[Tn-talk] August 9, 2016 Court Hearing Information-Rutherford County Versus Former Uber Driver

Thu Aug 4 03:12:02 UTC 2016

Dear Federation Family, 
Tuesday, August 9th, at 8:00 am, at the Rutherford County Judicial Building, there will be a hearing which will include Rutherford County versus the former Uber driver. The Uber driver denied public service to James Boehm because he used a service animal.Thus, the county is charging the former Uber driver. I asked for anyone who will come to be at the courthouse with me for three reasons:
1. We will stand united to support a federation family member.
2. Your presence will help to promote awareness that on a daily basis, people who are blind are being denied public services because of their guide dogs.
3. Our presence demonstrates the importance of accountability. In other words, drivers of taxi companies should be prosecuted for breaking the law and leaving individuals stranded.
A number of things could happen at the hearing, including:
- The former Uber driver might plead guilty and accept consequences for her offense.
- She might plead not guilty and ask for a continuance to either attain an attorney or negotiate the penalties with the county.
-Or, her charges could be dismissed and she be given a warning.
Regardless, the whole fact that the hearing is taking place and that the former driver is being charged demonstrates this issue is important; drivers and the public need to be educated. The law should be enforced, especially when a person who provides a public service defiantly and intentionally disregards the rights of the blind who use guide dogs.
Below, you will find the address for the judicial building and the court room information. You will also find the press release that was approved by TN President James Brown, NAGDU President Marion Gwizdala, and NFB President Mark Riccobono. I thank you for your support and dedication in demonstrating that the blind are not second class citizens, nor should they be treated as such. We have the right to the same public services as anyone else, whether we use a guide dog, cane, or wheel chair. Here is the information:

Rutherford County Judicial Building
20 North Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN  37130

The hearing begins at 8:00 am in Room 102, with Judge McFarland presiding.
When entering the building, you will have to go through security and metal detectors. Ask the personnel once you go through security, and they will escort you to Room 102. Let us be dignified and respectful in our actions and words!
Here is the press release:
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
FROM: Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users
DATE: July 18, 2016
TO: All Media
RE: Criminal Case Against Uber Driver 
CONTACT:
James Boehm
901-483-1515
secretary at nfb-tn.org

UBER DRIVER FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES

On April 28, 2016, James Boehm and his guide dog Shep were left stranded at an animal hospital in Murfreesboro, TN. An Uber driver defiantly squealed away, refusing to transport the guide dog team home. 

“I was distraught and infuriated all at once!” stated Mr. Boehm, who filed a police report with the Rutherford County sheriff’s department. After an investigation, the state Attorney filed charges against Rolonda Douglas. The hearing is scheduled for August 9th, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. at the Rutherford County Judicial Building located at 20 North Public Square.  

“This case is so important because it sets a precedent for all Uber, Lyft, or other taxi drivers,” says James Boehm.  “If they discriminate against a service animal user, the violators will be prosecuted.” 

Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Tennessee and their guide dogs, along with other service dog users from around the state plan to attend the hearing to support the cause. “Such incidents occur far too often and we want to present a strong,united front in support of this case,” says james Brown, president of the NFB of Tennessee. “We want to make a statement that such discrimination is not acceptable.

Not only does the Americans with Disabilities Act make it clear that disabled individuals have the right to be accompanied by a service dog, Tennessee statute 62.7.112 strengthens the ADA by providing criminal penalties for such discrimination. As a Class C misdemeanor, violating the civil rights of a disabled person accompanied by a service dog is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $50. (The entire text of the Tennessee statute accompanies this release.)
# # #
About the National Federation of the Blind

	The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest organization of the blind in the United States. The NFB knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations are the obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds you back. The Federation provides scholarships to blind students; support for those who are blind or losing their eyesight; advocacy for the blind facing discrimination; and educational programs for the general public on topics of blindness. The NFB is not an organization that speaks on behalf of the blind; we are the blind speaking for ourselves.

About NAGDU
	The Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users (TAGDU) is a strong and proud division of the National Association of Guide Dog Users. The National Association of Guide dog Users is the nation’s leading membership organization for blind people who use guide dogs.  NAGDU is a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind. NAGDU conducts public awareness campaigns on issues of guide dog use, provides advocacy support for guide dog handlers who face discrimination, supports sound policy and effective legislation to protect the rights of guide dog users, offers educational programs to school and civic organizations, and functions as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind. For more information about the National Association of Guide Dog Users and to support their work, you can visit their website at

HTTP://WWW.NAGDU.ORG <http://www.nagdu.org/>

Or send an email message to 

Info at NAGDU.ORG <mailto:Info at NAGDU.ORG>
James Alan Boehm
Contact Information:
Phone: 901-483-1515
Personal Email: jimmydagerman80 at gmail.com
NFB Email: secretary at nfb-tn.org
Kustom Cane: kustomcane at gmail.com

Blindness never limits-low expectations do! Live the life you want!