Handicap Accessibility or lack thereof at Target

Target isn't the only store that is that way, my WalMart is set up the
same way. I haven't been to KMart for about three years, because the
last time I was there, the whole store was so congested I had an
awful time getting around on one of their scooters, and they also
don't have a decent place to sit and wait while a person waits for a
cab or paratransit bus(but then on the other hand Target doesn't
either.) The last time I was in Gordmans(about 5 years ago their
merchandise was so crowded a person couldn't hardly walk through it.
The same applies to JoAnn Fabrics(I haven't been there for about 5
years either.) Of course Gordmans and JoAnns doesn't have the
scooters. I have my own power chair and even with that I wouldn't be
able to get around in those two stores.

i would also suggest submitting your complaint to the target web
page.

sometimes it actually goes through the system faster that way, and
that's an issue worth having addressed rapidly.

Sometimes my department store struggles with this issue as well. Most
areas, we are able to achieve at least three feet between racks. We
test things sometimes by seeing if we can fit a shopping cart through
the aisles. If we can, generally it means it's wide enough for
wheelchairs. Even then, sometimes people have even bigger wheelchairs
or large scooters that sometimes snag the clothing on the racks or
won't fit down the aisles.

Unfortunately for all of us who would like to have more room to
maneuver at Target and other stores, the situation you describe is one
of the ones stores in the past have successfully defended. However,
the store might have to justify their current layout, possibly in
court.

The technical guidelines issued under the ADA state:

"Businesses such as restaurants may need to rearrange tables and
department stores may need to adjust their layout of racks and shelves
in order to permit wheelchair access, but they are not required to do
so if it would result in a significant loss of selling or serving
space."

The guidelines also give stores an alternative to rearranging their
selling space:

"If access is not provided to all sales areas, then alternative
services such as having staff available to retrieve items, must be
provided, if doing so is readily achievable."

You certainly can file under ADA or seek help from the ACLU, but you
might have more success (and get it faster!) if you contact a county
or state social services agency which advocates for the disabled.

Even as a nonhandicapped person, I hate crowded clothing departments,
etc. GOod letter!

You make some very good points - since Target is the one providing the
electric scooters, they should be providing sufficient space for
customers who use them.

As noted down below, the ACLU usually deals with a different type of
discrimination cases. A better bet, under this set of circumstances,
would be to consider filing a complaint under the Americans with
Disabilities Act.

Information on how to file a complaint can be found here:
http://tiny.cc/JBobq

Good luck to you.

ok...i was wondering about that aclu thing. I mean, I had to rely on
a fellow customer to nudge something out of the way for me
yesterday...when there were 3 associates hanging around the fitting
room counter in full view of the situation.

They just smirk and go back to chatting...

I agree. Target clothing sections are very tight. And I can
certainly see how a wheelchair or scooter would be impossible (not to
mention dangerous) in these areas. It's not just your store.

As for the ACLU, that's not the best avenue. The ACLU's mission is
more on protecting Constitutional rights. Often dealing with First
Amendment, but also other elements.

Yes, they do have a focus on those that have seen traditional
discrimination, such as persons with disabilities.

So, while they might help, the US Department of Justice is the best
first step. If THEY fail to act, then the ACLU might be interesting.
After all, what better publicity could there be than fighting Target?
Well, maybe Wal-Mart.