How Is Your Week Going?
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As the first week of April nears closing, I find myself more in need of open air, inspiring landscapes, good news, less sugar and thoughts of days not crowded with disgust and fear.
Imagine, an accomodation request is received, acknowledged, applicant told request is reasonable, a sign will go up soon, but it not only didn't happen, eight years later the applicant is told that accomodation doesn't exist.
The reasonable accommdation based on disability is a regulated process under the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act.
The situation is an example of what I feel, many people encounter in various ways every day. Some incidents are regulated by law, and some, I believe, aren't. If a person has issues with a decision, then there are procedures to access to resolve the problem. I do believe there are peaceful options to disputes.
The added snag is when a person of lesser power, already suffering in some way that impacts their health, has the burden of making phone calls, putting together documentation, and then waiting for another probable round of hassles. It is no wonder to me that some people give up, let it go out of fear of retaliation or just can't take it anymore.
Here is what I'd like...
Civil Advocates, a group that knows the right route to resolution, and has the clout to get it done.
I haven't found such a group.
What there is...
Lawyers. Getting a lawyer to represent you can be a hassle in itself. I don't think there are lawyers sitting by the phone waiting for clients to be nice to for nothing, but may be worth the free consultation, if they have one.
Agencies and such. Again, might be a hassle, but still may be worth the effort.
Ombudsman or Arbitrator. Might be slow, a hassle to get in place, but sources worth considering.
Whatever choice, have your ducks in a row aka all the pertinent documentation, dates, time, letters, calls, texts, emails, conversations and such. Consider opting for emails instead of phone call for proof and to keep things clear.
Eight years and counting...
ACLU. Your state probably has a chapter.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz
ReplyDeleteAfter the drudgery of sorting through emails, I found the approval email an sent it along.
There is a state legal aid disability project that takes on ADA issues. I don't think it will come to that because I might be having a naïve episode. :)
I have had one occasion to need the services of a lawyer, and it was resolved in my favour. Among the other things the other party had to pay out were my lawyer fees.
ReplyDeleteWilliam,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that people can win in this world.
I love the idea of a civil advocate. That's brilliant. I'm sorry that eight years later you're still waiting... How infuriating.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with it. Eight years is time enough!
ReplyDeleteIt is always best to have things in writing when there are problems/disputes.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry it is eight years and still counting!
Sending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteI let it go because it became too stressful to pursue. Put it into the background.
When I began to hear the denial, that's when I decided to pursue it.
Marie,
ReplyDeleteI am glad I didn't delete the old emails.
Ya never know when an email can become handy.
Jane,
ReplyDeleteIt is the way of dealing with higher ups that memories become foggy from them. I am hopeful they understand their email is confirmation.
Oh my, eight years is a very long time. Good thing you still have the documentation.
ReplyDeleteLorrie,
ReplyDeleteDocumentation is everything.
Most folks, though, don't think to write down date, time, who said what every time they call or speak with someone. I was cautioned to use emails instead of phone calls.
Eight years? That's absolutely wrong on so many levels. Surely there must be some sort of advocate agency that can go to bat for you. The difficulty might be in finding that organization but they must exist. In Canada we have Legal Aid which provides pro bono lawyers to those who need them. I'm not sure how it works because have never had the need to avail myself of their services. Really hope you can find a solution soon!
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
ReplyDeleteGood advice, thank you
We have Vermont Legal Aid here that handles a variety of issues. I am hopeful that route isn't needed.