Autumn Dandelion (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} autumndandelion) wrote in ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} autism,@ 2004-12-11 13:39:00 |
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Update Regarding Banknorth Incident
A few communications have taken place over the past few days regarding the bank discriminating against an autistic man I work with.
On the 9th, I received an email from ASA's Massachusetts chapter:
From: "asa mass" <asamasschapter@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: Concerns regarding ADA adherence
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2004 11:42:13 -0500
Hi, Kelleyanne. I don't know much about these kinds of issues personally, but the ASA-Mass chapter is housed in Autism Services, who deal with adult issues as well as run a work program. Dr. Joel Smith, who runs the program here, suggested that you contact DMR and that they can investigate the situation. Someone else also suggested Bank of America because in their Fleet incarnation, they always treated the clients well. Years ago I used to be in banking, and I know that often managers aren't very savvy about disability issues. They may be absolutely clueless, but they're not going to admit it. I'd also ask to speak to someone in the bank's home office and point out that the clients are experiencing discrimination, which, in theory, could result in a lawsuit. Institutions don't like negative publicity so they might be willing to work with managers to avoid these kinds of situations. If you don't get straight answers and cooperation, there's always the media. Little people fighting big corporations make good human interest stories. Anke
So, yesterday, I learned what DMR office oversees this man's services, and I emailed the office today.
I also received an email from Banknorth regarding the letter I wrote to the bank's president.
From: "Gendreau, Christina" <cgendreau@banknorth.com>
CC: "Koczera, Patty" <pkoczera@banknorth.com>
Subject: Letter to Chris Bramley
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 2004 15:11:08 -0500
Kellyanne,
I am writing on behalf of Patty Koczera. I am her assistant. I am trying to gather more information for her about your letter.
We would like to fix this.
I need to get the customers names. I know that they opened the accounts in Tewksbury. Could you please tell me if it was Tewksbury Center or South Tewksbury?
We would really appreciate your cooperation. We will get to the bottom of this.
Sincerely,
Christina Gendreau
Regional Sales Assistant
I emailed the requested information to Ms. Gendreau. She called back some time wicked early yesterday morning, but didn't leave her number to return the call. I emailed her this morning to acknowledge the call and to say that I hope to hear from her again shortly.
~ deej
A few communications have taken place over the past few days regarding the bank discriminating against an autistic man I work with.
On the 9th, I received an email from ASA's Massachusetts chapter:
From: "asa mass" <asamasschapter@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: Concerns regarding ADA adherence
Date: Thu, 09 Dec 2004 11:42:13 -0500
Hi, Kelleyanne. I don't know much about these kinds of issues personally, but the ASA-Mass chapter is housed in Autism Services, who deal with adult issues as well as run a work program. Dr. Joel Smith, who runs the program here, suggested that you contact DMR and that they can investigate the situation. Someone else also suggested Bank of America because in their Fleet incarnation, they always treated the clients well. Years ago I used to be in banking, and I know that often managers aren't very savvy about disability issues. They may be absolutely clueless, but they're not going to admit it. I'd also ask to speak to someone in the bank's home office and point out that the clients are experiencing discrimination, which, in theory, could result in a lawsuit. Institutions don't like negative publicity so they might be willing to work with managers to avoid these kinds of situations. If you don't get straight answers and cooperation, there's always the media. Little people fighting big corporations make good human interest stories. Anke
So, yesterday, I learned what DMR office oversees this man's services, and I emailed the office today.
I also received an email from Banknorth regarding the letter I wrote to the bank's president.
From: "Gendreau, Christina" <cgendreau@banknorth.com>
CC: "Koczera, Patty" <pkoczera@banknorth.com>
Subject: Letter to Chris Bramley
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 2004 15:11:08 -0500
Kellyanne,
I am writing on behalf of Patty Koczera. I am her assistant. I am trying to gather more information for her about your letter.
We would like to fix this.
I need to get the customers names. I know that they opened the accounts in Tewksbury. Could you please tell me if it was Tewksbury Center or South Tewksbury?
We would really appreciate your cooperation. We will get to the bottom of this.
Sincerely,
Christina Gendreau
Regional Sales Assistant
I emailed the requested information to Ms. Gendreau. She called back some time wicked early yesterday morning, but didn't leave her number to return the call. I emailed her this morning to acknowledge the call and to say that I hope to hear from her again shortly.
~ deej
