Do I Have To Let Segways Into My Business?

[GregRice]

Interesting article I just read about businesses allowing Seg's used by people with disabilities into their businesses.

http://www.lexology.com/library/deta...c-78d53429bd66

[airdale]

Originally Posted by GregRice

Interesting article I just read about businesses allowing Seg's used by people with disabilities into their businesses.

http://www.lexology.com/library/deta...c-78d53429bd66

yes....Ever heard of ADA?

http://www.ada.gov/

[Lily Kerns]

Originally Posted by GregRice

Interesting article I just read about businesses allowing Seg's used by people with disabilities into their businesses.

http://www.lexology.com/library/deta...c-78d53429bd66

I'm guessing that this analysis is probably fairly accurate as a statement of the current all over situation. It simply has not gotten to the litigation point enough to establish any definitive and practical guidelines for the average business owner.

I've chronicled my experiences over the past few years in this forum...
Most of us are aware of the Disney fiasco, and I 'd still like to know just what kind of "proof" was offered in the other case mentioned. It is hard to tell from the media reports.

It is hard for a business (or a judge, for that matter) that has no idea of the capabilities of a Seg to accurately judge their safety under their existing conditions. I think this puts a huge responsibility on the Segway community in general and the disabled who use them, in particular, to be very visible, very vocal and very proactive on this matter. Like it or not we are judged by how we use them. Like it or not, we are also judged as a result of ignorance and prejudice, and that can be very difficult to overcome.

If you are not disabled, as you talk about your Seg with the general public, don't forget to mention their use by the disabled as one of the exciting things about them. If you are disabled, be eager to share how and why they work so well for the disabled. Offer to demonstrate, make every move you make on them an example of skill and courtesy.

If you are challenged, be prepared to quote both the law and the research. (see http://draft.org.) be firm but courteous, offer to call the DOJ at that moment and see what happens when you reach for your cell phone... If necessary, call 911, explain that you are being illegally denied access and ask for a police offer who is ADA knowledgeable and and tell that you have a copy of the law available if needed (I carry several copies of that handout in the Seg bag,)

Refer a store or business that is dubious about the matter to another store that has no problem with a Seg --Walmart for example. ( I have a nephew in law who is a Walmart executive so I am very confident in saying this.). Every scenario will be different, so sharing here can be helpful for others.

Educating the public is the responsibility of every Seg user. We are always teaching whether we like it or not.

OK, off my soapbox!

[SegNerd]

Since I have not been able to establish that my own personal Segway use constitutes a disability accommodation, I pretty much never attempt to take it into a store. However, if a store did have a problem with me being a Segway owner (for example, if they didn't allow me to lock it to their bike rack), there is a pretty good chance that if the Segway had to go, I would go with it.

What I'm trying to say is, even in cases where you don't have to allow Segways, barring Segway owners from the premises can be bad for business. You don't have to allow Segways inside if they aren't for disability purposes, but the nicer you are to your customers, the more likely they are to stay loyal to you. (Just in case any business owners are reading this thread. )

This has never happened to me, though - I use bike racks, and no business owner has ever complained about it.

[airdale]

Originally Posted by SegNerd

What I'm trying to say is, even in cases where you don't have to allow Segways, barring Segway owners from the premises can be bad for business. You don't have to allow Segways inside if they aren't for disability purposes, but the nicer you are to your customers, the more likely they are to stay loyal to you. (Just in case any business owners are reading this thread. )

They are not allowed to ask if you are disabled thats part the the ADA rules..

I do not tell many people why I am not allowed to drive, and I would be calling the police and the DOJ if someone questioned me!..

[Lily Kerns]

Originally Posted by airdale

They are not allowed to ask if you are disabled thats part the the ADA rules..

I do not tell many people why I am not allowed to drive, and I would be calling the police and the DOJ if someone questioned me!..

Actually, are you disabled is the ONLY thing they can ask. They cannot ask for any details about your disability, however. Under ADA 2010 they also have to accept your state issued disability card or tag OR your verbal assurance of disability if there is no visual evidence to the contrary as sufficient proof of disability.

I have had them ask if you have a medical reason for using a Seg, which, to me is an acceptable equivalent.

I have never seen any discussion about whether it is acceptable to ask some one in a wheelchair or mobility scooter if they are disabled... Since they must allow these devices without regulation, I'm guessing that this would not be acceptable... Anyone know?

[Lily Kerns]

Originally Posted by SegNerd

Since I have not been able to establish that my own personal Segway use constitutes a disability accommodation, I pretty much never attempt to take it into a store. However, if a store did have a problem with me being a Segway owner (for example, if they didn't allow me to lock it to their bike rack), there is a pretty good chance that if the Segway had to go, I would go with it.

What I'm trying to say is, even in cases where you don't have to allow Segways, barring Segway owners from the premises can be bad for business. You don't have to allow Segways inside if they aren't for disability purposes, but the nicer you are to your customers, the more likely they are to stay loyal to you. (Just in case any business owners are reading this thread. )

This has never happened to me, though - I use bike racks, and no business owner has ever complained about it.

It wouldn't hurt to ask first... The climate of acceptance is changing, albeit slowly...

[Cybercat]

Originally Posted by SegNerd

This has never happened to me, though - I use bike racks, and no business owner has ever complained about it.

I frequently roll my Segway into a store, and park it just inside the front door. Safer there than outside, of course. I have yet to have anyone stop me. Some places express interest in it - no one has told me to take it outside.

[Violet]

Originally Posted by Lily Kerns

Actually, are you disabled is the ONLY thing they can ask. They cannot ask for any details about your disability, however. Under ADA 2010 they also have to accept your state issued disability card or tag OR your verbal assurance of disability if there is no visual evidence to the contrary as sufficient proof of disability.

I have had them ask if you have a medical reason for using a Seg, which, to me is an acceptable equivalent.

Great information. Thanks.