PHOTO: The ramp at 1556 Union blocked by trash and concrete parking stops.

"You just can't get in," said Suzanne Colsey, who filed a complaint in federal court on Friday [01-2020 G V]. Suzanne and her husband Chris want to patronize their neighborhood stores but are frustrated by poor and faulty access.

The Colsey's brought this to the attention of Blockbuster manager Steve Miller (725-9500) but only got excuses. "When cars are parked in front of the ramp, "said Chris Colsey, "there is no access."

ADAPT of Tennessee plans to join the Colseys to demonstrate the fact that neighborhood stores have a responsibility to serve all Americans. ADAPT is demanding that Blockbuster, Subway and Exlines'

• Provide reasonable and lawful access to the property before next Saturday.

• Assess the access at all the other local Blockbuster, Subway and Exlines' stores and report back to ADAPT with the findings.

• Blockbuster must investigate replacement options to the "vestibule doors."

• Include persons with disabilities in planning access at future properties.

Nine years ago this month, the physical accessibility standards to protect persons with disabilities went into effect. People with disabilities have borrowed heavily from the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. "Our destinies are tied together," said Martin Luther King III at the ADAPT "March for Justice" this past October.