[SportsandRec] an ADA question

Sat Apr 6 14:44:56 UTC 2024

Hi Danielle,
Thanks for the imput. And I felt the same as in just one stairmaster and one elliptical rather than all of them and I did make that point.  The impression I get from the front desk people is they are just putting in their time and really don't want to think.  It seems very compartmentalized  as in the only person who can help is the person in charge of the actual gym(wellness center) and I have gone back at different times to try to speak with someone else but thus far no luck.  The next step is emails I believe.  And I do agree with you, in most cases I have found people are very willing tohelp they simply never gave it any thought.
Again thanks for your thoughts.
I will keep you all up to date on how this shakes out.
Bill

-----Original Message-----
From: SportsandRec <sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Danielle Fernandez via SportsandRec
Sent: Saturday, April 6, 2024 10:12 AM
To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List <sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Danielle Fernandez <mauidf81 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [SportsandRec] an ADA question

Hi, I have definitely dealt with this in the past. I think what the best plan action would be is figure out, which elliptical or other machines that you like to use and just pick one that you would normally use. So that way they don’t feel that they have to label every single one. I think that Has been a lot of peoples hesitation. Bringing your own bump dots. Probably the thin, clear ones you could probably use more of the bigger, bump dots. But I don’t know if that will block the writing. I don’t think so but some people have problems with it some people don’t. Some people might really like the dots as a side person too because then they don’t have to look.  Just be as helpful as possible talk to not just the woman you talk to before but find somebody else. Someone at the front desk even the manager of the YMCA. It doesn’t even have to be the wellness center. Get people involved just say this is what I need to be more proactive here at the gym. I love this place and I would hate to leave. These are a few ideas that I have to make , some of the machines that I want to work on work. They can take the bumped offs off later if they want with rubbing alcohol you can always let them know that so that way it won’t damage the machine. Usually the bump don’t stay on there that long anyways.  I think they make the first step of helping you label. It might not be that bad if you need labeling somewhere else. Depending on what kind of thing it might be, but always letting them know that these dots can come off, so that way they don’t think they’re primitive and  Help them give them the choice if anything here is a few different types of bump, dots, which ones do you think would be the best on the machines. So that way they can kinda decide for themselves so that way it’s not just your idea it’s theirs too.  Hope that helps. I think people just don’t realize what they can, and cannot do with equipment. As long as you’re confident about what you need on the machines, it should be easy for them. Right back if there’s any other problems. 
Sincerely,

Danielle Frampton

On Apr 6, 2024, at 7:02 AM, Gaston Bedard via SportsandRec <sportsandrec at nfbnet.org> wrote:

Hello Bill.
I feel your frustration.
Just a few ideas.
I worked out in a local gym for 11 years, and the machines were as they were, mostly for the sighted.
I ended up memorizing the buttons, knobs, stick here and flat screen there.
One suggestion.
There is a sticky rubbery substance that will form a dot or bump when it dries.
Most sticky dots and bumps fall off after awhile.

Another idea.
Speak with the president or supervisor of the INCA, where you are working out.
Get it down in writing, by email.

Then, you may want to email and speak with the INCA head office .
It is good to have it in writing.
Therefore, email communication is a great way to get positive results.

Recently, I received my banks accessibility policies by email in the Word format.
I had requested accommodation due to my blindness and deafness.
The 2 bank managers didn't seem to know what I was talking about.
I finally got the documents after 5 months and 20 emails.
The bank head office is now following up on my complaint.

I can email them to you, if you like.
Gaston

-----Original Message-----
From: SportsandRec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of bill kociaba via SportsandRec
Sent: April-06-24 8:23 AM
To: 'Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List'
Cc: kociabafitness at gmail.com
Subject: [SportsandRec] an ADA question

Happy Saturday to you all!

Thought I would see if any of you have had a similar situation and how much success you had in resolving it.

I am currently training at the local YMCA and asked their "wellness director" about attaching a few "dots" to one of each type of cardio machine to get past the touch screen problem.  The stair climbers and ellipticals have actual buttons for speed and elevation but the quick start function is on a touch screen.  There is usually someone around to help me get started
but that's not the point.    I haven't heard back from her as of yet but am
thinking she just blew me off as its been a couple of weeks.  I don't like pulling the "blind card" and saying, "you have to. It's the law." But would like to have my facts if I have to.  I realize a privately owned gym like a planet Fitness or La fitness might be able to say they are a private club and  Blah, blah, blah. But wondering if a YMCA being more of a comunity/public facility  might be some what different.

Any help on this one would be greatly appreciated.

Bill

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