Retail Accommodations, or the lack thereof
The other day, I visited the optometrist to order new eyeglasses. As my Vascular Parkinsonism limits me, I asked if they had a high chair, or one with arms, so that I could sit, and then be able to get up. The answer was an unconcerned "no," and I had to stand for an hour, which took a toll. I'm not a lawyer, nor an expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act, but I thought reasonable accommodations needed to be provided to those of us who are physically limited. At least at LensCrafters in North Texas, I appear to be wrong.
Have others encountered this problem? How have you handled it?
I use a walker (and a wheelchair is something I will not give in to).
Thanks!
Hi Pableaux,
I'm sorry to hear that you had difficulty with a vision center not meeting your physical accommodations. I'm guessing that the people who work in some of these centers are hourly employees and they may not care about the comfort of their patients. My advice is that you might need to go to a professional eye doctor's office in order to have better accommodations. For your information I'm attaching an article on Parkinson's and vision. I wish you the best Pableaux. https://parkinsonsdisease.net/clinical/vision-issues-symptom.
Best regards, Suzanne Troy, Moderator, ParkinsonsDisease.netI needed to have my opthamalogist's prescription filled - at an optometrist. I was at the right place for what I needed. Of course, the doctor had chairs; the store has the wrong kind. Understood?
I recently tried to start a discussion about the lack of accommodations for those of us with disabilities but have not received any feedback. My frustration results from having to use an electric wheelchair and having next to no places with electric door openers and inadequate handicap facilities. I certainly sympathize with your frustration. More complaints need to be registered with the ADA compliance office to promote improvement. A chair with arms is certainly a reasonable accommodation. I hope someone in your optometrist’s office will listen. Thea DeStephano Community Team Member
