[NAGDU] filing a complaint

Mon Jul 17 16:56:14 UTC 2017

I would think that inside the secure area it is covered under the ACA, but
in the not secured areas it would fall under the ADA. So, if you were near
the terminals, after going through security, that would be ACA, and if you
were headed to go through security, or if you had left the terminals behind
and were headed towards baggage claim, I would think that would be under the
ADA. I do agree that this wouldn't be an access issue, so much as aggressive
and unprofessional conduct/harassment by the airport employee.

Heather Bird
"They came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't
a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I
wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a
Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up." -
Martin Niemöller
In our diverse society we must never fail to speak up in the face of Human
Rights violations lest we be the next targets of such violations.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie Johnson via
NAGDU
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2017 12:15 PM
To: Michael Hingson via NAGDU
Cc: Julie Johnson
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] filing a complaint

She did give me a web address and page to visit, but they were incorrect.
With Yohei's info, I think I have it figured out.  I am writing a draft
right now.  I want to wait until sidney comes in to work this afternoon to
see if he can add any details.  He was with me for the entire episode.
Should I ask him to file an additional complaint?

I am not sure if it will matter, but is the airport covered by the ADA or
ACAA?  This issue is more about serious unprofessional ism and not access so
much, still I want to have all my info straight.

Thanks!
Julie
On 7/17/2017 11:07 AM, Michael Hingson via NAGDU wrote:
> Julie,
>
> Did the second person give you a specific page to visit? Did they give 
> you a department?
>
> I am looking at the site now and there is no form on the contact us page.
>
> I would be happy to make a joint call with you. We could, for example 
> contact guest relations. You are
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie 
> Johnson via NAGDU
> Sent: Monday, July 17, 2017 7:42 AM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Julie Johnson <julielj402 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NAGDU] filing a complaint
>
> I think I need some moral support before I give myself a stroke. 
> Here's the
> skinny:
>
>
> On Saturday while transferring to my second flight in Atlanta I had an
> extremely bad encounter with an airport maintenance employee.    The
> first flight was a bit late in arriving and I had only about 30 
> minutes to make it to the connecting flight.  I had used the escalator 
> down to get to where I needed to go quickly. At the bottom of the 
> escalator I was approached by a very belligerent person.  He began by 
> asking if I had just taken the escalator with that dog.  I answered that I
had.
> then he proceeded to yell and I do mean yell.  He identified himself 
> as a maintenance employee and told me that he takes dogs paws out of 
> the escalator daily.  He called me names including stupid and moron.  
> He was [Michael Hingson] going to need to put all this in writing at 
> some point, but let's find the right place. Thoughts?
>
>
> Best Regards,
>
>
> Michael Hingson
> Vice President, NAGDU
>
> The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
> "Speaking with Vision"
> Michael Hingson, President
> (415) 827-4084
> info at michaelhingson.com
> To order Michael Hingson's new book, Running With Roselle, and check 
> on Michael Hingson's speaking availability for your next event please
visit:
> www.michaelhingson.com
>   
> To purchase your own portrait of Roselle painted by the world's 
> foremost animal artist, Ron Burns, please visit 
> http://www.ronburns.com/roselle waving his arms and was generally 
> rather threatening.  I stated that it was my dog and my decision.  He 
> interrupted me, continuing with the names and the tirade about dogs on 
> escalators.  I stated again that it was my dog and my decision.  I
requested that he mind his own business.
> He continued with his truly epically unprofessional behavior.
>
>
> Of course Monty has been trained to navigate escalators.  We had no 
> issues on the actual escalator.  I understand that there are differing 
> views on the use of escalators with dogs.  I do not wish to debate 
> that.  Everything has a risk.  I could get hit by a car crossing the 
> street.  I take the risk anyway, because I need to get on with my life.
> I like to believe I am a reasonably intelligent adult with the ability 
> to weigh the pros and cons and make my own decisions.
>
>
> This morning I called guest services to file a complaint.  The first 
> woman on the phone argued with me about dogs on escalators. She said 
> that the man was unprofessional and should have calmly informed me of 
> the pros and cons instead of shouting and name calling.  I informed 
> her that I already know the pros and cons and don't need a lecture 
> from a random airport employee who does not know about service dogs, 
> service dog training or what my particular dog has been trained to do.  
> I am quite capable of making my own decisions about myself and my guide
> dog.   She transferred me to another department.
>
>
> Second lady was much better.  No problems with her at all, except she 
> wants me to file an online complaint documenting the whole mess.  I 
> have no problem with doing that, except she gave me the web address as 
> www at atl.com.  That was supposed to be the web site, not an email, I 
> confirmed that.  I tried a couple of web browsers and they won't bring 
> it up.  Using www.atl.com does work and appears to be the correct 
> address.  However when I go to the contact us page there is supposed 
> to be a form, but either I'm not on the right page, or it's an 
> accessibility issue.
>
>
> Please help!  My blood pressure it as its limit.  Thanks so much to 
> all of you for being there in times of stress.  I wouldn't wish this 
> experience on anyone, but it's nice to know that all of you understand 
> because you've been there and done that.
>
>
> Thanks!
>
> Julie
>
>
>
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