Vinnie, who has Down syndrome, worked at Whole Foods in Ohio for nearly 25 years. He loved bagging groceries, helping customers, and joking around with his co-workers - and they loved him!
But Amazon-owned Whole Foods unexpectedly fired Vinnie right after he took medical leave for spinal surgery, taking away not only his income but his reason for getting up every morning.
"I don't understand why I was forced to leave my job," says Vinnie. "I don't want Whole Foods to be able to do this to anyone else, ever again."
By firing Vinnie, Whole Foods is blatantly violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations are essential for folks with disabilities to fully participate in the workforce. That's why they are in the law.
"As an advocate for people with disabilities and their families in Southwest Ohio, and a mother to two children with developmental disabilities myself, I hope companies like Whole Foods can see the enormous benefits to employees and customers alike of hiring and supporting workers with disabilities. In fact, there's plenty of research that shows consumers prefer to spend their dollars with businesses that prioritize social responsibility," writes Jen Alge of Arc of Ohio in the Cinncinati Enquirer.
Now Vinnie is suing Whole Foods, and he needs us to speak up for him and others with disabilities.
Whole Foods, which is owned by Amazon and billionaire Jeff Bezos, must respect people with disabilities!
Sign now!
