[IL-Talk] Help with discrimination incident

[Kelly Pierce]

Thanks everyone for all the support. I have contacted Equip for
Equality and provided them the details I provided here. I am told I
will hear back from them in a few days. When I learn more, I will
update.

Kelly




On 9/27/22, Maureen Reid via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Kelly,
>
> What outcome are you looking for? You can sue them for access and the
> ability to join, which seems like the city of Chicago Human Rights office
> and filing a claim with them.  If you are seeking more and a significant
> financial award, then seeking out an attorney with that in mind is called
> for. When denied access in the past, I have contacted the State's Attorney
> General office, and that was also helpful.
> I hope you gain access and a welcome from the owner so you can enjoy their
> facility and the ability to work out without incident.
>
> Warmly,
>
> Maureen Reid
>
>
> -----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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