Lifelong Learning Center
 

So very disappointed to read in today's paper about the Learning Center shutting its door because of a lawsuit. Big loss for many of us.

What an outrage! When I ran a large business I had to deal with ADA ran amuck.

Just read this on the front page of The Sun ........... I am so angry that if I say anything it could get me into big trouble. What a dreadful loss for TV. If you read the article it states that TV have been trying to placate these people for 8 years and NOTHING was enough.

Note to me : get off this computer before you put into writing something you will regret!

First, I'm a supporter of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Without it the disabled would not have equal opportunities in many ways. I don't know the circumstances of the lawsuit, so I can't comment on that, but Director McDaniel of the Charter School apparently offered reasonable accommodations which were refused. I'm sure we'll hear from the other side at some point too.

Second, The Lifelong Learning College is one of the things about which I am most proud of our Villages community, and I'm deeply saddened to see it close. I hope that the community can find a way to reopen the College and provide it's valuable services for the residents for years to come.

I have lived in The Villages for 11 years. Not once have I heard about this lawsuit that has been going on for eight years. Why? If there would've been some public notice about this lawsuit, I am sure villagers would have stepped up to raise funds to accommodate whatever needed to happen to resolve this lawsuit. I have a hard time understanding how the accommodations could not happen. If they needed a hearing loop installed or whatever within the building I'm sure the money could've been raised to make that happen. But without the public knowing the situation we could not help. Now I hope someone will step up to the plate to figure out what can be resolved to rectify and revive the Lifelong Learning College.

What a sad, sad situation. I've taken quite a few classes and enjoyed every one. Thanx to all the instructors who've given their time and talent to us all. After reading the article, it seems to me that there are a LOT of unanswered questions here. To Be Continued?

Does anyone know the details of the suit? Why were the attempts by the College not enough to meet the ADA? Were the plaintiffs only interested in monetary compensation or were they interested in changes in the operation that are just too expensive? I am a new resident and was looking forward to taking classes, and I too am sad that closing seems to be the only solution.

Very sad
 

We also are new residents, and had been pouring over the catalog looking at the many classes to take over the winter. How very sad that this happened. Having this 'dedicated' to us was one of the many perks we liked to explain to folks visiting or interested in the villages. I really hope this isn't the end, again, very sad day for all of us .

I owned a construction company-I had to provide handicapped parking and a handicapped bathroom for my employees--my business was not open to the public,

never saw a handicapped electrician,equipment operator--

I am so angry about this. Someone wanted to show their superior Washington lobbying skills is MY opinion. Are you happy now????

P.S. I am legally deaf in one ear and have a handicapped child but see NOTHING meritorious in this action.

Found the information about the suit: SCHWARZ v. THE VILLAGES CHARTER SCHOOL, INC. | Case No. 5:12-cv-177-Oc-34PRL. | Leagle.com

I agree. Why was it kept a secret? If they would have said something I'm sure the villages would have stepped up to the plate. I hope there isn't an underlying agenda here.

Bob

Is there ANYTHING we as a community can do to help stop the closing of the college? How could this have happened almost "overnight"? No one seems to have had any knowledge of this lawsuit even existing, and I know for a fact that the instructors as well as we students have been basically blindsided by this revelation! Do we need to hire a law firm to try and find a solution for both sides to agree upon? Seriously, 18.000 people affected....we have to be able to come up with a way to preserve such an asset to our community.

Is there any possibility that this will affect the free clubs and exercise classes offered at the rec centers?

I am worried about that too.

Here is an old thread with some similar discussions;
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...ditatio-42266/

I find it interesting that it is Schwarz v Village Charter Schools?????

32 of our neighbors (?).

Of course it will....the classes are so crowded now that you have to get to the rec centers an hour early...and this only gets far worse Jan- March. This will have a ripple down affect for sure throughout The Villages.

MANY of the classes of The Lifelong Learning College are/were held in The Villages High School after hours. I guess it was the BUILDING that was deemed unusable for handicapped people.

Government restrictions meant for good harming people in my opinion. Classic case of throwing the baby out with the bath water.

It was an opportunity for some law firm with visions of a deep pocket law suit. The real shame is 200 people are going to lose their jobs.

There are too many unknowns, starting with why the lack of visibility of the issue. Certainly, The Villages and its residents, as a whole body, could solve accommodating handicapped residents seeking access to the Lifelong Learning College (LLC). I'm admittedly unclear as to how we are governed, but believe a governing body could and should step in, along with any residents interested in finding a solution. The LLC is among the things I always mention as a reason to live in The Villages. Its closing has to impact quality of life for everyone and possibly even property values to a small degree. I hope someone with authority gets things underway immediately to get the LLC back in operation. Perhaps a "stay-of-execution" on the decision to close is possible, until a long-term solution can be found.

Thank you. Going right to the source is helpful.

We are a CDD. I believe that is an excellent thing. We are not self governed and that is fine with me. Hmmm

After looking at the suit, these people have problems with clubs, rec centers-don't be surprised when they go after the theaters and the rec centers, MVP

Learning College
 

OP wrote it's like throwing out the baby with the bath water. You could also say the plaintiffs are cutting off their noses to spite their faces. Now they won't have access to any LLC programs as well, including those that could accommodate the hearing impaired.

Also, I believe TV has a group for hearing impaired residents that meets in a rec center. So they could be affected by any action aimed at rec centers too.

My reading of the court order suggests the plaintiffs are angry about paying amenity fees that support LLC, which they feel has restricted access for them. I say that's a real stretch. I hope this decision is appealed, and quickly!

after trying to read all the legal mumbo..jumbo....

what I can decifer is the last plaintiff was deaf and required a sign language interpeter for a LLC he wanted to take located at the charter school.

somehow this demand went from one class to all 450 club/classes.

The VCDD would not provide stating it would cost over $1,000,080 to pay for this for there more than 450 clubs/classes.....

and the VCDD shut down all classes for everyone...

I am sure that the powers to be will come up with something to appease the ADA issues.....I truly enjoyed the LLC class I took.

Goverment of Villages
 

I have mentioned a few times that it is apparent the Villages is not under Democratic Rules and as thus is open to a number of abuses. I am not sure if this latest problem is the result of one of the potential abuses or just a violation of ADA Laws? A good starting point is that the main officer of the Villages is essentially an appointment by the Developer, (e.g. Ms Tutt). She controls major decisions in The Villages and governs without resident authority. There are a series of District groups who are to advise the Manager but they are essentially an arm of the Developer. I am not asserting all is bad nor Ms Tutt is not a qualified person. I am asserting that it may be that more oversight and control should be passed to the residents?:shrug:

It's interesting that the lawsuit was filed eight years ago when a new administration took over the White House. My experience is that the Feds are always involved in ADA litigation. They are very difficult to deal with to get approval for reasonable accommodation issues.

this is a real shame. what a horrible world

Totally agree!

So once again the selfish, greedy demands of a few result in punishment of the rest of us! As we age there are of course things we are no longer able to participate in. My back problems prevent me from playing more than 9 holes of golf. Maybe I should sue because of this. I am entitled to 18 holes because that's how many there are damnit. Screw those who brought this action. Someone list who they are!

As the saying goes there just has to be more to the story than is currently available.

Too many options that could have come forth from the majority of interested residents were not entertained, before concluding closure to be the best solution.

I was of the opinion that the good of the residents was a priority......not the will of a few lawyered up complaintents.

The powers that be in TV know well what the reaction of the residents would be, hence there must be more to the reason for the conclusion than is being made available to the public.

How horrible for the rest of us!. Some people cannot be placated, no matter what.
But things like this closing will just embolden people to file more lawsuits. Sad!. Now we have achieved more of the aim of liberals everywhere -- shared misery!

I'm really disappointed in this news. I'm only here for two months and am currently taking two classes and signed up this week for a third class! I am supposed to have three more sessions with these two classes? Both of these instructors are excellent and I feel sorry for them and the other instructors. I guess I need to call the instructors to see what is going on.

Look around the bubble is breaking not like it was 5-10 years ago

They need to drop the slogan Fla's Friendliest Home Town

Change it to It's All About Me Village

Thats not really fair.....Blind..Deaf...physically challenged all should be able to enjoy life together.

get on it Morse family...Make it so....

Yep they sure are our neighbors! Just look at the beginning of the suit: SCHWARZ v. THE VILLAGES CHARTER SCHOOL, INC. | Case No. 5:12-cv-177-Oc-34PRL. | Leagle.com.

to see who they are.

And to see that this was a "gold mining" operation just see who the 32 tried to sue - The Holding Co. the VCCD, Rge Sumter CCD and any one else they could think of.

Read further down and you'll see the judge threw out everything but the VCS the "owners" of the LLLC. Thus the VCXhad to capitulate or lose thousands in court costs.

Thanks 32 now you won't need to worry about hearing and with an aid in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other I feel fine saying that.

Look here SCHWARZ v. THE VILLAGES CHARTER SCHOOL, INC. | Case No. 5:12-cv-177-Oc-34PRL. | Leagle.com.

any you can read all 32 names!

Someone please publish the names of those responsible for the legal action and killing of a wonderful resource for their own spiteful reasons so the Villagers may 'thank' them.

Interesting to note that the lawsuit was filed against the The Villages Charter School dba The Lifelong Learning College. While the LLC says it is a break even operation, The Villages Charter school which receives Sate and Federal funding is not. The LLC is using the premises of the Charter School, which is why they were named in the suit.

Could it be possible to resurrect the LLC somewhere other than the Charter school? TV would need to step up with a plan and funds to do this, but I'm not holding my breathe.