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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Ed,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> It seems as if what you are saying is that we should not hold those who violate our civil rights accountable for their illegal actions! As we allow places of public accommodation to trample on our civil rights with indemnity, we allow ourselves to be relegated to second-class status! Perhaps we should all just stay home and be good little blind people grateful for what little pittance we receive. The other option is to take back our dignity and power by demanding our civil rights and holding those responsible for violating the laws we fought to enact be enforced! As for me, I will speak truth to power and take my rightful place in the fabric of society.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Advocates for service Animal Partners Inc.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Edward Sanders via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, January 25, 2023 9:41 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> Edward Sanders <griffsanders@gmail.com><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Solving the Uber/Lyft service Animal Problem: You have the power!<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks you so much for explaining how hart-plus operates as I have only lived in Tampa almost 30 years however it seems no one is happy with any system,no happy with hart-plus and now with uber or lyft. Maybe higher a driver then all issues are resolved. I had to higher a driver with my vending route <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Marion Gwizdala via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, January 25, 2023 3:21 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:marion.gwizdala@verizon.net">marion.gwizdala@verizon.net</a><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Solving the Uber/Lyft service Animal Problem: You have the power!<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Ed,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> There are numerous problems with your simplistic solution . First of all, para transit only provides transportation within a specified radius of the fixed route system and only during the regular hours during which the fixed route system operates. It also requires advanced reservations and can take an inordinate amount of time to get you to your destination. In addition, there are limitations as to how many pieces (packages) one may take and who they will transport. For instance, if I am returning from a gig at 1:00 a.m., I cannot use para transit. Since I need to transport my instruments and sound gear, I cannot do so on para transit. If I have two friends with me, neither of whom are disabled, para transit will only transport one of them. Lastly, Uber and Lyft cannot legally refuse to transport a disabled individual accompanied by a service dog either! Oh, and do I need to remind you that I was denied a ride on HART Plus because the driver asserted my dog was too big?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Respectfully submitted,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marion Gwizdala . <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Edward Sanders via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, January 25, 2023 1:00 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> Edward Sanders <<a href="mailto:griffsanders@gmail.com">griffsanders@gmail.com</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Solving the Uber/Lyft service Animal Problem: You have the power!<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Easy fix use hart-plus!They can’t refuse your guide dog.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Marion Gwizdala via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, January 25, 2023 11:06 AM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:marion.gwizdala@verizon.net">marion.gwizdala@verizon.net</a><br><b>Subject:</b> [NFBF-Tampa] Solving the Uber/Lyft service Animal Problem: You have the power!<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h4 align=center style='margin-top:0in;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111;font-weight:normal'>Webinar: Solving the Uber/Lyft Service Animal Problem: You have the power!<o:p></o:p></span></h4><h4 align=center style='margin-top:0in;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#111111;font-weight:normal'><o:p> </o:p></span></h4><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><a href="https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D58F76'>Join the conversation</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>As a service animal handler, I feel the same sort of anxiety each time I open the Uber or Lyft app. I will even admit that I have sometimes opted for the easy out of not taking my service dog when I really wanted and felt I needed him so as to not risk missing an important meeting due to a driver’s failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I have had Uber drivers speed away as I approach their vehicle and even had my hand caught in a door handle as the Uber pulled away! A strong, collective voice among service animal handlers can make a significant impact on this serious, pervasive, and persistent discrimination!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><a href="https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D58F76'>Join the conversation</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>On Tuesday, February 7 at 1:00 & 8:00 p.m. Eastern, Advocates for Service Animal Partners will host “Solving the Uber & Lyft Service Animal Problem: You have the power!” This conversation will feature David Shaffer, a prominent Washington, D.C. civil rights attorney.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Our experts will<br>*Discuss the issues we face with Uber and Lyft<br>*Help us understand the value and importance of collective action<br>*Share tips on how to gather compelling evidence<br>*Help us navigate the complaint filing process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><a href="https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D58F76'>Join the conversation</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Every disabled individual who uses a service animal knows that Uber and Lyft are among the biggest offenders when it comes to violating our civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Though each company has specific policies concerning their drivers’ responsibilities to provide rides to those of us who use service dogs to mitigate our disabilities, it seems their commitment to comply with the law and hold their drivers responsible are nothing more than words. In fact, when one service dog handler contacted Uber about one of their drivers denying a ride twice in three days, she was told she should request that driver not be assigned to her rather than permanently removing the driver from their platform as their policy requires.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Advocates for Service Animal Partners urges you to join us in holding Uber and Lyft accountable for their persistent and pervasive pattern of discrimination by demanding the Department of Justice send a clear and unmistakable message to Uber and Lyft that denying our civil rights will no longer be tolerated!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><a href="https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#D58F76'>Join the conversation</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text style='margin-top:0in;box-sizing: border-box;margin-bottom:1rem;line-height:calc(1.4 * (1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));font-size:calc(1.035rem + 0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28))'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>WHAT: Solving the Uber/Lyft Service Animal Problem: You have the power!<br>WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 2023TIMES: 1:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Eastern<br>WHERE: Anywhere & Everywhere Via Zoom; the link will be sent upon registration<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=mbr-text align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center;background:#EEEEEE;box-sizing: border-box;font-size:0.81rem !important;font-weight:inherit;line-height:calc(1.4 * (0.965rem + -0.065 * ((100vw - 20rem) / 28)));word-break:break-word;overflow-wrap: break-word'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:white'>Advocates for Service Animal Partners provides this material for informational purposes only. Material contained here is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney licensed to practice law in your state.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>(He/His/Him)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Office: 386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Hotline: 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:Advocacy411@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Advocacy411@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>ServiceAnimals.info<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Facebook.com/asap411/<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>“Forward together!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>