Submitted by Susan from New Jersey in response to “What Are Your Issues”.
It has been 4 years since a Federal complaint was filed against a Bowling Alley for non-compliance in our Toms River, NJ town
and it is still going on. This is just too long. How can we help move it along?
Hi Susan,
Your post on Spinal Cord Advocates was brought to my attention. You stated you filed a federal accessibility complaint. I am assuming you filed a complaint with the United States Department of Justice. If this is the case, you should have received a letter letting you know if your complaint was being investigated or not. Usually the letter simply directs an individual to local advocacy groups and informs the individual that their complaint will not be investigated or pursued any further.
In fact, DOJ’s website states the following “The Disability Rights Section will consider your complaint and inform you of its action. The office will investigate the complaint and determine whether to begin litigation. We will not necessarily make a determination on each complaint about whether or not there is an ADA violation. If we believe there is a pattern or practice of discrimination, or the complaint raises an issue of general public importance, we may attempt to negotiate a settlement of the matter or we may bring an action in U.S. District Court.”
Thus, if the issue with the Bowling Alley also violates NJ Law Against Discrimination, you may want to file a discrimination complaint with the NJ Division of Civil Rights.
Kleo J. King
Senior Vice President
Accessibility Services
United Spinal Association
http://www.accessibility-services.com
Susan -
This is where you can file a complaint with the NJ Division on Civil Rights: http://www.nj.gov/oag/dcr/filing.html.
Best of luck -
Paul
Susan,
Thanks for raising your issue.
Question: Have you reached out to your state representatives (www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp)and/or your Member of Congress ( http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml )?
Paul
Susan,
Why not request a meeting with the manager and/or owner of the establishment and ask if they would like to increase their business. It is estimated that about 20% of the population has a disability. That could mean they might earn as much as 20% more business by becoming accessible to disabled citizens. Try the more sensitive approach first before threatening legal action. I’ve seen this work in the past.