Big Folks Other Resources Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Stef Jones
Archive-name: fat-acceptance-faq/resources2
Posting-Frequency: monthly to *.answers, bi-weekly to
soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated,
soc.support.fat-acceptance and alt.support.big-folks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Resources for Big Folks
This document contains information about resources for fat people
(other than on-line resources, organizations, publications, and clothing
-- these are covered in other FAQs). If you don't find what you're
looking for here, try one of the related FAQs (see question F1 for a complete list).
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Updated October 2000
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Contents
SECTION A: FAQ about resources for big folks in Canada
a1) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about
body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.?
A2) What about amusement parks for big folks?
a3) Dating services for big folks?
SECTION B: FAQ about resources for big folks in New Zealand
b1) Where can I get clothes for large folks?
SECTION C: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.K.
c1) What about recreation-type things for big folks?
c2) Where can I get anti-diet cards?
c3) What other services are available for large folks?
SECTION D: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.S.
d1) What airlines treat fat people well?
d2) What furniture works well for big folks?
d3) What about recreation-type things for big folks?
d4) Where can I get product X made for a large person?
d5) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about
body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.?
d6) What legal remedies are there for discrimination on the basis
of weight and medical mistreatment of fat people?
d7) Are there modeling agencies for large folks?
SECTION E: Information about this FAQ
e1) Are there other related FAQs?
e2) Posting information
e3) Contributors
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SECTION A: FAQ about resources for big folks in Canada
a1) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about
body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.?
Beyond Dieting
Rhonda Zabrodski, BSW, RSW
c/0 101
83 Deerpoint Rd SE
Calgary, Alberta T2J 6W5
Phone: (403) 271-1311 or (403) 265-4980
Fax: (403) 225-1276
Email: rzab...@acs.ucalgary.ca
Weekly "psycho-educational group" focusing on diet education,
self-esteem and body image, and relationship with food. Not a
diet or weight loss group. Pre-screening interviews.
Helena Spring
Phone: (416) 861-0217
Helena Spring, R.N., of Canada Wyde offers phone counseling for
people of size.
Hugs International, Inc.
Linda Omichinsky, RD
Box 102 A, RR #3
Portage La Prairie Manitoba R1N 3A3
Phone: (204) 428-3432
Workshops based on Omichinsky's book *You Count, Calories Don't*.
Stop Dieting, Inc
Janet Polivy, Ph.D.
Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychology
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
Work Phone: (416) 968-3942
Fax: (905) 569-4326
Anti-diet workshops based on Polivy's research as a scientist
studying obesity, dieting, and health.
YOU*NIQUE
620 Jarvis Street
Suite 1023
Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2R8
Phone: (416) 964-0292 or (800) 663-9102 (toll free in Canada & U.S.)
Email: kaca....@ablelink.org or khe...@interlog.com
Infobot: youn...@ablelink.org (email to get information packet)
Self-acceptance and self-esteem seminars for large women explore
ways in which fat women are marginalized and stigmatized and
ways to combat the stigma and rebuild self-esteem.
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A2) What about amusement parks for big folks?
CANADA'S WONDERLAND
A 265 lb woman had no problems. Another similar-sized woman complained
that the chest restraints were a bit too confining on the standing roller
coasters.
A3) Dating services for big folks?
Sizeable Encounters Ltd.
Elaine Shusterman
1235 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario
Phone: (416) 657-2128 and (905) 731-1366
Email: ela...@sizeableencounters.ca
Web: http://www.sizeableencounters.ca
Dating service for above-average sized singles and their
admirers. $325 for 6 months, $499 for 1 year. $100 up front,
balance upon agreement to an introduction. Check for specials.
Low risk. No blind dates.
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SECTION B: FAQ about resources for big folks in New Zealand
B1) Where can I get clothes for large folks?
Farmers
Department store that carries large size men's clothing --
some up to size 6XL.
Fashion Factory
PO Box 7216
Christchurch
Phone: (03) 379-7323
Fax: (03) 379-7383
House of Heather
101 First Avenue
Tauranga
Phone: (07) 578-3376
Fax: (07) 578-3360
Rubens Collection
Petal Accents
Tauranga Airport
Tauranga
Phone: (07) 575-9404
Fax: (07) 575-9404
Raphaels Corporation Ltd
PO Box 21635
Henderson
Auckland
Phone: 0800 886 886
Fax: 0800 887 887
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SECTION C: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.K.
c1) What about recreation-type things for big folks?
Planet Big Girl
PO Box 4110
London SE15 4LR
Phone: 0171 639 0914 or 0171 635 7071
Nightclub in London that caters to large folks and their
admirers. They are in the basement of Equinox (in Leicester
Square), and have events on the first Thursday of each month
(and possibly other days as well).
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c2) Where can I get anti-diet cards?
Diet Breakers
Church Cottage
Barford St Michael
Banbury Oxon OX15 0UA
Phone: 0181 693 7070
Fax: 0181 693 7177
Diet Breakers puts out a couple of anti-diet postcards
illustrated by Jacky Fleming. They have pictures of a woman
engaged in anti-diet behavior (throwing out her diet book,
seeing through the con of diet books), and statistics about
dieting in the UK.
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D3) What other services are available for large folks?
88 - Big in Pictures
109 Wareham Road
Corfe Mullen
Wimbourne, Dorset BH21 3JZ
Phone: 01860 356149
Makeover photography for large ladies, by larger ladies; studio
quality, home visits.
Angela Sandler AMIFC
Phone: 0181 954 2113
Appearance specialist -- personal & corporate image consultant.
Offers "Large is lovely" workshops.
Chubby Companions
21 Ulundi Street
Radcliffe, Greater Manchester M26 3AN
Phone: 0161 724 6791
Dating service. Competitive rates, confidentiality. Lancashire
area. Unlimited introductions.
Le Grande Weekend
Marlene and Kyrsia
38 Westbury Lodge Close
Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 3FG
Luxury weekends for large ladies.
Plump Partners Dating Agency
Sandy Millington
8 Sealand Avenue
Holywell Clwyd CH8 7BU
Phone: 01352 715909
National Dating agency for those who are plump or prefer a plump
partner.
Tops
PO Box 533
London SW6 2RQ
Top-heavy ladies write about bust problems. Practical
hints/advice and free newsletter.
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SECTION D: FAQ about resources for big folks in the U.S.
d1) What airlines treat fat people well?
This section is a compilation of comments made by various people on
s.s.f-a or a.s.b-f about various airlines. It's by no means exhaustive.
Check out the August 1995 issue of Consumer Reports, which compares
airline seat widths on various aircraft.
American Airlines/American Eagle
Friendly to big folks. If you ask, they will try to place an
empty seat beside you (by "blocking" the seat on the computer).
You may need to ask ahead for a seat belt extender. Makes very
large people purchase two seats.
Continental
Friendly to big folks.
Delta
Used to be generally thought friendly to big folks, but lately
there have been complaints. One person who was large and
disabled said she was refused a seat ("insurance requirements"
were cited) after twice calling Delta to explain her special
needs and being assured there would be no problem. Another
person complained they were unresponsive to her need for a seat
with an armrest that could be raised.
Markair
Friendly to big folks. Polite. Flight attendants are helpful and
ask if you need a seat belt extender.
Midwest Express
They have four-across seating (rather than the standard
five-across) on their DC-9s/MD-80s. The seats are all basically
as wide as first class seats. Their major hub is in Milwaukee,
and they fly cross-country.
Northwest Airlines
Gracious about seat belt extenders.
Polynesian Airlines
Very friendly to big folks. Go out of their way to make you
comfortable, arrange for extra seats.
Reno Air
Friendly to big folks. Good about seating you in a comfortable
row.
Southwest Airlines
Unfriendly to big folks. Have been known to fly someone to a
connecting city, and then decide that the person is too fat for
a single seat, and then demand that the person buy another seat
to continue their journey. Some people have had OK experiences
with them.
TWA
Friendly to big folks. Accommodating and discreet about
extenders. Friendly counter staff.
United Airlines
Friendly to big folks. But were in the news a while back for
being obnoxious about weight limits for flight attendants.
US Air
Friendly to big folks. NAAFA trained and very respectful and
kind about size issues. Makes very large people purchase two
seats. Discreet about seatbelt extenders, good about seating
people next to empty seats, upgrading to first for a small fee.
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d2) What furniture works well for big folks?
Everyone has different likes/dislikes in furniture. This section is
intended to provide information about what other big folks have found
works for them.
With regard to beds in particular, and furniture in general, you may
want to consider a bed (or box springs or whatnot) guaranteed for
several years, so that if it doesn't hold up, you can have it replaced
cheaply.
Action Lane furniture
Tupelo, Mississippi
Web site: http://www.action-lane.com
Offers the ComfortKing recliner. It reclines to 80 inches and
has a 24-inch seat. It's made of tempered steel and weighs 160
pounds instead of the usual 110-120 pounds.
Alimed
297 High St.
Dedham, MA 02026-9135
Phone: (800) 225-2610
Fax: (617) 329-8392
Ergonomic office furniture and equipment. Several office chairs
designed for big folks up to 500 pounds. One model is called
the Triton and costs around $450. Stools and chairs for labs or
manufacturing. Lumbar support belts up to 75". Specifications
are clear in the catalog. Catalog is $10 if you're calling on
your own behalf, free if you're calling on behalf of an
institution.
Big Wyoming Big Bed & Furniture Co.
Casper Wy.
Email: 10244...@CompuServe.COM
Furniture and beds for tall and big people.
Biofit
Phone: 800-597-0246, 419-832-1089
Carries a plus-size folding chair and a plus-size cafeteria
chair. You can purchase from the manufacturer, but it's
sometimes cheaper to go through a local dealer. Biofit can give
you the name(s) of dealers in your area.
Boyd Flotation Systems
Maker of waterbeds. Their beds consist of several tubes filled
with water, rather than one big bag of water.
Coleman
Portable outdoor chair. "Cost me about $25.00, but it's never
even hinted at collapsing under my 340 lbs, and it's got a WIDE
seat, to boot. It's made so that it folds down and inward rather
than up, so the strongest parts are the support, and it's got
support connecting the legs for more strength. Yet it's made of
aluminum and ripstop nylon so it's light, and folds down so well
I can sling it over my shoulder and walk with it. I got mine at
Fred Meyer, but you could probably find one at any discount-type
store with a camping department (K-Mart, Target, etc.)."
As of June 2000, the URL for the Colman captain's chair is
Craftmatic bed
Bed that you can raise and lower (like in hospitals). Drive
motor is guaranteed for three years, mattress and foundation is
guaranteed for 25 years. Foundation is made with a steel
undercarriage. Two twinsized beds can hook together at the
foundation to make a kingsize with two sides that raise and
lower independently. In Canada, one couple paid $2245 for one
twin bed.
C.R. Laine
(704) 328 1831
Offers furniture (such as a recliner) made for big and tall
folks.
Dania
Danish furniture store chain. They make "huge and soft" couches
that are large enough for two mid-size-ish big folks to lie on
and spoon.
Domore-DO3
2400 Sterling Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516 * Phone: (219) 293-0621
Fax: (219) 294-6176
They carry executive chairs are at least 30" wide and certified
to hold up to 500 lbs and a task chair that is about 33" wide
and is certified to hold up to 850lbs. Chairs are structurally
designed to accommodate large/heavy people.
Website: http://www.domoredo3.com">
Englander
They make somewhat expensive box springs and mattresses that
hold up well.
Ethan Allen
Offers the "chair and a half," a chair approximately 33 inches
in width.
Herman Miller
http://www.hermanmiller.com/
offers the
Aeron chair: high backed, wide bottomed, arms that swing out.
Seat made of netting for air circulation. Many different
adjustments, including one for the small of your back. Several
sizes available. List price is $999, but you can get it for $699
at sit4less.com. One person wrote: "Size c is fine for me at
350+ lbs and 6'5"." Also offers Ergon Extra Chair, available at
a lot of office supply stores, approximately $700 to $900.
Designed for office workers up to 6', 7" in height who weigh up
to 500 lbs. Larger seat and back, extra durability through more
heavily enforced mechanics, and extra comfort in its deeper
cushions. Adjustments: knee tilt, forward seat angle adjustment,
and height adjustable back and arms. 12-year warranty.
Hickory Chair
Offers furniture (such as a recliner or "chair and a half")
suitable for big and tall folks.
Lane
(888) FOR-LANE
Offers furniture (such as a recliner) for big and tall folks.
La-Z-Boy
(800) 625-3245
Offers the Summit Series of large-size "chair-and-a-half" chairs
and recliners.
Jerry McRoy
Greenville, NC
Phone: (919) 756-3161 (answering machine)
Waterbed dealer who has access to metal bed frames with 9 legs,
designed for king/queen softsided waterbeds, but also for use
with a regular mattress.
Office Depot
Offers a comfortable, sturdy office chair made by the Global
Upholestry Co. Cost about $100.
Office World
Web site: http://www.officeworld.com/
They have excellent (although expensive) office chairs for large
and supersized people (including the Ergon 3 by Herman Miller,
see above).
Patioworld
Web site: http://www.patioworld.com
One person reports they can make patio/outdoor furniture that
can support high weights and make furniture to order.
Quik Lok
Not-too-unwieldy seat intended to be a portable stool for
electronic keyboardists. With very heavy frames, a padded seat,
and collapsible construction. You can get them at many music
stores. One place to see them online is:
http://www.sweetwater.com/Quicklock/QuickLock_09.html
QVC
Offers What-A-Beach Chair, rated to 400 lbs., $32.00. Low to the
ground. They also have What-A-Chair, which goes to 500 lbs. Item
# F24925. Both of these fold up and are very sturdy.
Sealy Posturepedic
Their grade 3 or 4 mattresses seem to work well for large folks.
Some of their box springs have steel beams instead of wood.
Their higher end products are guaranteed for a long time, so you
can get them replaced if they don't live up to what they should.
One 360 pound person bought a Sealy Posturepedic that broke
three weeks after he got it. Possibly a bad box-spring. They are
replacing the mattress.
Sears
They make mostly indestructible bed frames with 6 legs. Metal
frames may be sturdier than wooden frames, but it probably
depends on the construction of the frame. They also make good
mattresses.
Sleepworks
http://www.sleepworks.com
offers a mattress that combines all natural foam (latex) with a
coil system and can be constructed to accommodate two people
with different needs.
Smith Industries ~ Natural Tree Furniture
Web site http://www.smithindustries.com
Annie and Ray Smith run this company. Annie wrote to me to point
out: "We have quite a few Large HumanBeans, friends and
customers, we cater to in the furniture department. All we'd
need to know is specifications." They make environmentally
responsible furniture out of reclaimed, naturally felled trees
and branches, kiln dried using mortise and tenon joinery
to guarantee quality and integrity. Custom orders welcomed.
Syroco
They make an oversize lawn/lounge chair that was comfy for one
400-pound person.
Steelcase
They offer the Steelcase Criterion Plus. "The seat is 26"
across, and my 460 lb body with 72" hips fits in it perfectly.
I've been using it for almost 3 years now, and it's holding up
well. It cost somewhere between $800-$1000."
Carries big and tall task and executive chairs for people
between 300 and 500 lbs.
This End Up
PO Box 2020
Richmond, VA 23216-2020
Phone: (800) 627-5161
Mall retail chain and mail order catalog. They make very sturdy
furniture (including beds and couches).
Walmart
Chain store offers sturdy, inexpensive double camping chairs
called "A Chair and a Half". They fold up like a regular lawn
chair and have a drink holder. They cost about $30 and support
at least 350 pounds.
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d3) What about recreation-type things for big folks?
HEALTH CLUBS
Women of Substance Health Spa is a newly opened health club for women of
all sizes, located in Redwood City, CA. They have no scales and do not
promote measurement as a method of determining health or fitness. 363 C
Main Street, Redwood City. Phone: (415) 369-6626. Fat-friendly workout
equipment and exercise classes, pool, jacuzzi, massage.
NIGHTCLUBS
In New York City, there are two clubs that cater to large folks.
Large Encounters (212-836-9000 or 516-763-6100) runs Friday night dance
parties about three times a month at various locations in Manhattan,
Queens, and Long Island.
Goddesses (718-456-9119) runs dance parties every other Saturday at a
Manhattan club called Cafe 44.
The Chunkendale dancers are large guys who parody the Chippendales
dancers. Last I heard, Chippendales was suing for trademark
infringement.
CRUISES
Club 24 (apparently affiliated with Dimensions magazine) sponsers
cruises for large women and their male partners. You can reach them at
HREF="mailto:rbw...@prodigy.com">rbw...@prodigy.com.
NUDIST AREAS
Black's Beach in San Diego, CA
Many "beautiful people" hang out here, but large folks are not
harassed or snickered at or even ignored. Apparently, the north
and south ends of the beach tend to have the "beautiful people"
(who may or may not remove their clothes), while the middle of
the beach has many folks of varying body types (who usually
remove their clothes). During the week, there are less likely to
be gawkers.
Elysian Fields in Topanga Canyon, CA
This nudist resort has a number of large nudists, and large
folks are not looked at askance.
San Onofre Beach, just south of the San Diego/Orange County line
I-5 to Basilone Road, south into the State Park. 3 miles south
of the main gate there is a trail down to the beach. Go south on
the beach past the last lifeguard station. Nudity officially not
allowed, but they only enforce it if they have a complaint. "I
am 5'10" and 265 lbs and I have _never_ felt "out of place" when
visiting there!"
Pirate's Cove -- north of Malibu, CA, just south of Zuma Beach
Nude sunbathing and swimming that is big-folk friendly.
Sandy Hook in New Jersey
Gunnison Beach is clothing optional and very fat friendly.
Diverse body types. Queer folks hang out on the south end of the
beach.
THEME PARKS
Consensus here is that theme parks should place samples of the cars they
use for the rides where you queue up for the rides. Then anyone who
wasn't sure they would fit in the car could sit in the sample car, and
see if it would work. Alas, theme parks do not do this yet. (So suggest
it to them when you go to visit.)
In the meantime, here's what some big folks found when they visited
various theme parks. You're probably not shaped exactly the same as the
people whose opinions are gathered here. And, depending on how your
weight is distributed and how the ride is set up, you may fit on rides
that people who weigh less than you don't fit on. So don't take any of
this as gospel.
Adventure World in suburban Washington DC (Largo, Maryland.)
A ride called the Rainbow featured slides of different colors
and heights. "About 2/3 of the way up the narrow stair, a sign
was posted with a weight limit [...]. By the time one is in a
position to see the sign, one has already climbed a large part
of the way up, and the people in line behind one have also
acsended, blocking the stairway. There is no escape stair.[...]
I didn't want to inconvenience all the people in line behind me
-- and I wanted to ride the big slide. So I said to my husband
"I'm sure it will be fine" and continued up. There had to be
some leeway in the weight limit, right? I mean, lots of men
don't evem know their weight... Anyway, you'll be happy to hear
that the slide didn't break under my weight - no one was injured
or even embarrassed. BUT my weight meant that I got quite a
great deal of MOMENTUM going on the way down the slide.[...] It
would have been much better, more responsible policy to post the
weight restrictions at the entrance to the ride itself. The park
has been renovated and expanded since our visit - the rainbow
slide may not even be there any more. But I did learn that
weight limits are posted for a reason."
Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, CA
One person was asked to get off a roller coaster in front of
everybody because the bar would not go down. Another person
(5'3, and around 300 lbs) tried to ride the Big Dipper
rollercoaster, was asked to get off the ride, and was refused a
refund.
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA
Of the three coasters, Big Bad Wolf is probably the roomiest,
followed by the Loch Ness Monster, and then the Drachen Fire.
The Drachen Fire is not very friendly to people over 5'6" tall.
The Alpengeist has a maximum girth of 48", the Apollo's Chariot
has a maximum girth of 52". They have a sample car sitting at
the entrance of the Alpengeist so that you can see if you will
fit before you get into line. The operators are helpful and do
not rush you.
Cedar Point amusement park in OH
People over 6'5" or having over a 50 inch waist or a very large
bust or chest may have problems with the Raptor. People with
over a 50 inch waist may have problems with the Mean Streak, the
Corkscrew, and the Magnum 200XL. People with over a 60 inch
waist may have problems with the Iron Dragon, the Blue Streak,
and the Gemini. All the water rides and standard rides should
accommodate folks with less than a 60" waist.
Disneyworld in FL
A size 28-30W woman fit on all the rides without any problem.
One 28-30W person found the inner tube rides (other than the
Lazy River) a bit difficult -- the inner tube kept sinking down
into the water, and she found herself scraping the bottom a lot
-- she still found it fun. They have scuba jackets for the Shark
Reef in sizes up to 28-30W. Star Tours and Body Wars were a
little snug. Clothes in gift shops go up to size 4X.
For much more about Walt Disney World theme parks, see below.
Disneyland in CA
300+, 410lb, 310lb, and 3X people fit through all the turnstiles
and fit on every single ride without problems. One woman
complained that the rocket jets were uncomfortable and some of
the gates were smallish, and recommended not sitting in the
front car of Space Mountain. Disney did not complain that she
needed to take a whole seat meant for two. Many of the rides
are accessible for much larger folks as well (i.e., Pirates of
the Caribbean, Splash Mount, Jungle Boat, and Matterhorn). Star
Tours may not be entirely comfortable; it has theater-type
seats. One person needed a seatbelt extender for Star Tours and
they provided it without a fuss. And on Main St., the Clothier
store, the Disney Emporium, and Tomorrowland all have large-size
clothing (some up to 8X). The seats in MGM Studios were somewhat
uncomfortable for one person. One person couldn't fit through
the turnstiles and ended up lifting himself over them.
Disneyland is very accommodating to people with physical
limitations and will assist people in getting on and off the
rides. They have wheelchairs available for a small deposit.
For more about Walt Disney theme parks, see below.
Great America in Santa Clara, CA
One woman didn't fit on one of the rides, and they gave her and
her partner passes to go to the head of the line on any other
ride (to make up for the fact that she waited all that time for
the first ride). A 5'4" 220-lb size 18-24 woman fit on all the rides,
but just barely on the wooden rollercoaster. A 5'7" 340 lb.
person could not fit on anything, except one rollercoaster (not
the wooden one, presumably).
Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh, PA.
One reader was humiliated by ride staff.
King's Island in Cincinatti, OH
A size 20W-22W woman visited here and found all of the coasters
comfortable. The roomiest was Top Gun, and one coaster was a
little snug. The Flight Commander ride had a sign saying that
"especially large people" might not be able to ride, but our
intrepid tester had no problems. On the other hand, another
woman (size 18W or so) couldn't fit on several of the rides. A
400+ pound man was comfortable in the Skylab and short log flume
water rides.
Knott's Berry Farm
A supersized woman had no problem on any of the rides she went
on.
Another person warns that many of the rides, with the exception
of the log flume and the California River Country Raft Ride, are
not size friendly, including the three major roller coasters.
One of the roller coasters (Montezuma's Revenge?) may be bad for
people with back or neck problems. ("starts on a short section
of track, catapults you forward, through a loop to a near
vertical incline at which you fall and reverse the process
passing through the start station and going to another near
vertical incline and you then fall back forward and stop in the
station") The fried chicken dinner at the restaurant is
recommended.
Lagoon in Farmington, UT
One person had a bad experience with a roller coaster -- the bar
went down but the person was pinned very uncomfortably and had a
hard time getting the bar to release.
Paramounts Carowinds
A size 28W-30W woman had problems fitting in the safety devices
of some rides, but always fit and was able to ride without too
much discomfort.
Six Flags in Georgia
A size 28W-30W woman had problems fitting in the safety devices
of some rides, but always fit and was able to ride without too
much discomfort.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Two people reported bad experiences. One concerned the roller
coaster. Nothing was posted about a size limit, but the safety
bar would not lock and the person was asked to leave the ride.
One person commented that the amusement park is very hilly.
One 300 lb. person fit onto the Batman and Superman rides.
Six Flags Over Texas
Two mid-sized people had trouble getting into the Texas Giant ride.
However, one person who is approximately 280 lbs and 58" girth
did not have a problem here except for "occasionally a tight
fit."
Wild Bills at Stateline, NV
Roller coaster is reported to be a very tight fit.
Water theme parks
Large folks tend to do well at water theme parks. The more
surface area you have, the better you can dam water up behind
you, the faster you can go. And often there are people with a
wide range of body types at water theme parks.
WALT DISNEY WORLD
One poster reported that at 6'7" and 400 lbs, height was more of a
problem than weight and recommended the second row of most rides as
having more leg room. "On the water rides be sure to seat in the middle
(left and right), we had a boat full of couples all seating on one side,
and started to take on water."
The following description of Disney parks is contributed by
ba...@nebula.ispace.com (note: this email address no longer works):
Because of the questions regarding rides at Walt Disney World, I called
and spoke with a great woman who helped me go through each of the parks
and "size up" (so to speak!) the rides at all three Disney Parks. Below
is the compilation of what I can offer as far as info re: descriptions
of rides and shows goes. Know, too,that *your* judgement is the
ultimate guide. I merely offer suggestions.
Legend:
ts = theatre seats
bs = bench seats
lb = low bars (lower deeply into lap)
hb = high bars (do not lower into lap, or lower slightly)
ss = small space
w = walking show, self paced (wheelchairs allowed)
s = standing show (wheelchairs allowed)
nws = no wheelchair space, but handicapped accessible
All shows have handicapped access and all ts and bs locations (except
those designated "nws"... no wheelchair spaces) have wheelchair spaces,
never having to leave the wheelchair, and a place for companion as well.
More info on wheelchairs below.
MAGIC KINGDOM
Ride Seat type Description
==================================================================
TOMORROWLAND
Astro Orbiter lb/ts jerky simulator ride
Space Mountain lb/ss roller coaster
Wedway People Mover hb/bs/nws gentle sit down ride
Delta DreamFlight hb gentle sit down ride
Time Keeper s show/movie?
Carousel of Progress ts show
FANTASYLAND
Grand Prix Raceway bs/ss gentle ride
Dumbo Flying Elephants lb/ss kids' ride
Carousel Horses bs/horses gentle ride
It's a Small World bs/nws gentle ride
Tea Cups bs(round) twirly ride
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride bs/hb ride
Legend of Lion King ts show
Skyway 700 lb limit sky ride
TOWN SQUARE
Hall of Presidents ts show (standing pre-show)
Haunted Mansion bs/hb/nws gentle ride (standing pre-show)
Mike Fink Keel Boats bs gentle ride
Tom Sawyers Island w (short standing barge ride)
FRONTIERLAND
Splash Mountain lb/ss roller coaster
Big Thunder Mountain lb/ss roller coaster
Country Bear Jamboree bs show
Railroad Ride bs gentle sit down ride
Jungle Cruise bs gentle boat ride
ADVENTURELAND
Pirates of the Carribean bs/nws boat ride-8 foot "waterfall"
Swiss Family Treehouse w walking uphill/downhill
Enchanted Tiki Room bs show (standing pre-show)
MAIN STREET
Main Street Cinema ts movie
===================================================================
EPCOT CENTER
Ride Seat type Description
===================================================================
FUTURE WORLD
Spaceship Earth hb gentle ride
The Living Seas bs/w short ride
The Land bs/nws gentle boat ride
Journey to Imagination lb/w several activities
Universe of Energy bs gentle boat-like ride
Wonders of Life lb/ss ride
Cranium Command bs show
Making of Me bs movie
Body Wars lb/ts jerky flight simulator
WORLD SHOWCASE
Mexico hb/bs/nws gentle boat ride
China s CircleVision movie
Norway lb faster boat ride
2 drops down "waterfalls"
Morocco (no rides)
Germany (no rides)
Italy (no rides)
Japan (no rides)
United States ts show (arrive early for seating)
France s CircleVision movie
Canada s CircleVision movie
===================================================================
MGM
Ride Seat type Description
===================================================================
Tower of Terror bs/hb 13 story drop
Muppet Show ts show
Beauty and the Beast bs show
Little Mermaid ts show
Magic of Disney Animation w demonstrations
Backstage Tour tram ride/bs demonstrations
Great Movie Rides bs show
Hunchback of Notre Dame bs show
Star Tours lb/ts jerky flight simulator
Monster Sound Show ts show
Indiana Jones Spectacular bs show
=========================================================
There is ample wheelchair parking outside each park. In MGM you need to
show a wheelchair sticker, otherwise it is the honor system. Trams,
monorails, and boats are completely accessible, their being used to get
you from the parking area to the parks.
Wheelchairs, both standard and electric, can be rented each day, but
must stay in the park they were rented in, even with multi-park passes.
The wheelchair rental areas are directly inside each parks' gates (Magic
Kingdom's is towards the middle, EPCOT's is to the far left, and MGM's
is also to the far left). Standard wheelchairs are $6 a day, no deposit.
The electric ones are $30 a day and $20 refundable deposit when you
return the chair. (the electric ones are *well* worth the money!
Especially in EPCOT where there are hills in several places.) A new
policy! Wheelchairs are *first come, first served"! They no longer take
reservations. We always rent a stroller as well for the walking person
to push, allowing us to dump all the purses, bags, etc. in. First come,
first served, they are $6 a day, with $1 refund when you return it.
One never needs to go through turnstiles... from the front entrance to
any ride. There are gates that swing open, simply ask the attendant (or
make yourself at home and open it yourself, like I do!).
All types of modified diets are honored at Walt Disney World... in parks
(see below), restaurants, and hotels... from Kosher, vegan, and low-fat
to diabetic, ovo-lacto vegetarian, and kids' meals.
In the Magic Kingdom, there is a vegetarian fast food restaurant in
Tomorrowland. The fast food places are eat what is on the menu, but sit
down places (with backstage chefs) can cook anything to match your
dietary needs... simply ask your server.
In EPCOT, there are wonderful places to eat. Canada has a cafeteria. The
Living Seas has the most expensive food, but most spectacular dining
room, set under the aquarium, dinner swimming all around as you eat!
Most restaurants have several choices of meals that fit in with varying
diet plans. If not, ask the server for what you need.
In MGM, there are fast food and dining rooms, including a cafeteria
(that is eat what is there). The dining rooms can cater to your needs.
The majority of wheelchairs at the Disney parks are the regular sized,
but they *do* have several of the larger sized ones. The electric
wheelchairs have arms that rise on one side.
Also, the chairs in every restaurant that I can think of have no arms. I
am sure if there are arms on chairs, there are also chairs without arms
handy.
The restrooms all have handicapped stalls, of course... and I have been
able to fit in most stalls at 330 pounds.
If you ever have a problem when gently asking for your needs, ask to
speak to a supervisor, and they can help... either by getting you what
you need, or directing you to a place where your needs can be met.
For further questions you can call Walt Disney World at 407-824-4321.
============================================================
d4) Where can I get product X made for a large person?
Air Physics Corp
Phoenix, AZ
Phone: (800) 553-0353
Chairs that assist people in standing up. One design is for
large people. It is 27" wide, can lift over 800 lbs, and costs
$895. They sell another chair rated up to 400 lbs, and a lift
seat that can be strapped to a regular chair. If a doctor
prescribes a lift chair for you, your health insurance may pay
part of the cost. They also sell the large chairs alone without
the lift mechanism.
American Health Supplies Inc.
Web site: http://www.ahsinc.com/pharmmed.htm
Vast catalog of medical equipment and home health aids.
Most items have pictures, describe size and weight limits.
Amplestuff
PO Box 116
Bearsville, NY 12409
Phone: (914) 679-3316
Fax: (914) 679-1206
Email: ample...@aol.com
Amplestuff doesn't have a web site but you can order a catalog
through http://www.oooobabybaby.com
Catalog with over 100 items for plus- and supersize woman and
men such as: large clothes hangers, airline seatbelt extenders,
books/videos, fanny packs, health/hygiene products, wider socks,
and the consumer newsletter Ample Shopper.
Apria (formerly Homedco)
Medical equipment company reported by a fat person with sleep
apnea to be good to work with.
Beam balance scales and counterweights
http://www.bodytrends.com/det.htm
http://www.empirescale.com/empire/model80.htm
http://www.sperlescales.com/detecto_clinical_medical_scale.htm
Brace Center
2285 N.W. Loop
Stephenville TX 76401
(254) 965-9092
1600 Central Drive
Bedford, Texas 76022
Phone 877-272-2348
Fax (254)-965-9644
Web http://www.kneesupport.com
Large selection of all sizes. Easy to work with via phone,
online or retail locations.
CJ's International
4175 Pepperwood Trail
Minnetonka, MN 55305-4915
Phone: (800) 538-8394
Austrian crystal tennis bracelets for people with large wrists,
$2.50 per inch plus shipping and handling.
ConvaQuip Health Care Products
P.O. Box 3417
Abilene, Texas 79604
Phone: (800) 637-8436, (915) 677-4177
Fax: (915) 677-7217
Email: mailto:in...@convaquip.com
Web site: http://www.convaquip.com/
Heavy-duty convalescent aids and medical equipment -- walkers,
canes, crutches, commodes, shower and bath chairs.
Domestications
PO Box 40
Hanover, PA 17333-0040
Inexpensive large bath sheets (36" x 66").
Easy Rider Pedal Extensions
PO Box 251677
Glendale, CA 91225-1677
Phone: 818-247-9246
FAX: 818-247-3329
Prices range between $60 and $75 per extender. They can be
installed using a screwdriver and socket wrench. They can be
used on most vehicles (including temporarily on rental cars).
Electric Mobility
Phone: 800-MOBILITY
Web site: http://www.electricmobility.com
Offers a motorized scooter, Rascal, that's rated to 450 lbs. It
is modular so repairs are not expensive. It can be taken apart
and put in the trunk of a car. An extra-wide (22") seat is
available. The armrests flip up, or you can remove the entire
armrest assembly. Cost is around $3500, including the extra-wide
chair. Also offers motoroized scooter models called Chauffeur
with weight limits of 450-600, depending on the model. One
person complained the 600-pound model brok frequently. Others
say the Chauffer is sturdier than the Rascal. One person reports
that her model has a longer base (good for long legs) and "The
weight limit is 450, but the company told me that it would be
fine of you were a bit over that." The Chauffeur MX model is
rated for 450 lbs and the cost is about $2,300, including an
extra-width foot plate. It's a 3 wheeler, very stable. The
tiller (steering column) is adjustable to accommodate big
bellies. Electric Mobility doesn't rent scooters and don't
generally have any heavy duty scooters available for sale used.
Enduro
Conneticut
Makes customized wheelchairs. One person has one with a weight
capacity of 500 lbs. and a 20" seat.
Everest & Jennings
Offers wheelchairs for people weighing up to 400 pounds. Various
sites on the web; search on "Everest Jennings" in Yahoo or
Google.
Greedy Dyke Productions
2400 Rio Grande NW, #1-110
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: (505) 345-8739
Dildo harnesses that fit folks with large legs (one size for
hips under 55" and one size for hips over 55").
King Size
PO Box 9115
Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: (800) 846-1600
Large-size rain gear that is more or less unisex. Extra-large
umbrellas, ties, and fanny packs.
Lark
Has a motorized wheelchair/scooter rated to 450. One person
wrote "But the 300lb one I tested had so much punch I considered
it, even though I am 350." The prices range $3500-$5000. The
lifts for the car add another $2000.
Laughing Sisters
4514 Manitou Way
San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (619) 272-1976
They make plastic hangers 19" wide. (Regular hangers are 14"
wide.) Clothes won't slide off these hangers and won't get funny
lumps on the shoulder seams from hangers too narrow to reach the
shoulders.
Masterlink Marketing
Fax: (716) 675-1610
They make an adjuster for auto seatbelts called Master Design.
You clip it to the seatbelt by the latch, and it makes the
shoulder belt sit lower.
Northwest Kayaks Inc.
http://www.nwkayaks.com
Offers a kayak called a Cadence, which has a load capacity of
455 lbs and has an opening made for larger people.
Mour To Dri
Reported out of business Mar01
Optiway Technology, Inc.
500 Norfinch Dr.,
Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3N 1Y4
Phone: 800-514-7061
Fax: (416)739-6622
Offers Optiway/Fortress 2001 LX4 Scooter. Can be modified both
for weight and to make it more powerful on hills. The 4 wheels
are much more stable (less likely to fall over) than the 3
wheels, which are a bit easier to maneuver.
Palmer Industries
http://www.palmerind.com/index.htm
Makes an electric vehicle capable of climbing hills and
traversing rough terrain, more rugged than scooters. Cost
$3000-$5000. For transporting, they suggest a trailer, cost
about $500 including installation.
PDG Inc.
Phil Mundy, Nancy Balcom
9165 Shaughnessy Street
Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6P 6R9
Phone: 604-323-9220
Fax: 604-323-9097
E-mail: in...@PRODGROUP.COM
PDG Inc. is a manufacturer of wheelchairs for big and supersize
people. They make wheelchairs in sizes up to and exceeding 30".
U.S. distributor is: MedBloc, 700 Ensminger Road - Unit 112,
Tonawanda, N.Y., 14150, USA, Ph: 1-888-433-6818, Fax: 1-888-433-6834
In Canada: Graham-Field Canada, 111 Snidercroft Road, Concord,
Ontario, L4K 2J8, Ph: (905) 669-2381 / 1 800 387-9113, Fax:
(905) 660-7875 / 1 800 267-0502.
One can also contact PDG directly.
Royal Resources
Vendredi Enterprises
PO Box 220
Camas Valley, OR 97416
Phone: (503) 445-2330
Information and source directory for large folks: Clothing,
shoes, books, jewelry, magazines, furniture, sewing supplies,
health products, sunglasses, umbrellas, dating services,
insurance, cars, airlines, cruises, etc. Cost is $29.95.
Shower Anywhere
http://www.shower-anywhere.com
Portable shower stalls and tanks. Can be modified to accommodate
people of size.
SIZEWise Rentals
Phone 800-814-9389
Email: SIZE...@aol.com
Web: http://www.sizewiserentals.com
Rent medical equipment designed for large people. Rent to care
facilities, rehab, et al. 43 locations in the U.S. Carry
wheelchairs up to 37", shower/commode chairs to 30", power
recliners, walkers, beds, air mattresses, trapezes, etc.
Capacity on mobility items is 750lbs, beds and air mattresses to
1000lb. Affiliated with Wheelchairs of Kansas (listed below).
Therapy Supplies
Toronto
416-752-8885
Ask to speak with Peter Tippett. Please mention Helena Spring of
Canada WYDE as reference.
Medical supply house. One product they sell is a solid walker
with a wide seat, made by Gaper Products in Toronto.
Toledo
They custom-make scales as large or as small as you want them.
Totes
Big, sturdy umbrella called "City Slicker" is large enough to
keep almost anyone dry.
21st Century Scientific
Makes power wheelchairs rated up to 1000 pounds.
Wheelchairs of Kansas
204 W. 2nd, Ellis, KS, USA 67637
Telephone 1-800-537-6454
FAX 1-800-337-2447
Email in...@wheelchairsofkansas.com
Web http://www.wheelchairsofkansas.com
Manufacture and sell medical equipment designed for large
people, including wheelchairs, beds, lifts, and
bath aides. Makes power wheelchairs up to 750 pounds
Worldesigns Incorporated
PO Box 355
New York City, NY 10024
Fanny packs in sizes up to 2X (59"-92").
XL Collection Plus
Box 20511
Rochester, NY 14602
$12.95
Fashion resource guide.
Wheelchairs of Kansas
Phone: (800) 537-6454
Free catalog.
They rent wheelchairs up to 30" wide and will ship them within a
few days. They also sell custom-made wheelchairs of any width.
============================================================
d5) Are there therapists or workshops offering information about
body image, alternatives to dieting, etc.?
Abundia
Sally Strosahl
PO Box 252
Downers Grove IL 60515
Phone: (630) 897-9796
Body-size acceptance for abundant women -- workshops,
presentations, classes and retreats. Works with health-care
professionals who wish to become more size-informed. Cheri
Erdman, a member, wrote her doctoral thesis on the process of
body-size acceptance in women.
Amity Associates
Susan Kano
18 Holiday Road
Wayland MA 01778
Work Phone: (508) 358-4811
Home Phone: (508) 358-9611
Offers workshops based on Kano's book *Making Peace with Food*.
Lucia Kim August, MA, MFCC
2550 Peralta Blvd. #7
Fremont, CA 94536
Phone: (510) 792-5588
Email: lkau...@inferno.com
Anti-dieting, demand feeding, psycho-educational approach based
on the books *Overcoming Overeating* and *When Women Stop
Hating Their Bodies* by Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter. August
is an active member of The Women's Campaign to End Body Hatred
and Dieting. Individual therapy sessions available. Groups being
organized. Dance/movement therapy for large women.
Lizbeth Binks, Ph.D.
Phone: (410) 532-3080
Size acceptance therapy. Baltimore, MD.
Kelly Bliss, M.Ed.
Phone: 610-394-2547
Email: kelly...@snip.net
Web site: www.kellybliss.com
Provides size-accepting counseling and a nationwide video
classes for people barely large to very large. Classes
communicate on-line and through video: Fitness Plus (for people
who can walk) and SuperFit (for people with mobility problems).
Body Trust
Dayle Hayes
2110 Overland Ave., Ste. 120
Billings MT 59102
Work Phone: (800) 321-9499
Home Phone: (406) 656-9417
Fax: (406) 656-0124
Email: eatri...@aol.com
Workshops and videos promoting a program called Body Trust:
Undieting Your Way to Health and Happiness. Hayes is a member of
the American Dietetic Association Board of Directors.
Breaking Free
Geneen Roth
PO Box 2852
Santa Cruz CA 95063
Offers workshops based on her books *Breaking Free From
Compulsive Eating*, *Feeding The Hungry Heart*, and others.
Changing Perspectives
Bonnie O'Brien Johnson
PO Box 778
Point Reyes CA 94956
Work Phone: (415) 663-1320
Offers workshops on weight, body image, and health.
Nomi Dekel, MFCC
Phone: (415) 457-3468
Food obsession and body image groups and workshops. San
Francisco Bay Area.
Diet/Weight Liberation
Terry Nicholetti Garrison
Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell Univ
Ithaca NY 14853
Work Phone: (607) 257-0563
Local *Fed Up* groups. Working to establish a pilot program of
peer education for high-school girls to teach size
size-acceptance workshops to their peers.
Grady, MFCC
Phone: (310) 804-2293
Body image. Individual and group therapy.
GUIDE
Susan Villari, MPH
Student U. Penn. Health Services
Box 745 HUP
Philadelphia PA 19104-4283
Work Phone: (215) 573-3525
GUIDE stands for *Guidance For Image, Dieting, and Eating*.
Villari offers workshops for students at U. Penn.
Ellyn Herb, Ph.D.
Phone: (408) 978-5125
Size acceptance therapy/support group. San Jose, CA
Marcia Germaine Hutchinson, Ed.D.
88 W Goulding St
Sherbourn MA 01770
Work Phone: (508) 653-3665
Home Phone: (508) 653-3665
Fax: (508) 653-3665
Email: mhutc...@aol.com
Offers workshops on issues around size and body image and
*Body-Mind* audiotapes. Hutchinson is author of the book
*Transforming Body Image*.
Jassy Kowalski
Phone: (617) 776-6460
Body image counseling groups for women over 200 pounds. Boston
area.
Image Power for Women of Size
Web site: http://members.tripod.com/~ImageConsultant/index.html
Image consultant service by a plus-size woman, who also is
organizing an empowerment conference/expo for women of size.
Innerworks/Food For Thought
Melissa Popp
2321 E Avenue H #2103
Grand Prairie TX 75050
Work Phone: (214) 606-1160
Offers eating/body image support group.
Jewish Family Services Of Fort Worth
Michele Adler, LMSW
6801 Dan Danciger Rd
Fort Worth TX 76133
Work Phone: (817) 294-2660
Fax: (817) 292-3214
Offers alternatives to dieting workshops.
Largely Positive, Inc.
Carol A. Johnson, MA, President
PO Box 17223
Glendale WI 53217
Johnson facilitates a support group at an area hospital to help
build self-esteem, promote size-acceptance, and discourage
dieting in favor of healthy, low-fat eating and regular
exercise. Johnson is the author of *Self-Esteem Comes in All
Sizes*.
Leslea Newman
PO Box 815
Northampton, MA 01061
Work Phone: (413) 584-3865
Fax: (413) 584-1099
Newman presents workshops on eating disorders, dieting, and
size-acceptance issues. She has written several books on these
subjects.
OASIS XXXL Support
Joellen Lapidus
Phone: (310) 398-7515
Therapy and support group for large men and women. West Los Angeles.
Overcoming Overeating, Chicago Center
Judith Matz, LCSW and Carol Coven Grannick
PO Box 48
Deerfield IL 60015
Phone: (708) 853-1200
Offers workshops in Chicago-area based on the *Overcoming
Overeating* approach.
Overcoming Overeating, National Center
Jane Hirschmann, MSW and Carol Munter, CEDS
315 West 86th. Street, Suite 17B
New York NY 10024-3180
Work Phone: (212) 875-0442
Fax: (212) 874-6596 or (212) 582-0076
Email: kan...@aol.Com or car...@aol.Com
Offers workshops based on the *Overcoming Overeating* approach,
which advocates demand feeding without dieting and an end to
body hatred.
Deborah Scott
Phone: (312) 472-7646
Individual, group, couples therapy for women of all sizes.
Chicago area.
Judith Sikes
504 W. 17th
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 476-0636
Joan Spiegel, Ph.D.
Phone: (510) 548-8709, (408) 732-1626
Individual therapy, eating disorders, body acceptance. San
Francisco Bay Area.
Weight Release Services
Barbara Altman Bruno, Ph.D.
45 Munson Road
Pleasantville NY 10570-1829
Work Phone: (914) 747-1525
Fax: (914) 747-0000
Email: barb....@execnet.com
Offers psychotherapy, counseling, classes, and coaching for
individuals, groups, and other professionals, on the subject of
living well regardless of size. Writes for Dimensions Magazine
and occasionally for NAAFA, Radiance, and BBW.
Willendorf Press
Miriam Berg
PO Box 407
Bearsville NY 12409
Work Phone/Fax: (914) 679-1209
Offers size rights/size-acceptance workshops and consultations
for groups, businesses, and individuals.
============================================================
d6) What legal remedies are there for discrimination on the basis
of weight and medical mistreatment of fat people?
There are two main legal recourses for addressing discrimination on the
basis of weight. On the federal level, there is the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) (discussed below and on the newsgroup
bit.listserv.ada-law). On the state and local levels there are
anti-discrimination laws. Michigan's anti-discrimination law explicitly
lists weight as a protected characteristic (just like race and gender).
A bill is pending in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to add
weight to their list of protected categories. Contact Project 2000 if
you'd like to work on this, especially if you live in Massachusetts and
have a story to tell about discrimination based on weight.
Here is a description of the ADA from Teresa Brady's article "The Obese:
A New Protected Class Under the Americans with Disabilities Act"
published in *The International Journal of Applied Philosophy* 8:2,
Winter/Spring 1994. (This article is hostile to the idea of obese
people's being covered under the ADA.)
The ADA is a broad piece of legislation made up of five parts.
Title I of the ADA prohibits discrimination against disabled
individuals by providing equal employment opportunities; Title
II provides equal availability and accessibility to public
services and transportation; Title III prohibits discrimination
in public accommodations, commercial facilities, and services
such as hotels, restaurants and grocery stores; Title IV deals
with telecommunications, and Title V contains miscellaneous
provisions for individuals based on their rights under the ADA.
The ADA does not list which conditions are covered under the act; this
is being worked out by the U.S. courts.
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) guidelines include
obesity as a protected disability. This means that they believe the ADA
should apply to obese people, and they will allow suits to be brought
under the ADA by obese people.
One is generally considered obese if one's weight exceeds the norm
(whatever that is) by more than 15-20%. One is considered "morbidly
obese" if one's weight exceeds the "norm" by 100%. Existing ADA case law
applies to "morbidly obese" people. The ADA has not been tested with
regard to other fat people.
Airlines are exempted from the Americans with Disablities Act. They are
covered under the Air Access Act of 1990. The Department of
Transportation has information on the Air Access Act.
The ADA does not apply to military personnel, because they are not
civilians and are not protected by civilian law. The military can and
does discriminate on the basis of weight.
An example of ADA advocacy:
One person on a.s.b-f was attending a class at a local university which
didn't have any chairs large enough for her. For a while, she sat on the
floor, because the departments at the university were arguing over whose
job it was to provide a chair for her. When nothing happened for too
long, she called the departmental dean, the dean of the college, the
dean of students, student support services, and finally the ADA. The ADA
required a note from her doctor (she was pregnant at the time), and then
"proceeded to get ugly with a bunch of people in the most wonderful
way." The ADA people got her excused from class until she received
adequate support materials.
DIET DRUG REGISTRY LAUNCHED
The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) has launched an
online registry for those who have used Redux and/or fen/phen for weight
loss. The site, at http://naafa.org, has
been designed to both gather information about and provide information
to former patients who have concerns about the long term effects of the
drugs and to those who are suffering from the illnesses associated with
the drugs, including pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, and
neurotoxicity. Information about the legal recourse available to victims
is also available on the site, and those wishing to can subscribe to an
online mailing list for updates about medical and legal news as it
develops.
LAWSUITS CHARGING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF WEIGHT
For more cases, see the legal resources on the NAAFA web site:
http://naafa.org/info/legal/court.html
In April 1997, UPI reported on a lawsuit filed in Mount Clemens, MI. A
supersize man is suing his former boss for harrassing him about his
weight to the point where he felt forced to quit. He was a factory
manager. His boss made him "do jumping jacks during office meetings."
The company admits that upon hiring, "he was offered a $5,000 'health
bonus' if he'd lose 70 pounds."
Cook v. State of Rhode Island
(2 AD Cases 1147 (1992); 1993 WL 470697 (1st Cir. (R.I.)))
Plaintiff Cook was a 5'2", 320 pound Rhode Island woman who was
turned down for the job as institutional attendant at a state
school for the mentally retarded. Although Cook held the same
job for eight years previous to her reapplication, this time she
was disqualified by the state agency, whose officials claimed
her morbid obesity made her an unacceptable health risk and
impaired her ability to evacuate patients in case of emergency.
Cook claimed her obesity had no negative effects on her health
and it did not affect her strength or agility. She sued the
state agency claiming that she was discriminated against due to
her weight. The district court found in her favor. She was
awarded $100,000 and the right to the next available position of
institutional attendant mental retardation. The case was
affirmed on appeal by the state agency for the following
reasons. First, the court claimed that Cook was powerless to
manage her weight, citing the fact that even after years of
extensive dieting, she regained all of her weight. Second,
dieting and/or fasting could not help slow down her metabolism.
Third, although Cook's condition is voluntary, other voluntary
conditions such as alcoholism are covered under federal
disabilities laws.
405-pound man sues Denny's Restaurant
A 405-pound man is suing Denny's for $1.3 million, claiming
restaurant workers made him feel like "a clown on parade."
Gary A. Sellick, 36, also claims that he couldn't fit into a
booth and the restaurant was unable to provide a chair big
enough to hold him when he tried to eat there June 8.
The lawsuit [...] says the experience caused Sellick emotional
distress.
"With them pointing at me and laughing, I immediately felt
like a clown on parade," Sellick said. "I don't want to be
stared at because I'm large. It's humiliating."
(*The News and Observer*, Raleigh, NC, Sunday, July 24, 1994)
CITATIONS ON WEIGHT AND EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION
TITLE(s): Weighing In Against Obesity Discrimination.
Summary: Cook v. Rhode Island, Department of Mental Health,
Retardation, and Hospitals and the Recognition
of Obesity as a Disability under the Rehabilitation
Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act.
JOURNAL: Boston College Law Review.
July 1, 1994; volume 35 number 4
Page: 927
AUTHOR(s): Brucoli, M. Andrea
TITLE(s): Cook v. Rhode Island, Department of Mental Health,
Retardation, and Hospitals: Morbid Obesity As a
Protected Disability or an Unprotected Voluntary
Condition.
JOURNAL: Georgia Law Review.
Spring 1994; volume 28 number 3
Page: 771
AUTHOR(s): Neff, Barbara C.
TITLE(s): Expanding Liability for Employment Discrimination:
Obesity as a Handicap.
JOURNAL: For the Defense.
April 1, 1994; volume 36 number 4
Page: 14
TITLE(s): Employment Law.
Summary: Terminated employee denied due process
Noncompetition covenant unenforceable where
employment was at will Recovery under Rehabilitation
Act for discrimination based on obesity.
JOURNAL: Law Reporter
March 1, 1994; volume 37 number 2
Page: 52
TITLE(s): Civil Rights--Handicap Discrimination Law--Pennsylvania
Excludes Obesity From Protection Under the Pennsylvania
Human Relations Commission, 591 A.2d 281 (Pa. 1991).
JOURNAL: Temple law review.
Summer 1992; volume 65 number 2
Page: 623
AUTHOR(s): Rothblum, E.D., P.A. Brand, Pamela A., and C.T. Miller
TITLE(s): The Relationship between Obesity, Employment
Discrimination, and Employment-Related Victimization.
JOURNAL: Journal of Vocational Behavior.
December 1, 1990; volume 37 number 3
Page: 251
AUTHOR(s): Klesges, R.C., M.L. Klem, and C.L. Hanson
TITLE(s): The effects of applicant's health status and qualifications
on simulated hiring decisions.
JOURNAL: International Journal of Obesity.
June 1, 1990; volume 14 number 6
Page: 527
AUTHOR(s): Carlsen, Susan B.
TITLE(s): Legal Issues--A Heavy Issue: Is Obesity Grounds
for Not Hiring?
JOURNAL: School Business Affairs.
June 1, 1993; volume 59 number 6
Page: 41
ATTORNEYS WHO HAVE HANDLED SIZE DISCRIMINATION CASES
For an up-to-date list and additional sources for legal information,
see the Largesse Web site:
http://www.fatso.com/largesse/legal.html.
Lynette Labinger, Esq.
Roney & Labinger
344 Wickenden St.
Providence RI 02903
Phone: 401-421-9794
Won case of Cook v. Rhode Island in Nov., 1993, which established
legal precedent for fat people's right to protection under federal
disability rights statutes.
Kenneth I. Friedman, Esq.
Beck & Eldergill
447 Center St.
Manchester CT 06040
Phone: 203-646-5606
Handles weight discrimination cases.
Yvonne G. Bach, Esq.
2 Penn. Ctr. Plaza #1204/15th. & JFK Blvd.
Philadelphia PA 19102
Phone: 215-496-9900
Litigates cases involving weight-loss surgery
James Loots, Esq.
Barrymore & Loots
815 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 125
Washington DC 20006
Phone: 202-466-4950
Handles weight discrimination cases
Karin Stackpole, Esq.
Barrymore & Loots
815 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 125
Washington DC 20006
Phone: 202-466-4950
Handles weight discrimination cases
James Goodman, Esq.
Persons with Disabilities Law Center
56 17TH Ave. N. E.
Atlanta GA 30309
Phone: 404-892-4200
Handles weight discrimination cases
James J. Parks, Esq.
Gabrian and Parks, P. C.
2525 Telegraph, Suite 303
Bloomfield MI 48302
Phone: 810-334-6464
Handled first weight harassment case under Michigan's
Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act; strong advocate for size rights;
handles weight discrimination cases.
Marilyn H. Marchetti, Esq.
Oppenheimer, Wolff, & Donnelly
2 Prudential Plz/180 N. Stetson Ave.
Chicago IL 60601
Phone: 312-616-5838
Handles weight discrimination cases
Carol Cullum,
Cullum & Sena
45 Polk Street
San Francisco CA 94102
Phone: 415-863-5300
E-mail: Cullu...@aol.com
Attorney of size, knowledgeable about weight discrimination
Edith Benay, Esq.
San Francisco CA
Phone: 415-621-4449
Has strong background in weight discrimination
Barbara A. Lawless, Esq.
San Francisco CA
Phone: 415-391-7555
Attorney who won John Rossi's size discrimination case against
Kragen Auto parts in 1995 and a $1 million dollar award for Rossi.
Robert Z. Lazo, Esq.
San Francisco CA
Phone: 415-522-9771
Employment lawyer who knows and cares about weight discrimination,
also wrote article for Los Angeles Daily Journal in Oct., 1993
about Toni Cassista's case.
============================================================
d7) Are there modeling agencies for large folks?
Plus Model Management
49 W 37th St
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 672-9882
Models 5'2" and under, sizes 16-18, and 5'8" and over, sizes
12-20.
Wilhelmina
300 Park Ave South
New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 473-4884
See also Sandie Sabo's book on plus-size modeling in the Publications FAQ.
============================================================
============================================================
SECTION F: Information about this FAQ
e1) Are there other related FAQs?
There is some overlap in the topics covered by the FAQs. If you don't
find what you're looking for here, try the other FAQs.
The latest version of the following FAQs can be found at:
http://www.cat-and-dragon.com/~stef/Fatfaqs/
alt.support.big-folks newsgroup FAQ
soc.support.fat-acceptance newsgroup FAQ
soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated newsgroup FAQ
Clothing for Big Folks in Canada
Clothing for Big Folks in the U.S. (parts 1 and 2)
Organizations for Big Folks
Online Resources for Big Folks
Other Resources for Big Folks
Publications for Big Folks
Resources for Dealing With the Physical Aspects of Being Fat
Size-acceptance
The following FAQs can be found at:
http://www.sover.net/~astarte/fa/faqs.html
Big Folks and Fitness
Big Folks and Health
Big Folks and Sports
Research on Big Folks
The latest versions of following FAQs can be found at the following
locations:
Clothing for Big Folks in the U.K. at
http://www.thegrapevine.co.uk/Avalanche/FAQ-UK.htm
Clothing for Big Folks in Europe at
http://www.thegrapevine.co.uk/Avalanche/FAQ-Europe.htm
Plus-Size Pregnancy Website at
http://www.teleport.com/~rvireday/plus/
You can also find (sometimes slightly older versions of) the above FAQs
(except the plus-size pregnancy FAQs) at the following locations:
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/fat-acceptance-faq/
(Note: The big-folks FAQ is listed separately at these locations.)
You can also get FAQs from rtfm.mit.edu via anonymous FTP or via the mail
archive server. For information about the mail server, send email to
mail-...@rtfm.mit.edu
with the word "help" (without the quotes) in the body of the message.
============================================================
B2) Posting information
This document is posted bi-weekly to alt.support.big-folks,
soc.support.fat-acceptance, and soc.support.fat-acceptance.moderated.
Stef Maruch (st...@cat-and-dragon.com) maintains this FAQ.
============================================================
e3) Contributors
These are the people who contributed significant chunks to the FAQ:
Sasha Wood (Sasha...@cs.cmu.edu)
Largesse (7577...@compuserve.com)
Also, lots and lots of other people (too many to credit) contributed
information that appears herein, some via email and some on s.s.f-a or
a.s.b-f. Thanks to them all.
Suggestions for additions/improvements are always welcome.
Send suggestions to Stef Maruch (st...@cat-and-dragon.com)
============================================================
Copyright 1995-1999 by Stef Maruch (st...@cat-and-dragon.com)
Permission is granted to copy and redistribute this article in its
entirety for non-commercial, educational use only, provided that this
copyright notice is not removed or altered. No portion of this work may
be sold, either by itself or as part of a larger work, without the
express written permission of the author. This restriction covers all
publication media, including electronic media.