Using a Fitness Center Does Not Have to be an Exercise in Frustration: Tips for People with Mobility and Visual Disabilities

2.6 Be Willing to File a Complaint

If the barrier you want the center to remove is covered under the ADA, you have the option of filing a formal, legal complaint with the United States Department of Justice. The process for filing a complaint is described on the Department of Justice website, http://www.ada.gov/enforce.htm

Sample letter

Month xx, xxxx

Mr. Gym Barrier

500 Easier Than You Think Street

Fix It, NOW 00000

Dear Mr. Barrier:

I am a wheelchair user and I am looking for a fitness center to join. I visited your fitness center on Month xx, xxxx and took a tour with Jim Fit.

I liked your facility, but I encountered some problems. I am writing to suggest possible solutions. Your center’s accessibility was generally good. It has an accessible entrance and accessible parking. However, I had difficulty maneuvering my wheelchair in the locker room between the benches and the lockers. The aisle should be at least 36 inches wide, and removing some of the benches might solve this problem. In addition, though the stalls in the restrooms were large enough, they were difficult to use without a raised toilet and grab bars. A raised toilet and grab bars could easily be added. The biggest issue I had was the lack of accessible exercise equipment. This would include equipment that I am able to use with my upper body, such as a hand cycle-type ergometer. I would also like to be able to use some equipment that doesn’t require me to transfer out of my wheelchair to use, such as strength training equipment with swing-away seats. I am enclosing information about accessible exercise equipment as well as how to make the changes in your restroom.

Please seriously consider purchasing equipment that that I can use, such as a hand cycle-type ergometer and equipment with swing-away seats. This new equipment, along with improvements to the locker room and restroom, would make your facility more accessible to people with disabilities and more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These improvements would also make your facility more attractive for others in the community and could increase your membership.

I look forward to hearing from you in the next four weeks.

Sincerely,

Amy Advocate

1000 Speak-up Street

Fix It, NOW 00001