I belong to an LJ community called Autism Awareness. One of the posters is an employee at a group home.
She has taken some group home clients in to open bank accounts, because they have money (from the state) and their money is much less likely to get stolen from a bank account than if they keep it at the home. [Okay, that's a string of presumtions, but I think probably accurate, nonetheless.]
The bank would not allow the client to open an account. This is illegal.
Now, let's watch what this worker, who is probably making $7/hr to do some of the hardest, nastiest work around, gets to go through as she tries to do something about this discrimination. You will be appalled. I do believe, in the end, she will see some action for her persistance. Sadly, you will also see that most people would never ever have this kind of persistance.
1: A recounting of the incident, and the first letter to the bank.
2: More follow up.
Below, a paraphrased summary of what she what she did:
She got back an automated email from Banknorth's customer service. "While they said I would get a response in 24 hours, I have not." She researched the Americans with Disabilities Act and found this Banknorth branch has violated the ADA. She drafted a more complete letter, which includes comments pertaining to the ADA. She tried to file a complaint online to the Better Business Bureau, but they apparently don't handle complaints regarding discrimination. She learned that the Department of Justice has an ADA information line. I'll have to call Monday from 8:30 to 5:30 pm to speak with the ADA specialists. Their numbers are (800)514-0301 (voice) and (800)514-0383 (TTY). http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/infoline.htm. She emailed clarkhoward.com - the auto-respond said to call 404-892-8227 in 72 hours if I don't hear back from them first. She posted my letter on planetfeedback.com.
She visited http://www.autism-society.org/ to find my local ASA branch, and got an email address. She emailed them at asamasschapter@hotmail.com, describing the situation and asking for any suggestions. She "will print a similar version of this letter tomorrow and send it to the president of Banknorth."
"Send a letter to Christopher W. Bramley, the president of Banknorth. Called Americans with Disabilities Act hotline, where they told me to file a Title III complaint through the website. Received an email back from Bank North. Reformatted my letter for the Department of Justice; they require me to include the names of the individuals. Returned yesterday's message on answering machine from Clark Howard's office with the Consumer Action Centre. The person on the message told me I needed to contact the Banking Commissioner for Massachusetts, and to call them back at (404)892-8227 for that number. When I called, they gave me the number for the division of banks: 1(800)495-2265. Called the division of banks just after noon, but was told I would have to call the office of thrift supervisions as Banknorth is federally operated: 1(800)253-2181. The automated message for the Office of Thrift Supervision said, to file a formal complaint, write to:
Office of Thrift Supervisions
10 Exchange Place
18th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07302
I mailed out the letter today, as well as that letter to the Department of Justice."
Please note the many phone calls made only to be told to mail a letter. Sigh.
4: Still, no real action from anyone as of yet. But the bank letter sounds nervous.
"On the 9th, I received an email from ASA's Massachusetts chapter. [This basically doesn't offer much help, and encourages her to go to the media.]
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.
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."