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/