Evening Sun - ADA worries delay mansion tours

Citing "questions arising with the Americans with Disabilities Act," the Hanover Area Historical Society will postpone tours of the newly acquired Myers Mansion.

[Jeff Spangler]

Philadelphia spent years resisting compliance with the ADA, and finally obeyed the law when they lost their ill-advised legal challenges and were forced to comply. Hanover and its history are no exception.

[not a fan of Marilynn]

This woman is a menace. how can you file a complaint against something that hasnt' even happened yet? She's all about self-aggrandizing behavior and unfortunately has found a willing accomplice in Ms. James, the reporter. Keep giving her the press that she wants and Dr. Phillips will continue to turn others off to what would otherwise be a righteous cause. Boo on you, Dr. Phillips.

[Douglas]

Phillips is over the Top...and she is just a Bitch who is has a single platform that is outrageous!

[MEgo]

Legally the solution is simple...List the property as FOR SALE, List price $10 Billion. Then have an "Open House" that last forever, The Hist society would then be "showing" the home to all "perspective buyers", the general public.
The problem is the A.D.A. is so poorly written. It dictates "Equal Access" without defining equal. It does not limit or define "disability" so it is a wide open door for abuse.
As far as the Phila law suits mentioned above, most were based on completely different pretenses- Apples and oranges.

[Marilynn J Phillips]

not a fan of Marilynn wrote:

This woman is a menace. how can you file a complaint against something that hasnt' even happened yet? She's all about self-aggrandizing behavior and unfortunately has found a willing accomplice in Ms. James, the reporter. Keep giving her the press that she wants and Dr. Phillips will continue to turn others off to what would otherwise be a righteous cause. Boo on you, Dr. Phillips.

Not knowing the full story, I too would be alarmed by anyone filing a complaint "in anticipation". To clarify: The Hanover Historical Society already is in non-compliance with regard to another property. HHS refuses to answer my inquiries about their plans to come into compliance (I am very patient). My formal complaint will focus on the first site which is not accessible; with a second request that the "new" site be monitored as well. We all would like to think that others will do their jobs -- but, experience (over 30 years as an activist) has taught me otherwise. For example, about 10 years ago, in Ocean City, Maryland, the federal, state and municipal governments installed over 130 "new curb ramps." Problem? Well, virtually every one of the "new" curb ramp had in its middle a fire hydrant or a telephone pole! So, taxpayers then had to pay (twice!)to have each "error" corrected. And, with reference to The Majestic Theater in Gettysburg (a $16 million project half-funded by the Commonwealth), not only was there no front of auditorium accessible fire exit (the "historical" emergency exit was cemented over), but it took months -- while concerts and performances took place, with hundreds of patrons at risk -- before Gettysburg College (which owns the Majestic) agreed to "open up" the exit. And, because The Majestic failed to have a qualified ADA consultant review plans before construction, there are still numerous accessibility problems -- including, for example, no provision for lobby accessibility to the new Mamie's Cafe; patrons who cannot climb stairs are now expected to go through a kitchen area filled with garbage cans(also a violation of the Food Code)when, even when the blueprints had been completed, a qualified ADA consultant most certainly would have recommended the installation of a vertical lift from the lobby to the cafe. Now, a complaint has to be filed (yes, that's next), and undoubtedly the College will resist "messing" up the lobby. And please permit me to clarify that when I do ask "how do you plan to accomplish this?" it is not as someone seeking employment. All of my accessibility activism (30 years plus)has been pro bono. Just consider me a "consumer" who is "watching" those who use our tax money, to ensure that they are following some very simple rules. It costs much more to re-do something, than to make some simple changes in a blueprint. Failure to think ahead is what causes most violations of accessibility requirements. I hope my response helps to clarify some of the issues in your commentary. Marilynn J. Phillips, Ph.D.

[lost faith]

i just can't see adding all of this stuff, taking awawy from the origional appearence. maybe in the lobby the could provide a virtual tour

[Jst1]

Marilynn J Phillips wrote:

<quoted text>
Just consider me a "consumer" who is "watching" those who use our tax money, to ensure that they are following some very simple rules. Marilynn J. Phillips, Ph.D.

My aren't we feeling a little self important or grandious today? Thank you Dr. Phillips, but we vote for the people (for better or worse) who spend our tax dollars-It allows for accountability. Either run for office or stay out of the way. You are not "watching" you are interfering to suit your EGO. You are costing more tax dollars than you will save, and we the local tax paying public have no way to vote you out. Why are you ignoring Ft McHenry, the Light Rail, or the Inner harbor? Perhaps it is because you prefer easier battles like most bullies.

[Joe]

Marilynn J Phillips wrote:

<quoted text>
(I am very patient).

What a laugh. You're not patient. You are mean, vindictive and bitter about your lot in life. You don't do this to help other disabled people. You do this so people know who you are. Stop driving around Pennsylvania looking for another fight to pick.

[MEgo]

Marilynn J Phillips wrote:

<quoted text>
Failure to think ahead is what causes most violations of accessibility requirements. Marilynn J. Phillips, Ph.D.

Dr. Phillips, what happens when there is a fire at the Bon-Ton, and wheelchairs cannot make it down the escalator? Power is off, and the back-up generator (which waits 3 minutes to kick on), only allows for 1 disabled person at a time to be lowered to the first floor?
What happens when the Great Bear roller coaster mal-functions and people need to climb back down the stairs to ground level?
What happens when a claustrophobic complains that the rooms inside the Myers Mansion are too small for him to feel comfortable? Do we re-do the entire floor plan to suit his disability? Or are you selective in your definition of disabled?

You only look ahead to the goal of satisfying your ego, not the goal of true improvement.

It is unfortunate you have spent 30+ years as an activist, when you could have been helping real people as an advocate. Most learned people realize the difference between activism and advocacy, by the age of 25.

Activist: Those who prefer to go against society, to fight for a cause. They follow an idealistic view, guided by self enlightenment, and are satisfied by making a difference.

Advocate: Those who work within society to help a 'real person' or persons. Follow a realistic view, and are only satisfied by making an improvement, in that person's life.

All grown-ups expect teenagers to be activists, and we expect them to mature to advocacy. Please grow up and contribute.
Justice and equality are 2 completely different and unrelated concepts. Society can only write laws to ensure justice. You cannot legislate equality-especially in a world that insists on diversity.

It is a bad law, and you are abusing it.

Your ego guarantees that you have read this, but it also grantees that you will not respond.

[marilynn phillips]

"MEgo" states that "my ego" quarantees that I have read his/her comments...but "grantees" (sic) that I will not respond. Wow, what a catch 22!

Actually, I did not read MEgo's comments until
Feb. 21st -- so, I do not know if that means I do or do not have an ego...MEgo!

MEgo does not like the law. That is his/her choice.

It is my choice to seek the enforcement of the law. There is no doubt in my mind that MEgo and those s/he cares about will benefit from full compliance with ADA. If not today, then certainly in the future.

Marilynn J. Phillips, Ph.D.

[Jst1]

marilynn phillips wrote:

...There is no doubt in my mind that MEgo and those s/he cares about will benefit from full compliance with ADA. If not today, then certainly in the future.
Marilynn J. Phillips, Ph.D.

Ironic that you managed to prove MEgo correct.
As he said; you would read his post, and you would not respond to it. You did both!
Why not respond to any of his points? Instead you chose to pump your own ego again- How many hats do you out grow each month?

MEgo-I have been waiting for your response-could not wait any longer.

[MOM]

I COULD NOT AGREE MORE WITH YOU MEgo AND Jst1. GET A GRIP MS. PHILLIPS.

[sick and tired]

Ms. Phillips, How many of these establishments have you visited or given your business to?

[Otaku4EVA]

Honestly Mrs. Phillips, why haven't you made any comments concerning MEgo's points about you? Last I checked s/he (don't wanna assume gender) did it in a mature manner. And your response of "It is my choice to seek the enforcement of the law. There is no doubt in my mind that MEgo and those s/he cares about will benefit from full compliance with ADA. If not today, then certainly in the future." doesn't even come close. In fact, you just skirt around the issue.

Also you're going around and trying to strong-arm anyone to bend to your will and become "ADA Compliant." What you fail to realize is that many of the businesses you target are family owned or so far in the hole rent/debt wise due to the economy that even if they wished with everything they had to comply with your request, they couldn't. There is no money to be had and quite frankly, the fact that you're pulling these stunts during an economic recession is down-right stupid. Only someone who was desperate for some quick cash would be pulling drive-by lawsuits, which seems to be the case here. You keep suing people and taking them court hoping one sticks and you can collect on the judgement.

[Marie]

As a disabled woman who has dealt with discrimination I do not get why This woman does not spend time educating places instead of dipping in their Pockets, You travel all the way to visit places and seek out those that are not within compliance and instead of spending time Educating as she is Obviously a woman of knowledge She chooses instead to line her pockets i know some are hard to get to learn the lesson but come on Suing a CHURCH in a town she does not even Live in or attend church in. Especially a Church that spends a lot of time and money donating to the community and helping us. MANY times i have had this church in Frederick MD help me a Disabled Single Mom with getting groceries or having Christmas dinner and a few gifts. She comes to town and Sues them and knows Nothing about them or what they do to help this community.
Had you simply written them a letter and addressed the issues I bet she would have gotten action.