Thank you Courtenay for articulately describing my struggle regarding mask wearing and the ADA. I have a letter written by my physician that explains why I should not wear a mask, due to medical necessity (hearing impairment, asthma and PTSD).
However, when attempting to gain services at the Veterans Administration, I have been walked out of an appointment by their security, refused potentially life saving care at their emergency room, twice received audiology services on their outdoor park bench, and twice gave blood draws in the parking lot.
At my bank, I was forced to fill out my deposit slip on a bench in the rain.
I was also refused entry into the veterans organization where I typically eat breakfast on Friday mornings and have a life membership.
I have also been refused dental care.
All the above infractions happened, because I cannot wear a mask, and people in positions of power are not interested in providing competent care, in accordance with county, state, and federal guidance. It seems they are afraid of running afoul of the governmental regulations. I initiated a congressional investigation over the VA emergency room visit refusal, and was told that they were following the guidelines of the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC, and therefore they were not in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, because it is only advisory.
As a social worker, I like a challenge. I would like to take steps to make sure this and other civil liberty infringements can never happen again. I am so grateful that I am in private practice, where I got to treat my clients and myself with dignity and respect. Thank you for your article. Glad to know I am not alone.
Thank you Courtenay for articulately describing my struggle regarding mask wearing and the ADA. I have a letter written by my physician that explains why I should not wear a mask, due to medical necessity (hearing impairment, asthma and PTSD).
However, when attempting to gain services at the Veterans Administration, I have been walked out of an appointment by their security, refused potentially life saving care at their emergency room, twice received audiology services on their outdoor park bench, and twice gave blood draws in the parking lot.
At my bank, I was forced to fill out my deposit slip on a bench in the rain.
I was also refused entry into the veterans organization where I typically eat breakfast on Friday mornings and have a life membership.
I have also been refused dental care.
All the above infractions happened, because I cannot wear a mask, and people in positions of power are not interested in providing competent care, in accordance with county, state, and federal guidance. It seems they are afraid of running afoul of the governmental regulations. I initiated a congressional investigation over the VA emergency room visit refusal, and was told that they were following the guidelines of the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC, and therefore they were not in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, because it is only advisory.
As a social worker, I like a challenge. I would like to take steps to make sure this and other civil liberty infringements can never happen again. I am so grateful that I am in private practice, where I got to treat my clients and myself with dignity and respect. Thank you for your article. Glad to know I am not alone.