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Cyrus-fan mom sounds off
43 comments | Read story
Oh, brother! | 3:34 a.m. April 11, 2008
Let's look at this objectively.
She is the first person to request this device. And while, yes, BYU's ticket office badly mismanaged the situation--ok, horribly mismanaged it--they made a reasonable effort to meet her needs. Still, she is insisting they spend millions to to install 2,600 devices when only a few are needed.
If indeed this is the law that 2,600 devices be installed and only one person has requested it. What really needs to be changed? LaVell Edwards Stadium or the law? Sounds like an overreaching law to me.
I understand the situation was frustrating, but for Ms. Strong to call BYU "discriminatory" when they have accommodated is downright myopic. Shame on her for misusing that word because that word should only be used when there is real bigotry to expose.
She is the first person to request this device. And while, yes, BYU's ticket office badly mismanaged the situation--ok, horribly mismanaged it--they made a reasonable effort to meet her needs. Still, she is insisting they spend millions to to install 2,600 devices when only a few are needed.
If indeed this is the law that 2,600 devices be installed and only one person has requested it. What really needs to be changed? LaVell Edwards Stadium or the law? Sounds like an overreaching law to me.
I understand the situation was frustrating, but for Ms. Strong to call BYU "discriminatory" when they have accommodated is downright myopic. Shame on her for misusing that word because that word should only be used when there is real bigotry to expose.
say what? | 5:39 a.m. April 11, 2008
I am courious to know if Mrs. Strong has filed a complaint to every school
district in the state that doesn't have such a hearing device in their
auditoriums that seat more than fifty. What about the class rooms that have more
than 50 students in them.
Comments continue below
KMW | 5:59 a.m. April 11, 2008
This woman is out in left field (or would be if this were a baseball stadium)!
Where is the problem? The stadium officials are making accomodations for her
daughter three and a half months in advance of the event. She made the call and
BYU responded. She is upset because they do not have thousands of listening
devices on hand that will apparently go unused because no one has asked for one
previously. This is they type of politically correct nonsense that such an
extreme interpretation of the ADA will encourage.
Wow | 6:44 a.m. April 11, 2008
Why is it that every person in the world has to have a gripe about something
that doesn't suit them, or someone they know, perfectly. You don't
see me flying off the cuff when I go to a football game and can't see
because I'm height impaired and the stadium 'didn't provide a
booster seat' for me so that I could see over other people's craniums.
I'm empathetic for the situation that afflicts her daughter. However, to
expect that the world will bend over backwards for you, is unreasonable.
Ridiculous | 7:30 a.m. April 11, 2008
Everyone of you are missing the point. (You probably all have good hearing too.)
The only reason BYU is complying is because this lady just happened to call in
advance. If she had not, then her daughter would have been out of luck.
THIS IS A PROBLEM.
I'm not saying BYU needs to install 2600 devices, but the fact that they had NONE on hand shows their lack of preparation and disregard for the hearing impaired.
People have not requested this device because they (rightly) assume it will not be available.
This woman is fighting for her daughter's rights that you all wish to deny her.
BYU - Get off the dime and install some of these devices!! You and all these posters here should be ashamed. I am embarrassed for you.
THIS IS A PROBLEM.
I'm not saying BYU needs to install 2600 devices, but the fact that they had NONE on hand shows their lack of preparation and disregard for the hearing impaired.
People have not requested this device because they (rightly) assume it will not be available.
This woman is fighting for her daughter's rights that you all wish to deny her.
BYU - Get off the dime and install some of these devices!! You and all these posters here should be ashamed. I am embarrassed for you.
utard | 7:34 a.m. April 11, 2008
Yeah, I'd have to side with BYU on this one. I think they were more than
accomodating. Mrs. Strong should cut the reps there some slack for not knowing
about the listening device.
I think Mrs. Strong harbors deep resentment, because she and her daughter may have been the victims of discrimination in the past. This would explain why she got so defensive so quickly. Instead of jumping up and down in anger, she should take time out and teach others instead of condemning them.
I think Mrs. Strong harbors deep resentment, because she and her daughter may have been the victims of discrimination in the past. This would explain why she got so defensive so quickly. Instead of jumping up and down in anger, she should take time out and teach others instead of condemning them.
discriminate | 7:35 a.m. April 11, 2008
Don't you think saying that BYU "is discriminating against my
daughter" is a bit personal. You think they went out of their way to pick
on you and your daughter? Let's be reasonable, this world is not that ADA
friendly. I feel discriminate against when I see 15 open handicap parking spots
and there are no other open parking spots. How many times are these spots NOT
filled?! I understand her political angle, get more attention to the issues that
affect her daughter. But come on, you really expect that BYU should have all of
this equipment on hand just in case? Whiner!
SLCgal | 7:59 a.m. April 11, 2008
I can't understand a hearing disability that needs accomodation like
that.... Shouldn't her daughter have a hearing aid if she has trouble like
that? Second of all, if she doesn't need a hearing aid, then the sound
system isn't enough!!! Come on, people are almost deaf coming out of BYU
games. like they are not going to up the gigawatts for Miley Cyrus??? Reality
check!!! Secondly Lavell Edwards stadium is property of BYU. Shouldn't a
not for profit org. like the university be given some leeway on that.
I have nothing against people with disabilitys. In fact, both of my parents are disabled, but I feel this woman is going a little too far in this situation....
I have nothing against people with disabilitys. In fact, both of my parents are disabled, but I feel this woman is going a little too far in this situation....
Why doesn't BYU | 8:05 a.m. April 11, 2008
Keep some of the portable devices on hand for those who need them?
A little sensitivity training wouldn't hurt, either.
A little sensitivity training wouldn't hurt, either.
Silly Woman | 8:22 a.m. April 11, 2008
Come on ... the Y should just send down a box or two of these from SLC every
MAJOR event. They need to provide it, not install it permanently ... If I
were concerned that one would not be there, I would buy my own and bring it with
me everywhere I go.
Come up with a solution, not just a problem you want someone else to fix (the cost benefit to the public doesnt make sense). If I am bald, should they have to provide me shade while I sit in LES?
Come up with a solution, not just a problem you want someone else to fix (the cost benefit to the public doesnt make sense). If I am bald, should they have to provide me shade while I sit in LES?
Roscoe | 8:26 a.m. April 11, 2008
You know, sometimes in life you can't have everything you want. I wanted to
play in the NBA, but not being especially gifted at basketball, I work in a
different profession. I didn't sue anybody because I lacked certain
abilities to excel at basketball. You take what life gives you and you do the
best you can.
Anonymous | 8:25 a.m. April 11, 2008
I think thy should only have to install a few listening devices. Not 2600! there
won't ever be that many people who wil need it.
Chad | 8:31 a.m. April 11, 2008
It really does not matter one whit that they did not have any on hand. They
made it clear that she needed to contact them ahead of time and they would
accomodate her. This is what they offered to do. That is all the ADA calls
for, reasonable accomodation. Some organizations will choose to have such
systems "on hand", others will choose to provide them upon request.
This is reasonable.
This whole thing is just another example of our litigation-happy society. And a rather sad example at that.
This woman just taught her daughter that if you complain loudly enough, someone else will take care of you. Another child is taught to eschew personal responsibility in favor of the victim mentality and the appeal of a quick fix and easy money. These are the seemingly little things that are slowly, but surely, eroding the foundations of our society.
Sad indeed.
This whole thing is just another example of our litigation-happy society. And a rather sad example at that.
This woman just taught her daughter that if you complain loudly enough, someone else will take care of you. Another child is taught to eschew personal responsibility in favor of the victim mentality and the appeal of a quick fix and easy money. These are the seemingly little things that are slowly, but surely, eroding the foundations of our society.
Sad indeed.
Not a Cougar | 8:28 a.m. April 11, 2008
Ridiculous- get real. OF COURSE it's the only reason BYU is complying with
Ms. Strong. Their policy is in place exactly to accomodate those such as her.
As for having no hearing devices on hand-The event is 3 months away! We
shouldn't even be concerned that they aren't on hand today, just as
long as they are in place when people need them. As long as they make effort to
meet the daugher's needs they are good. That's all ADA is about
anyway (although some take it too far). What do you expect next- the performer
to be on hand just because of a whim?
BYU | 8:39 a.m. April 11, 2008
could spend the few hundred dollars for a couple of portable devices, it
wouldn't kill them. And for those of you complaining about this
woman's complaint - BYU's current policy of "we'll
accomodate you with advance notice" is the same thing as saying to a
wheelchair-bound person "oh, we'll build a ramp when you get here, IF
you let us know in advance"... preposterous.
Over reacting | 8:33 a.m. April 11, 2008
It looks like BYU made a mistake in not keeping some portable devices on hand.
However, since this is apparently the first request in the dozens of years that
LES (or Cougar Stadium, as it was once known) has been around, it seems
forgivable. It sounds like they were apologetic and tried to do what they could
do appease this woman, accommodate her daughter, and rectify their mistake.
I'm sure they'll have the devices in the future. However, I am amazed
at this woman's selfishness and pettiness--using the word discrimination to
describe an honest mistake is harmful to the word itself. When there is actual
hatred and discrimination in this world, to misuse the word, thereby diluting
its meaning, to try and get a little attention is shameful.
slow news day | 8:42 a.m. April 11, 2008
d-news is scraping the bottom of the barrel for news today. Next article!
MySelf | 9:11 a.m. April 11, 2008
I think someone's just after money and to make a stink against the Church
and BYU.
jeralbre | 9:24 a.m. April 11, 2008
As the father of 2 disabled children I can see how this mother would want things
for her daughter. But her tactics of taking this to the media are wrong. BYU
offered to assist her and they have plenty of time to get prepared. She became
impatient because her phone calls were routed around. Which is frustrating.
These kids have enough worries in life that they don't need to be paraded about in the media. These are matters that can be handled privately without the child becoming a political pawn. It seems to me that the mother is more concerned about herself and what she is feeling than she is about her daughter. I wonder if she even thought this might be embarrassing to the girl.
It is good to be concerned about the disabled. But LES is a football stadium and hosts one event a year where a device like this might be needed. They certainly aren't needed at football games.
I wish this family well, but choose your battles wisely.
These kids have enough worries in life that they don't need to be paraded about in the media. These are matters that can be handled privately without the child becoming a political pawn. It seems to me that the mother is more concerned about herself and what she is feeling than she is about her daughter. I wonder if she even thought this might be embarrassing to the girl.
It is good to be concerned about the disabled. But LES is a football stadium and hosts one event a year where a device like this might be needed. They certainly aren't needed at football games.
I wish this family well, but choose your battles wisely.
Hansen | 9:33 a.m. April 11, 2008
Technically and legally, Ms. Strong is absolutely correct. BYU's greed for
the money they are getting is overshadowing compliance with the law as well as
empathetic concern for those with hearing disabilities. This is an important
issue.
On the other hand, how much amplification do you really need for a Miley Cyrus (or any other) concert? In my experience, these concerts are so loud they CAUSE hearing impairment!
On the other hand, how much amplification do you really need for a Miley Cyrus (or any other) concert? In my experience, these concerts are so loud they CAUSE hearing impairment!
Mother is ridiculous | 9:48 a.m. April 11, 2008
I'm sorry your child has a birth defect, but that doesn't mean
everybody needs to accommodate her. I really wish I was 6 foot-10 inches tall.
Why doesn't the NBA accommodate me?
Is she looking for a reason to sue?
Is she looking for a reason to sue?
Charles | 10:04 a.m. April 11, 2008
Gotta side with Mrs. Strong here. My son wears hearing aids, and in huge venues,
they are almost worthless. And from the sound of the story, it appears she was
trying to make the point that people who are familiar with the ADA know they
should be able to NOT have to call ahead to be accomodated. GO BYU! (Unless they
are playing UNLV.)
LaserTrac | 10:15 a.m. April 11, 2008
A prime example of a run amuck federal law that began with good intentions and
is now driven by easily offended individuals and greedy, eager to litigate
attorneys. Reasonable accommodation is going to be provided by the time the
event occurs. The world doesn't revolve around you lady. Quit whining.
Anonymous | 10:17 a.m. April 11, 2008
Not to be too irreverant, but doesn't anyone that claims to be a Miley
Cyrus fan qualify as having a major hearing problems? There should be 65,000
requests for these hearing devices...ie iPods with actual decent music playing.
Interesting | 10:48 a.m. April 11, 2008
I have a friend who is hearing impaired, and she got tickets to several concerts
(this was on the east coast) in a hearing impaired section where there was
someone who signed the words to the songs. It was also closer to the stage so
that the hearing impaired could take advantage of the vibrations coming off the
sound system. My friend actually took her hearing aids out because the noise
level was deafening between the screaming people and the music. I'm
surprised there isn't something like this.
With that being said, the fact that BYU took reasonable steps to accommodate is in compliance with the ADA.
With that being said, the fact that BYU took reasonable steps to accommodate is in compliance with the ADA.
Take Some Responsibility | 10:50 a.m. April 11, 2008
If you know you are hearing impaired, it seems logical that you would make your
request in advance. Showing up to a crowded event at the last minute and then
expecting to be accomadated is a big risk...just ask anyone who tried to buy
tickets for this event!
Please take some responsibility for your own life and quit trying to blame everyone else for your troubles.
Please take some responsibility for your own life and quit trying to blame everyone else for your troubles.
mom | 11:21 a.m. April 11, 2008
They made arrangements to get it for her and we are months out from the event.
She is being ridiculous. It makes no sense that she should throw such a fit
just because they don't have the item in hand especially when THEY SAID
THEY WOULD GET IT FOR HER IN TIME TO WATCH THE EVENT.
Moocher | 11:58 a.m. April 11, 2008
Stop looking for free money.
ok now | 12:21 p.m. April 11, 2008
I'm going to sue lagoon cause my legs are too long to fit comfortably in
the roller-coaster seats. Who's with me?!
Bitter Woman | 1:01 p.m. April 11, 2008
This is one of the more ridiculous things I have read in awhile. This woman
seems bitter and angry at the world. As has been stated before, with a little
bit of hassle, she was able to gain assurance that her daughter would be
accomodated when they arrived at the concert. What more does she want?
I Say | 12:57 p.m. April 11, 2008
Let's all sue Lagoon! (or is that "blue lagoon"...?)
A- | 1:21 p.m. April 11, 2008
I just wonder how many times this woman posed for the accompanying picture
before she reached just the right look of sadness on her face to accompany this
article so as to elicit as much sympathy as possible. I could be wrong, but it
really looks "staged" to me.
To: Ridiculous | 1:50 p.m. April 11, 2008
Please do not feel embarrassed for me. No one here is trying to DENY this young
girl her rights. The University accommodated this person and obviously has the
means to do so. It seems the lady's frustration is that she didn't
get an immediate answer to her question simply because there hadn't been a
request before and they had to ask around. She wasn't given a
"tough-tarts" answer but was accommodated. I have been to many events
at BYU and I have always noticed that they go out of their way to have a section
for the hearing impaired and they have people there to sign for them. As a
matter of fact, I've noticed that while I'm up in the nose-bleed
section, they get great seats up close. (I'm not complaining and I
wouldn't want to trade places with them.) This claim of discrimination is
nothing more than your moniker; ridiculous!
Philo | 2:04 p.m. April 11, 2008
Is she trying to get an edge on getting the hottest ticket in town? If they hold
out several hundred or thousands of tickets for this law, her chances become
increasingly better to get her daughter tickets. Im not aware of the Energy
Solutions Arena having special sections or seats! BYU offered a way. Im sorry
your daughter has a disability but Im not sure your not in this for your own
self interests.
Also a disabled family | 2:10 p.m. April 11, 2008
We have a total of 3 wheelchair people in the family, and we always ask IN
ADVANCE, for the rooms we need at the motel, or the right table at the
restraunt. Yes the law says they have to accommodate, but we also realize that
having 3 wheelchairs in one family is very out of the ordinary. I vote in favor
of the Y on this one.
jacob | 2:46 p.m. April 11, 2008
Those of us who have not lived in the shoes of the disabled - how can we judge
this mother or her child? If we can walk, see, hear and move about without
difficulty and special accommodation, do we really have the right (or even the
wisdom) to accuse her of anything other than trying to let her daughter in on
something we take for granted every minute of the day?
Just a thought
Just a thought
Anonymous | 3:25 p.m. April 11, 2008
This is a mother trying to please her daughter anyway she can. It is just
unfortunate she is using her handicap to justify it.
To jacob: | 3:44 p.m. April 11, 2008
But, jacob, she got what she wanted for her daughter. Nobody wants to deny her
that. It's the whining afterwards that everyone is objecting to as well as
the unreasonable requirement for so many devices that will go unused just to
please her.
Also disabled | 5:06 p.m. April 11, 2008
Many do not understand the cost of an FM receiver. One unit alone can cost
upwards of 2500 dollars. It would be ridiculous for a stadium to provide 2600
units in a venue where even hearing people cannot hear. BYU did not deny the
patron accessability they simply needed to prepare for the patron. This is
reasonable accomodation. I have several Deaf friends and therefore have
attended many events at BYU with them. They have never had difficulty getting
BYU to provide interpreters and accessible seating. As any disabled person
knows (myself included) you need to call ahead and see what accomodations can be
made for you. No person should expect all venues to be prepared for all types
of possible visitors at all times. As for them not understanding what the
receiver was, no person knows all things about everything. therefore, The
mother should have educated them about what she needed. They would have
probably been more accomodating a lot sooner if they understood what she needed.
Most hearing people don't understand the Deaf community's needs.
That doesn't make them bad, just ignorant. Be willing to teach instead of
getting mad.
Surg N | 9:43 a.m. April 12, 2008
Why is BYU responsible for this lady's daughter. That is the parent's
job.
The mom should buy her a special hearing device if one is needed.
The End
Society wants everything free and spoon fed.
This is wrong.
This lady probably was a U of U student. It is obvious she has some previous resentment towards BYU.
Buy your own!!!!!
-Surg N
The mom should buy her a special hearing device if one is needed.
The End
Society wants everything free and spoon fed.
This is wrong.
This lady probably was a U of U student. It is obvious she has some previous resentment towards BYU.
Buy your own!!!!!
-Surg N
Jack | 8:21 p.m. June 24, 2008
Did Ms. Strong or your reporter bother to check to see whether the disabilities
act even applies to the stadium at BYU? First, it's a private not a public
entity. Second, the stadium is old enough that it may not be covered by the
provisions of the disabilities act. If it doesn't apply, did your reporter
or Ms. Strong bother to find out what law might or might not apply? Did you
consider that the event isn't being sponsored by BYU and that the event
organizers might be responsible for providing assistance to Ms. Strong's
daughter. Isn't it nice that BYU might be willing to accommodate Ms.
Strong's daughter; all it would cost Ms. Strong is a 'phone call in
advance--how big a problem could that be?
14tstrong | 2:19 a.m. July 30, 2009
Ms.Strong only called in for LaVell Edwards Stadium to ask if they had any of
these equipment to see if they had any for her daughter, so she can hear what
all of the performers are saying. They said they didn't have any and that
is against the law not to have any equipment for anyone who has this disability.
And no I'm for sure Ms.Strong didn't call all district schools to ask
if they have what she needed. I know people for choosing each side for their
opinion, but whoever agrees with "BYU" is misunderstanding the story.
This is my opinion. I also agree with "Ridiculous". Good point.
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Lareen Strong of Layton, with a photo of her daughter, says LaVell Edwards Stadium is out of compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
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True, BYU should *communicate* their advance-notice expectation better--but attempting to force them to install extremely expensive equipment that nobody else to date has apparently asked for, just in case YOU show up, is WAY too heavy-handed. If you want to advocate for the disabled, cool--but better PR skills at minimum will come in handy, since you unfortunately come across as a bitter woman with an ax to grind.
It's a great and noble thing to speak up for the truly disadvantaged who are caught in an inhumane and unjust situation, and who are actually being denied equal access in any form. It's another thing altogether to make irrational demands and scream about discrimination just because somebody didn't do a good enough job of waiting on you hand and foot. Sadly, too much legal and media attention has been given to the latter.