Fair Housing News

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Tom Masseau

(517) 374-4627

(517) 648-0029

Detroit, Michigan - Today, February 18, 2005, in the case of US & Joyce Grad v. Royalwood, Schostak, and Cali, the jury returned a favorable verdict for Ms. Grad. Ms. Grad was awarded $314,209.60 in monetary damages. The hearing was held in Federal District Court Judge Anna Taylor’s courtroom.

“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 Michigan that advocates for individuals with disabilities.

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