[IL-Talk] Help with discrimination incident

[Robert]

Hi Kelly

This "incident" is so off the wall and outrageous, I would consider contacting the NFB national center. They are sometimes willing to throw in lawyers that work with them on various blindness situations. They are professionals in that area, and I would assume free to you. 

Be aware, however, you could win your case, and end up still being an unwanted client. 

Good luck, 
Bob Gardner

-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk <il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Kelly Pierce via IL-Talk
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 4:12 PM
To: il-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Kelly Pierce <kellytalk at gmail.com>
Subject: [IL-Talk] Help with discrimination incident

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.

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