[Ohio-talk] Fw: Our Recent Telephone Conversation

[Dr. Smith]

I need the appropriate people to read this and get back to me or to the sender as soon as possible but copy me please?

JW

----- Original Message ----- 
From: National Federation of the Blind 
To: jwsmithnfb at verizon.net 
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 11:01 AM
Subject: Fw: Our Recent Telephone Conversation


Dear Dr. Smith,
    We recently talked on the Telephone about the issue of a member in Wisconsin being denied the right to be accompanied by her service animal. As I mentioned, this company has several locations in Ohio. According to the information you sent to me, Ohio provides criminal remedies for such denial. The national Association of guide Dog Users, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, is seeking members who use a guide dog or other service animal, are between the ages of 18 and 65, are in good health, and are willing to help us challenge this unlawful policy. these people will be asked to go to one of this company's facilities and attempt to use their services. The most likely scenario is that they will be denied access. Should this happen, these members need to be prepared to file a criminal complaint with local law enforcement and the State Attorney, a civil complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's office, and a Federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice. The National Federation of the Blind will assist these members in taking these steps. We are seeking members who live in or near Athens, Findlay, Lima, and Middletown. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if we have members in these areas who can help us out.
 
Fraternally,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
813-626-2789
800-558-8261
president at nfb-nagdu.org