Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tom Masseau
(517) 374-4627
(517) 648-0029
“This case is about an
individual with a disability who requested a reasonable accommodation under the
Fair Housing Act, but was denied” says Gabrielle Frampton, Attorney with
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc.
“The jury’s decision today further advances the rights of persons with
disabilities and is an important victory for individuals with mental illness.”
“The tenacity with which
Ms. Grad pursued this case is commendable” stated Elmer L. Cerano, Executive
Director of Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. “Ms. Grad’s willingness to face the ultimate
test to go public with her case and disclose her disability shows what work
still needs to be completed in educating housing providers on accommodations
for persons with disabilities.”
Grad v. Royalwood was a
case involving Royalwood, Schostak Corporation and Richard Cail (Property
Manager) failing to reasonably accommodate Ms. Grad under the Fair Housing
Act. All Ms. Grad asked for was to be
allowed to keep her emotional support animal in her home despite a no pet
policy in force at her cooperative. She
needs her dog to ameliorate and lessen the effects of her disability and allow
her to use and enjoy her home. Ms. Grad
requested the housing corporation to grant an accommodation for her dog, Lady,
to remain with her. Expert witnesses
testified that Lady provides Ms. Grad treatment similar to someone using
assistive technology to maintain or increase their ability to live
independently. However, Dorothy Prier,
Royalwood Board President, who has been represented by Myer, Kirk, Snyder &
Lynch of Bloomfield Hills, and the board voted to deny Ms. Grad’s request.
Michigan Protection and
Advocacy Service, Inc. is the federally authorized protection and advocacy
system in