On December 2, I went to the Giaimo Federal Building to clarify healthcare concerns.  At the entrance, Officer T Simmons refused me entrance because of my noise-canceling headphones. He cited them as a security hazard, even though they serve as a medical device, reducing my risk of seizures and erratic behavior. 

I tried to show Officer Simmons my ID and doctor’s note, which explained that I require headphones for general function, and I said that I had been inside Giaimo many times over the years. He accused me of lying, as he had never seen me before, and refused to look at the doctor’s note or my ID, sarcastically remarking that he didn’t want to violate my HIPAA rights. 

Officer Simmons insisted that I would have to take off my headphones and put them through a metal detector to enter the building.

I ask y'all to sign this petition asking for: 

1.) Federal Protective Services needs to follow federal laws in regard to people with disabilities visiting their facilities. 

2.) Have an audit of their facilities and policies and see where shortfalls exist and create a public report that people can view.

3.) All laws that pertain to persons with disabilities such as but not limited to the rehabilitation act & all applicable anti-discrimination protections for people seeking federal services & visiting federal buildings should be posted and printed for guests to review.