Dear Editor,
     I am writing this letter to alert you to a major economic di-
saster that is being brought on by the major oil companies in our
Nation and in your area.
     This is being brought about by having more and more of their
gas stations become "Self-Service" only. By doing this they have
singled out people with disabilities that drive and eliminated
their ability to get gas at their stations. This action will even-
tually lead to them not being able to go to work, or shopping, or
many other activities that would require them to drive. This not
only affects the person with a disability but also their families,
their employers, the store where they do their shopping, etc.
     This policy also will have an effect on several "million dol-
lar" corporations that manufacture driving aides and lifts for
vans, not to mention the companies that install this equipment.
The elimination of access to gasoline would eventually put these
companies out of business. This would affect all the people that
they employe plus all their families. This domino effect hurts us
all.
     In Ohio there is a law that states "if a gas station offers
full-service and self-service, people with disabilities that drive
can get served at the self-service price. The oil companies
policies have eliminated the full-service pumps which bypasses
this law.
     They have also eliminated any extra help, which leaves only
one person to handle the money. This policy puts that one person
In a dangerous position should something go wrong or a robbery
takes place. This policy puts the employee's life in danger. Po-
lice departments have realized this problem but seem powerless
over the oil companies clout. The Oil companies greed which drives
them to eliminating extra employees while charging high prices for
their products.
     The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 provides equal
access to products being offered to the general public by busi-
nesses. The oil companies choose to ignore this federal law.
     It also upsets me when I see our senior citizens that drive,
standing our in the rain & snow trying to pump their own gas,
without having the option to get full-service if they choose to.
Also men & women with their good cloths on taking the chance of
spilling gas on themselves, just so the oil companies can make
more money.
     I think it is past time for people to take a stand and demand
the option to get full-service at gas stations again, if they
choose to. When is the last time anyone at a gas station has of-
fered to wash your car's windshields, check your oil, water and
other fluids under your car hood?
     It is time to contact the oil companies, your local legisla-
tors, federal legislators, congressman, senators, the attorney
general's office, the Department of Justice, and the Department of
Commerce and let them know how you feel about having the choice of
Full-Service at gas stations in your areas.
     Thank You for your time and your support on this important
issue of concern to people with disabilities that drive.
                                               Robert L Kuiken

01-03873