[IL-Talk] Help with discrimination incident

Tue Sep 27 15:27:08 UTC 2022

Good for you. I had to use them a few years ago when one of my mom's doctors said I could not take her home from a colonoscopy and a lift because I wouldn't know if she passed out while in the car. It was absolutely ridiculous. Equip wrote that doctor a letter and then all of a sudden he changed his tune.

Leslie Hamric
Cello and Braille Music Teacher
Board member of National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division

> On Sep 27, 2022, at 10:09 AM, Kelly Pierce via IL-Talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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> 
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