Last week, I joined a local fitness center so that I could swim. After they got my money, I was told I would have to obtain a physician's permission to use the facility. During the tour, I told the fitness instructor I wouldn't be using the exercise equipment and couldn't climb the stairs. I have a noticeable limp and sometimes use a cane and/or a camwalker. I don't think it is fair that a visibly disabled person is signaled out and forced to expend time and resources, while the health club makes meaningless gestures to limit their potential claims from persons engaging in strength training and aerobic classes. I am not taking a class or following a program: I only want to walk and swim a little. Even the so-called "permission slip" they provided was written for someone seeking a physical assessment and personalized fitness program. I have requested copies of the applicable policies, but so far...nothing.
I am a vet and it takes an eternity to get an appointment at the VA. Has anyone else had a problem with a health club like this?
Syndi,
We have a physical therapy clinic that also has a gym and when you want to join that gym, they fax your MD and request permission BEFORE they will allow you to sign up. This is something that they require from everyone - not just us gimps
I don't see why your gym couldn't fax a request to the VA instead of you having to get an appt - it's not fair for you to have to pay when they aren't allowing you to use it!
I hope that it is resolved soon! I'm sorry that you have to go through this!
Thanks for the encouragement.
I spoke with the director and will meet with him next week. Apparently the policy requiring "permission slips" only applies to obviously disabled persons. They know they can't risk openly discriminating against differently-abled persons (according to the gov ADA web site, their sister club in Nebraska was forced to add an elevator and changing rooms and other accomodations q few years ago). For all their talk about supporting the handicapped, it appears the support consists of allowing other organizations to come in, organize and assume the liability for those activities. If you're disabled, this place doesn't want to see you any other time. It sounds like they are borrowing the out-dated and outlawed "separate but equal" doctrine to me.
Syndi -
I'm so sorry! I would think that requiring a permission slip only from obviously disabled persons would constitute open discrimination! I hope that it works out for you!
Wow Syndi,
It sounds like you've got a good case against them for discrimination. Of course, you will have to decide if you have the time, money and energy to move forward with any legal action against them.
It's horrible that they are treating you this way. They may think it's not open discrimination, but if they can articulate that they only require this information from people who are visibly disabled, then it sounds like this is a pretty engrained policy.
Let us know what the director says.
Wow! THat is crazy!! Tons of people with some sort of disability or other work out at the place I go. I've been known to hobble between weight machines on crutches and never been questioned. Good luck!
Nichole
Well, the proposed meeting with the director never took place. Guess the he had a change of heart. In the meantime, I saw a rhuemy at the VA. Unfortunately, she isn't my primary care manager and can't give or sign any permission slips that address the overall condition of my health.
I don't think the VA will allow any member of their staff to sign the waiver as it is written. I am not sure any responsible physician would sign it, since the form gives essentially says the doc thinks the patient can participate in an organized fitness assessment and weight training program.
Beth, litigation is not an option. The law is taking all my time and money already. I'm a law student...:(
However, I'm thinking about starting a letter writing campaign. The gym in question is part of an international orgainzation, so letters from hundreds of disabled veterans might generate publicity......;)
Of course, any publicity that also highlights the underfunding and understaffing of the VA (a contributing factor to the situation at the gym) woudn't hurt either.
Syndi
I think a grassroots movement would be a good idea. I pray that you find some resolution soon!
Have you thought of writing a letter to the editor of your newspaper about the clubs discremination.
Bobby