Name: Deaf Mom

Location: Chicagoland

Sex: Female

Status: Married

Steak 'n Shake Plans No Major Access Changes to their Drive-Thrus

Posted: 7/18/2008 at 01:47 AM

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It was only a matter of time before a major fast food corporation was going to get sued for not providing access in the drive-thru:

Nebraska Woman with Hearing Disability Sues McDonalds

Karen Tumeh experienced nearly the same thing that I did back in January-- a refusal of service because we could not order through the speaker. I attempted to order two milkshakes at the Bolingbrook Steak 'n Shake and drove away with no milkshakes-- the manager refused to serve me because I would not drive around again to use the speaker.

I could have sued Steak 'n Shake back in January and gone the legal route. Instead, I wanted to try and make some changes in the drive-thru access issue.

Unfortunately, after two meetings and several emails, Steak 'n Shake has made it clear that they plan to make only minor changes in the drive-thru process. They also believe that no violation of the law or my rights, has occurred even though they admitted fault at the first meeting. I guess getting the drive-thru window shut in my face twice, and no service or product doesn't count. Never mind that my son and I were subjected to discrimination from their manager and threatened with the cops-- I guess that's just another day in fast food retail served up by Steak 'n Shake.

So sadly, I'll be joining Karen Tumeh on the lawsuit ride and facing Steak 'n Shake the legal way.

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:::chuckling::: wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 3:13 AM
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And how much dollars do you intend to 'profit' from this lawsuit?
I'm Glad you decided to Sue wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 7:03 AM
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I'm glad you are going to sue because the DEaf community cannot continue to try to work with these restaurants and businesses the old fashioned way. When they have to pay big dollars and the judge tells them to stop their discrimination that's when they will listen. Why won't the state get involved? IF a restaurant refused service to a black person, they would be shut down. There is no way a restaurant should be allowed to choose who can use their drive through in 2008. The Deaf community should have a protest outside steak and shake. That's what the black community would do and rightfully so.
Dianrez wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 8:31 AM
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I'm sorry it had to happen this way. Drive-through access may be only a small issue out of the many we face, but a lawsuit could have a ripple effect that changes many different forms of access in our favor. Not just for Deaf people, but also force establishments to think of the ways they bar access to other groups of people. For example: telephones in hotel and apartment lobbies, PA systems in public buildings, telephones in elevators, drive-up bank tellers with speakers instead of live people, uncaptioned TV in airplanes, waiting rooms and restaurants, uncaptioned segments of news programs and Internet news. That milkshake could end up normalizing life for a wider population. Good luck, and go for it!
AbilityLane wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 11:09 AM
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Although this is not directly related to the events you are describing, in one way this really is. Right now I am outlining a book on Disability and Leadership, and part of this effort involves a review of my Transformational Leadership studies. Both you, DeafMom, and Karen Tumeh, are wonderful examples of leadership within the disability community. Some might say that you are simply sticking up for your own rights, but what I see are two women who are providing an inspirational example for others in the disability community while fighting for the rights of not only themselves, but others. I dare say that is leadership. Well Done! It is very unfortunate that in 2008 people *still* have to fight such issues; Thank You for taking on this battle, so that others can live in a freer world.
Deaf Mom wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 11:22 AM
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@Chuckling To have to fight for equal service in the drive-thru-- you can't put a price on that.
ecrowley wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 12:36 PM
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From the Chicago Tribune : OMAHA, Neb. - A hearing-impaired woman has filed a federal lawsuit against
Foster wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 1:11 PM
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Go, DeafMom! You have a reasonable request to be served. And, If all business is truly local, then the Steak n' Shake, ( McDonalds, etc. ) can be expected to reasonably accommodate their customers. But, rather than people just rationally adjusting their methods, it has to come from the top. The refusal is likely due to folks doing their jobs on auto-pilot and getting flustered by a change of process, rather than the impossibility of actually taking an order at the window. :OP What a convenience it is to use the drive-thru for parent of small children and folks on the go...customers who also happen to be deaf. Keep us posted
cherylberyl wrote on Jul 18, 2008 at 5:09 PM
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Would it be better to contact her and join forces to sue the industry or go it alone? I wonder...
blogpromotion wrote on Jul 24, 2008 at 8:01 PM
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Yes, it's time again for the weekly Blogging Hero Awards! This week's Top Ten Most-Viewed Eligible
LeeDemp wrote on Jul 27, 2008 at 3:06 PM
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I have the name of a very experienced attorney will will file a Federal law suit at no cost to you. I've tried to take the ADA complaint route but they are so backlogged, it usually takes over a year just to be offered Mediation which means the offender doesn't feel any pain. Conyact me if interested. Good Luck

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Steak 'n Shake Plans No Major Access Changes to their Drive-Thrus

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