MEMORANDUM

Date: February 23, 1994
To: Senator Dole
From: Alec Vachon (initialed)
Re: C-Span Viewer Casework 

* I spoke with Karen Alexander, to whom you gave my name on C­Span this morning. Ms. Alexander has three problems: 
1. She alleges the Food and Drug Administration failed to provide a "reasonable accommodation" to her disability (epilepsy), and unfairly fired her (she was a telephone operator). The specifics are unclear; apparently she was disruptive at times, but felt her employer could have made accommodations to her behavior. Ms. Alexander has filed an EEOC complaint. 

2. She was turned down for SSI. I understand she has a lawyer who is appealing that decision. 

3. Her principle concern (expressed on the phone) is fear of losing her Kaiser HMO insurance if she gets SSI-­ she would qualify for Medicaid, and her Dad has told her he then won't pay Kaiser premiums ($150/mth). She is happy with Kaiser's medical care, and does not want to switch providers. However, until she gets SSI, this concern is moot. 


* I offered assistance on all three issues (e.g., we could try to get priority for her EEOC complaint and SSI appeal), but told her I would need a letter (to which we would ask each agency to respond). However, she said her thought processes are too disorganized to allow her to compose any letters. I recommended she have her father or lawyer call me, and I will work with them. 

* Ms. Alexander has been in touch with her Congresswoman, Rep. Connie Morella, but found her assistance unsatisfactory. She also has been in contact with the Epilepsy Foundation-­ but they were unable to offer her the kind of help she needs. Ideally, she would benefit from a social worker or case manager.

* I think fundamentally Ms. Alexander was looking for some reassurance and someone to talk with. I encouraged her to call me at any time and gave her my direct number.