[nfbmi-talk] Fw: just partial documentation of discrimination by state of michigan

[joe harcz Comcast]

Background on inaccessable signage in Victor Office Building and not the only state building either. In fact the last time I was at the State Capitol, State Library, Flint State Office Building, and Cadillac Center all were woefully in violation of the ADA and Section 504 in this regards.

Joe
----- Original Message ----- 
From: joe harcz Comcast 
To: blind democracy List 
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 10:39 AM
Subject: just partial documentation of discrimination by state of michigan 


March 15, 2010

 

Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.

1365 E. Mt. Morris Rd.

Mt. Morris, MI  48458

 

Re: Accessible Signage and Discrimination

 

All,

I note the following section from the Michigan Department of Energy Labor and Economic Growth (ADA Notice and Complaint Procedures:

 

“The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities.   This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

 

Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to the designated ADA Title II Coordinator.

 

Title:                               ADA Title II Coordinator

Office Address:               201 North Washington Square, Suite 150

                                      Lansing, MI 48913

Phone Number:               877-499-6232                  

TDD:                              877-499-6232

E-Mail:                            MCDC at Michigan.gov              “

 

Now, last Friday I took it upon myself to conduct an informal survey looking for compliance or lack thereof in the Victor Office Building in regards to signage that is compliant and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines. I discovered many signs that were not compliant. But, the most egregious was on the office door at the very office of The Michigan Commission for Disability Concerns  ADA Coordinator listed above. First, it was mounted on the door, thus did not comply with ADAAG mounting location. But, more importantly this sign had no Raised Character or Braille elements denoting its designation as the office of the Michigan Commission for Disability Concerns although that was clearly printed visually. In fact I would not have known of just what this office was if a sighted passerby hadn’t informed me of it.

 

I did enter the office and I informed Cheryl (a staffer of this issue). I also took with me samples of ADAAG compliant signage and I showed it to her.

 

Now, here is the conundrum with all of this:

 

 

 

 

 

Just how do we file grievances against the very people responsible for ADA compliance with state agencies like this one (as well as its subordinate Michigan Commission for the Blind) when the very people responsible?  For long standing requirements are the very perpetrators of discrimination over a protracted period of time?

 

Sincerely,

 

Paul “Joe” Harcz, Jr.

 

Cc: many 



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