ADAPT UN-BLOCKS BLOCKBUSTER

"You just can't get in," said Suzanne Colsey who filed a complaint in federal court the week before. Although there is a ramp, it is in front of the parking spaces and continually blocked by cars.

"Blockbuster is closed today," read the sign held over the front doors. The Blockbuster executive office was informed of the demands, but they were unwilling to provide access to their customers.

Memphis Police responded with ten officers, but with the doors blocked from inside and out, negotiations resumed. This time, Blockbuster Vice President Tom Barzizza, agreed to personally bring a written commitment to the ADAPT demonstrators.

Suzanne Colsey directed some changes to the letter that Mr. Barzizza had prepared, most notably, to add a time for the changes to take effect. With the changes, ADAPT declared the video store "open for business - temporarily."

Blockbuster executives had tried every excuse they could think of when customers had attempted to help or complained about the ramp. Tennessee ADAPT made access at the Union Store "a top priority," in the words Tom Barzizza.

However, advocates are skeptical of Blockbuster's ability to provide access. "They have a poor record," said Tim Wheat of Tennessee ADAPT. "Those same executives that approved the current ramp design and ignored the needs of customers want us to believe they can solve the problem."

If you wish to contact Tom Barzizza his e-mail address is tom@bbvideo.com, telephone is (901) 759-5322; mobile (901) 482-9362.

SOUTHERN STORES, INC.
A BLOCKBUSTER Franchisee
P.O. Box 381288
Germantown, TN 38183-1288
(901) 759-5322
(901) 759-5334 fax

TO: To Whom it May Concern
FROM: Tom Barzizza, VPP Corporate Communications

Date: January 15, 2001
RE: 1556 Union Avenue

The purpose of this letter is to respond to concerns that have been brought to our attention regarding the disabled ramp access at our location at 1556 Union Avenue. We appreciate being notified by our customers with disabilities that this location may need revisions to make our store more accessible. In response to this concern, we would like to assure our members that we have already as of this morning taken action to remedy this situation. We have contacted our architectural firm and requested a full evaluation of this location complete with recommended revisions. Once received, we will make the recommended revisions immediately.

We at BLOCKBUSSTER Video strive always to make our stores convenient to all customers. We will make any remedy to this situation a top priority, and we again appreciate being notified of this situation by our disabled attitudes.

Signed Thomas M Barzizza