Hello Gang,
JUST ADDED TO OUR HOME PAGE-DECEMBER 2007
Portals/0/KerrArticles/People%20who%20have%20difficulty%20walking%20and%20the%20Segway-12_2_2007.pdf
This is a "must read" for anyone who uses a Segway as a mobility aid.
GSA AND THE SEGWAY:
Portals/0/GSA%20Policy/GSA%20Segway%20Policy.pdf
Here's are a few links to documents that every DRAFT member should be aware of or carry a copy with them.
DRAFT DOCUMENTS:
Portals/0/DRAFT%20ADA%20Notice.pdf
This info will also be made available on a business size card FREE to DRAFT member. I’ll post info latter today.
Portals/0/DRAFT%20ADA%20HELP%20F.pdf
These are questions to ask if being denied access.
THE LAW:
http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/ada/civil_rights_3894.html
This is a link to the FTA “common wheelchair” definition. This is the definition most places use as their guidelines.
http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/ada/civil_rights_3893.html
This is a link to the FTA guidance for Segway use.
When I’m confronted with the “common wheelchair” or “how many wheels” argument I state that they must be using the FTA guidelines then present this information.
So far it’s worked in most cases.
This is a personal choice. I fly a handicapped placard, it's not necessary but I find I get less questions.
Other legalities to be aware of:
Assistive Technology Act of 1998
In this act congress defined Assistive Technology as “any device item piece of equipment, or products system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individual with disabilities.”
Defining Assistive Devices
One of the dangers of definitions that they may be imprecise with ever-growing changes in technology, in 1991 Attorney General Richard Thornburgh in publishing the first regulations in implementing the ADA consistently said that "there would no exhaustive list of devices and services protected under the ADA because any attempt to do so would omit the new devices that would become available with emerging technology".
OTHER DRAFT LINKS ALL SHOULD CHECK OUT !
Portals/0/KerrArticles/Testimony%20Subcommittee%20on%20NPS_With%20Attachments%20Submitted.pdf
Yes, it’s along read, but Jerry Kerrs testimony contains info that all our members should be aware of. Well done Jerry.
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9295115/detail.html
This KNBC story and video shows the work of DRAFT with the Segs4Vets program, check it out !
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
Always be polite and smile.
Remember that in most cases the first “no” you get is from a person just trying to make a living and do what they are told.
It’s crucial to work your way up to the people that can make a final decision.
I have found that phone calls with answers from “Customer Relations” tend to hold little value when you show up. You need the ADA/Disability Officer.
Even when you get to that person you don’t always get a response, but to be fair most of these people have gotten back to me.
Post here on Chat and ask if anyone has been to the places your heading to get some “real life” examples of how things went.
Feel free to contact me at AMaccini@DRAFT.cc if you need further assistance. I may not have the answer but will find those that do.
I also have no problem making a few phone calls if need be.
LOOK AROUND ON THE DRAFT WEBSITE, It’s full of information and stories of courage. It’s so much more than just Chat.
THE SAD TRUTH
There will be times that you are simply not going to get in that day, and in the rare case maybe never !
That’s just the fact of the matter, some hold themselves above the law and at some point will be forced to relent.
THE LAST WORD
JUST BECAUSE YOU DON”T SEE IT DOES NOT MEAN SOMETHING IS NOT BEING DONE ABOUT A SITUATION!
It is amazing how things have changed over the last 3 years thanks to the leadership at DRAFT.
When I first started using the HT I had to explain everywhere. Now it’s seldom but does still come up from time to time.
I hope this puts some of the important info into your hands. Any questions about how to use it please let us know.
Finally, thanks to our founders Jerry Kerr and Leonard Timm. Without their efforts we would be nowhere.
Regards,
Alan
PS-Remember we as DRAFT members are all advocates to our cause. |