block away.  I suggested that he
call the owners of Defined who would describe my capacities and
capabilities in navigating a gym and in lifting weights. I have
participated successfully in three powerlifting competitions at
facilities other than Defined. De Young said he did not need to
contact anyone else because he knows that a blind person would be
dangerous in a gym.  He wondered why I left defined. I explained my
interest was the same as others who state on De Young’s website
“Quads is a one of a kind gym and far superior to those impersonal,
cookie-cutter chains. Quads equipment is superior. The people are fun
and personable.” The gym was named one of the top ten gyms in America
by Muscular Development magazine. The facility spans 40,000 square
feet with various kinds of equipment and fitness areas.  De Young said
the only way I or any other blind person could become a member is if a
personal trainer were to accompany me continuously during every visit.
Trainers listed on the Quads website quote prices of $100 an hour. If
a blind person were to visit the gym three times a week for a whole
year, the cost of this requirement would be $15,600, more than 25
times higher than the $600 yearly rate charged to sighted members. I
pointed out this amount was cost prohibitive, but De Young said it was
the only way to protect his legal liability and ensure the safety of
myself and other members. He said his decision was for my benefit. The
conversation ended after both sides stated their positions and I left
the business.