Orlando Garcia

Disability: quadriplegic

Represented by: the Potter Handy Firm ("Center for Disability Access")

Number of lawsuits filed: approx 1,500

Targets: grocery stores, liquor stores, gas stations, auto repair shops, and restaurants

Mr. Garcia uses an electric wheelchair and does not drive. He alleges that the mother of his son drives him around in a van that he owns. He likes to sue alleging that the sales counters he comes across are too high and circulation aisles at liquor store are too narrow for his use.

While he admittedly does not smoke, he sued a smoke shop. Below is deposition testimony of Mr. Garcia from that case.

Is Mr. Garcia an advocate for the disabled or is he a profiteer? You be the judge. Examination by attorney Ara Sahelian:

           13          Q.    BY MR. SAHELIAN:   Do you smoke?

           14          A.    No, I don't.  

           15          Q.    Have you ever smoked?

           16          A.    Yes.

           17          Q.    Cigarettes?  

           18          A.    I've tried them before.  

______

           13          Q.    BY MR. SAHELIAN:  So that leaves you around 

           14     two to three hours on Broadway.  Do you have any 

     10:38 15     recollection of what you did on Broadway street that day, 

           16     other than go to the Smoke Shop?  

           17          A.    Just, you know, look at other shops.  

           18          Q.    Looking for ADA violations?  

           19          A.    Yeah.  

           20          MR. SAHELIAN:  All right.  We'll take a break here.  

_______

     11:51 18          Q.    Now do you ever consider finding a job, maybe 

           19     a job that would make use of your speaking skills, like 

           20     using a telephone and a computer perhaps?

           21          MS. VENTO:  Objection, relevance.  Harassing my 

           22     client.  You may answer.  

           23          THE WITNESS:  No, not really.

     11:52 24          Q.    BY MR. SAHELIAN:  Has any governmental agency 

           25     ever asked you whether you're interested in employment?  

 1          A.    I think they've left me a message, something 

            2     like that, about getting a -- you know, I'm able to, you 

            3     know, get a job or something like that, something 

            4     about --.  I can't remember exactly, but, you know.  

     11:52  5          Q.    Would there be a reason why you wouldn't want 

            6     to take up employment if it simply involves helping 

            7     people on the phone?

            8          A.    No, there's no reason.