[nfb-talk] a sincere appology, and a possible discrimination case.

[David Andrews]

Michael:

We are of course always glad to have new members.  I hope things work 
out for you and that you can find a place in which you are 
comfortable.  I would caution you based on your message.  On any list 
you are going to get a range of reactions, some supportive some not, 
some you will agree with, and some not.  And ... what people say 
doesn't necessarily mean that this is the position of the NFB, or 
other sponsoring organization.

Dave

At 12:42 PM 8/17/2014, you wrote:
>Hello NFB!
>I am coming to you to first of all, appologize for my 
>bitterness.  For those who know me, I was very bitter about the NFB 
>and its practices.  After this weekend, and my experience with 
>another organization, I realize, that nfb is where I belong.
>Please see the following incident that did happen to me this past week.
>
>
>
>>Hello all.
>>I would like to discuss an incident which occured this past wednesday.
>>I called a local grocery store, crossroads county market at or about 3:00
>>A.M. I spoke to a gentleman, curtus, and asked if I could obtain shoppers
>>assistance in an hour, as I am totally blind, and just needed a few items.
>>He said that he would assist me, and to come on in.  I called metro cab,
>>and was transported to the store.  When I arived, curtus was at the
>>counter, and stated to the manager, ryan, that I was here, and he was
>>going to help me shop.  Ryan immediately stopped him, and told him that I
>>needed to bring in an assistant.  I immediately told him, that I don't
>>just have assistance, and that they had helped me shop in the past.  He
>>said yes we do have people that help us, and that if i can't bring in an
>>assistant to arange one for later in the day.  I told him impossible, and
>>he stated that he has handicapped friends who bring in assistance all the
>>time.   I told him, that I am not his handicapped friends, and restated
>>that they have helped me in the past, again, he said, his manager, ryan
>>aiers told him that they are not to help us, and that we needed
>>assistance.  I was outraged, and proceeded to call the Wausau police
>>department.  After officers arived, and spoke to ryan, he told them that
>>they are understaffed, and they again can not help me.
>>The officers were very kind, and offered me a ride home.  Ryan told the
>>officers that I was still allowed in the store, as long as I brought an
>>assistant.
>>Under the ADA, I believe there are clauses that protect our rights, and
>>outline certain things a store must provide to blind persons?
>>Do I have a case in regards to discrimination?
>>Thanks.
>>Mike.
>After posting this to the ACB lists, a lot of people supported my 
>side, while the majority said I deserved it, that I should of 
>prepared better, a lot of people over there were just very rude, and 
>really offended me.
>I felt they just stood on the side-lines, I know the NFB stands up 
>for what we believe, and that is what I am looking for in an 
>organized movement.
>Thanks,
>Mike.

         David Andrews and long white cane Harry.
E-Mail:  dandrews at visi.com or david.andrews at nfbnet.org