I open this message by acknowledging the courage displayed by Michael Forzano and Katrina Albert. After enjoying dinner at an Orlando, Florida restaurant, Michael Forzano, a blind guide dog user, hailed an Uber. When the Uber arrived, the driver told Mr. Forzano he could not take his guide dog. Thinking quickly, Mike hurriedly loaded his dog into the vehicle, following close behind and shut the door. The driver yelled at him ordering him out of the car. Mike told the driver if he wanted him out of the vehicle, he should call the police. The driver locked the vehicle and turned off the engine, forcing Mike to sit in a closed hot car in the 90-degree Florida heat. Mike sat in the Uber for more than one hour waiting for the police. Every so often the Uber driver would activate his car alarm in an attempt to frustrate Mike enough to exit the vehicle. I know Mike; he is a very strong advocate and these tactics had no effect! Here is the video of a portion of the incident near the beginning.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/c5sj...ey=xajtf1brlb0ewfocf2m06l6te&st=of5dg24c&dl=0
Prior to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies arriving, an OCSO deputy called to tell Mike’s girlfriend, Katrina that, if I send my guys out, it won’t end good for your boyfriend!” When Deputies Castillo and DiLorenzo arrived, their expected response was, “It’s a civil issue!” in spite of the fact that Florida criminalizes such discrimination (413.08(4) f.s.). The OCSO deputies ordered Mike out of the Uber, telling him the Uber driver had a right to deny him a ride because it is a private vehicle. Just as it is so across the country, law enforcement condones discrimination through their ignorance and inaction. This discrimination, perpetrated by people in positions of power and influence over marginalized populations, leads to internalized disability stigma which exacerbates cross-sectional health, wellness, and safety disparities.
Advocates for Service Animal Partners is on the front lines of this problem and has contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Department of Professional Standards to file a complaint against these deputies, demand they be disciplined, and offer our expertise to educate their staff better. I have also requested the official record and the body cam video of the incident. We will be sure you get to witness how we are treated at the hands of those who have sworn to protect us!
I would like to encourage everyone who experiences an access denial to learn a lesson from Katrina – roll your cameras and get an indisputable record. When you do, please send it to us and we will make sure to let others witness the abuse themselves!
Marion Gwizdala
(He/His/Him)
Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)
Office: 386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)
Hotline: 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211)
Advocacy411@gmail.com
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/c5sj...ey=xajtf1brlb0ewfocf2m06l6te&st=of5dg24c&dl=0
Prior to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies arriving, an OCSO deputy called to tell Mike’s girlfriend, Katrina that, if I send my guys out, it won’t end good for your boyfriend!” When Deputies Castillo and DiLorenzo arrived, their expected response was, “It’s a civil issue!” in spite of the fact that Florida criminalizes such discrimination (413.08(4) f.s.). The OCSO deputies ordered Mike out of the Uber, telling him the Uber driver had a right to deny him a ride because it is a private vehicle. Just as it is so across the country, law enforcement condones discrimination through their ignorance and inaction. This discrimination, perpetrated by people in positions of power and influence over marginalized populations, leads to internalized disability stigma which exacerbates cross-sectional health, wellness, and safety disparities.
Advocates for Service Animal Partners is on the front lines of this problem and has contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Department of Professional Standards to file a complaint against these deputies, demand they be disciplined, and offer our expertise to educate their staff better. I have also requested the official record and the body cam video of the incident. We will be sure you get to witness how we are treated at the hands of those who have sworn to protect us!
I would like to encourage everyone who experiences an access denial to learn a lesson from Katrina – roll your cameras and get an indisputable record. When you do, please send it to us and we will make sure to let others witness the abuse themselves!
Marion Gwizdala
(He/His/Him)
Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)
Office: 386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)
Hotline: 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211)
Advocacy411@gmail.com
