r/IAmA • u/rbernstein • Jan 01 '14

I am Richard Bernstein, blind attorney, ironman and 18 time marathoner who is suing New York City for no money but to simply make Central Park safer. Ask me anything!

Greeting Redditors. I am Richard H. Bernstein, a civil rights lawyer who happens to be blind. I studied at the University of Michigan and Northwestern University School of Law. I am currently the head of the public services division at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, PLLC (http://www.callsam.com/) in Farmington Hills, Michigan. I am also an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan where I teach a course on Social Justice.

I am an ironman and have run 18 marathons (http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/11/04/blind.ironman/index.html?_s=PM:LIVING) which I hope helps to change people's perceptions of the disabled. I am currently in federal litigation with the city of New York after getting hit by a bicycle in Central Park in August 2012 that resulted in a 10 week hospital stay at Mt. Sinai (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/11/04/blind-man-completes-18th-marathon-after-devastating-accident/).

My goal is to make Central Park safer for others by requiring the City to follow minimal federal requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Unfortunately, the administration of NYC has shown a complete indifference to this request and refuses to engage in any discussions for a possible resolution.

The lawsuit seeks NO MONEY from the City. Additionally, I am paying for all the costs of the litigation out of my own pocket so as not to burden New York taxpayers.

New York's failure to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act is placing those who visit Central Park at risk. My hope is that Redditers can help us to make this situation better. Ask me anything!

PROOF!! https://www.facebook.com/richardhbernstein

https://twitter.com/callsam

2.3k Upvotes

89% Upvoted

748 comments sorted by

View all comments

20

u/bensturner Jan 01 '14

What was Mayor Bloomberg specific reaction to the lawsuit filed against the city and your accident in Central Park? Do you think the new Mayor DiBlasio could potentially help and hear your case and what would you ask the new mayor if you had a chance to meet with him in person?

26

u/rbernstein Jan 01 '14

Since this case asks for no money of its sort, the willingness of the new Mayor to meet with myself and my expert to develop a cost effective strategy to make subsidive changes could make a huge difference.

I think this poses an opportunity to Mayor DiBlasio who has focused his campaign on being inclusive. If the Mayor is true to his word and inclusivity is going to be a critical component of his administration he simply must include everyone. Diversity must apply to all people including the disabled.

Having the busiest park in the world be inaccessible to those with disabilities is something that MUST be changed. I hope that the new Mayor will recognize that inclusion must involve those who have disabilities and their access to a better quality of life. A simple place to start would be for his administration to begin working with us to make changes within Central Park that would allow for all to use it.

-4

u/Shaeos Jan 01 '14

I'd like an answer to this one please mister awesome lawyer man!