Post by Kelley on Feb 7, 2005 14:32:18 GMT 9.5
Theater sued over guide dog denial
By Rob Olmstead Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted 2/5/2005
Loews Cineplex in Schaumburg's Streets of Woodfield is being sued, accused of not letting a disabled woman in with a guide dog.
Sondra M. Karney of Chicago was at the theater Oct. 2, 2004, to see "Shall We Dance," when a security guard yelled "you can't bring that dog in here," the federal lawsuit, filed Friday, claims.
Karney suffers from cerebral palsy, resulting in frequent falls. In 1999 she got a "service dog" from Kansas-based CARES organization to help her with her balance and break her fall should she become unstable, the suit said.
"Ms. Karney showed the security guard an identification card from CARES, and explained that she was disabled; ... Her explanation had no effect," the suit said.
Manager Peter Stern was summoned, who also refused the dog entry, noting "the dog may bite someone," the suit said.
"At some point, the security guard identified herself as a lieutenant on a suburban police force. As it happens, Ms. Karney's husband (who was present) is a Chicago police officer. When he mentioned that fact, another altercation ensued, as the security guard apparently did not believe that he is in fact a Chicago officer," the suit said.
Loews spokesmen could not be reached for comment.
By Rob Olmstead Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted 2/5/2005
Loews Cineplex in Schaumburg's Streets of Woodfield is being sued, accused of not letting a disabled woman in with a guide dog.
Sondra M. Karney of Chicago was at the theater Oct. 2, 2004, to see "Shall We Dance," when a security guard yelled "you can't bring that dog in here," the federal lawsuit, filed Friday, claims.
Karney suffers from cerebral palsy, resulting in frequent falls. In 1999 she got a "service dog" from Kansas-based CARES organization to help her with her balance and break her fall should she become unstable, the suit said.
"Ms. Karney showed the security guard an identification card from CARES, and explained that she was disabled; ... Her explanation had no effect," the suit said.
Manager Peter Stern was summoned, who also refused the dog entry, noting "the dog may bite someone," the suit said.
"At some point, the security guard identified herself as a lieutenant on a suburban police force. As it happens, Ms. Karney's husband (who was present) is a Chicago police officer. When he mentioned that fact, another altercation ensued, as the security guard apparently did not believe that he is in fact a Chicago officer," the suit said.
Loews spokesmen could not be reached for comment.