How to gas up your car
Once you go through the grief of getting your car or van upgraded so you can drive it again (and have been trained to use it) you soon find another problem – filling the gas tank. What once seemed a simple practice now turns into a major issue. You probably cannot easily get out of your vehicle and with the speed idiots drive you really don’t want to be in a wheelchair at a gas station. So how do you get your car filled? Fortunately the ADA requires all self service gas station to provide equal access to their facilities. Upon request (i.e. a phone call) they are required to go out to your car and fill it up without charging you extra. The only stipulation is that there must be at least two attendants at the station so the cash register can be watched. While it is not required, it is strongly suggested that the disabled person still be helped if there is one employee. Since most employees and managers of gas stations have no idea what the Americans with Disabilities act is, it is recommended that you bring a complete copy with the section on filling at a gas station outlined so they can easily read it. At that point you should be getting the help you need to get that tank filled. (Source: Examiner.com)
It is always a good idea to call ahead to let the station know you are on the way. This gives you time to find out if there is going to be an issue of only one employee, or if they believe they don’t have to help you. After showing them the law. if they do not help you explain that they are violating your civil rights and that they are required to help you regardless if he station is self serve or not. The next step is dependent on how much time and effort you want to place on this issue. If you want to make a point and let the owner know he can’t do this then call the police and ask them to come out and write up a civil rights violation. WIth that document you then can go to a civil rights attorney and sue them. With the officer’s doc¨ment you are virtually guaranteed to win and the station will be required to pay restitution and to training all employees on the ADA and how it applies to their station. After getting slapped in the pocket book, most owners take an interest in helping the disabled and the problem is solved.
Most people are not willing to go to court just to get their gas tank filled. Chances are good there is a station nearby that will be happy to help you. Just drive there and stay away from the problem station. But think of the problems other disabled will have with the station and that they may not have enough gas to find another station. Plus, every station is required by law to help you and the more that know the better. Remember we are just asking for the civil rights that is guaranteed by the constitution and the ADA.
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