[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "How%20to%20contact%20Flourish%20Research%20Boca%20Raton%20FL.%20I%20already%20have%20their%20phone%20number%20but%20need%20to%20contact%20a%20CEO%20or%20corperate%20person%20in%20charge%20to%20let%20them%20know%20that%20I%20was%20declined%20and%20rejected%20from%20a%20study%20because%20I%20am%20totally%20blind.%20I%20was%20told%20that%20because%20I%20wasn%27t%20able%20to%20read%20a%20power%20of%20attorney%20document%20with%20my%20eyes%2C%20I%20could%20not%20participate.%20This%20seems%20seems%20to%20out%20of%20line%20some%20how%20as%20I%20can%20use%20other%20methods%20to%20read%20such%20a%20document%20including%20having%20it%20read%20to%20me%20by%20my%20w2on%20wife.%20Please%20advise%20as%20to%20hwo%20to%20make%20this%20company%20aware%20of%20this%20and%20if%20it%27s%20legal%20or%20not."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are ways to contact leadership at Flourish Research, what disability laws might apply in your case, and suggestions for next steps.\n\n---\n\n## Who runs Flourish Research & how to reach leadership\n\n1. **CEO**  \n   Reinhold Schulz has been CEO of Flourish Research since August 2022. ([prweb.com](https://www.prweb.com/releases/Reinhold_Schulz_Joins_Flourish_Research_as_Chief_Executive_Officer/prweb18840398.htm?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Chief Medical Officer & Principal Investigator**  \n   Dr. Seth J. Baum leads Flourish Research\u2019s Boca Raton site and serves as Chief Medical Officer. ([flourishresearch.com](https://flourishresearch.com/locations/boca-raton/about-us/?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Contact Details**  \n   - General corporate/business development email: **bd@flourishresearch.com** ([flourishresearch.com](https://flourishresearch.com/team/seth-j-baum/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Address for the Boca Raton site: 7900 Glades Rd #400, Boca Raton, FL 33434 ([flourishresearch.com](https://flourishresearch.com/locations/boca-raton/contact-us/?utm_source=openai))  \n   - Phone: (561) 513-6266 (this is recruitment/general line) ([flourishresearch.com](https://flourishresearch.com/locations/boca-raton/contact-us/?utm_source=openai))\n\nIf you want to reach Mr. Schulz directly, you can attempt via **bd@flourishresearch.com** but consider CC\u2019ing Dr. Baum (if possible) because he oversees medical/scientific side and eligibility criteria decisions.\n\n---\n\n## Is exclusion due to blindness legal?\n\nYou may have grounds to challenge this, depending on how it was handled. Here are relevant laws and principles:\n\n1. **FDA Guidance** on clinical trial inclusion  \n   In December 2025, the FDA issued formal guidance, \u201cEnhancing Participation in Clinical Trials \u2014 Eligibility Criteria, Enrollment Practices, and Trial Designs,\u201d which states that clinical trials should consider including people with disabilities unless there's a scientific or safety reason not to do so. Excluding someone simply because they are blind, and unable to read written documents with their eyes (but able using accommodations), may violate these guidelines. ([fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/enhancing-diversity-clinical-trial-populations-eligibility-criteria-enrollment-practices-and-trial?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)**  \n   The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability. Entities operating as \u201cpublic accommodations\u201d or providing medical or research services that are open to the public are generally covered. It forbids denying equal access or failing to provide reasonable accommodation unless doing so would impose an \u201cundue burden.\u201d Reading assistance (having documents read aloud, using Braille, audio, etc.) is a typical reasonable accommodation. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/45/84.52?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Federal disability laws about consent documents**  \n   Under 45 CFR \u00a784.52, which applies to recipients of federal funds (like many research institutions), written notices or consent documents must be provided in a way that people with sensory impairments can receive them (e.g. not relying solely on sight). ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/45/84.52?utm_source=openai))\n\n4. **National Council on Disability report**  \n   A 2024 report from the NCD noted that people with disabilities are often *implicitly or explicitly excluded* from clinical trials via eligibility criteria that are not scientifically justified, including when lack of ability to read is used as exclusion without accommodations being considered. ([ncd.gov](https://www.ncd.gov/report/the-implicit-and-explicit-exclusion-of-people-with-disabilities-in-clinical-trials/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What you can do\n\nHere are suggested steps to engage with Flourish Research and explore legal options:\n\n1. **Write a clear, polite email or letter**  \n   Address it to Reinhold Schulz (CEO) and Dr. Seth Baum (CMO).  \n   - Explain what happened (date, person you spoke with, etc.).  \n   - Describe how your disability was the reason given, and that you believe reasonable accommodations could allow you to participate (such as having the document read to you orally).  \n   - Request: explanation of their policy, whether there is an appeals process, and what accommodations might be provided.\n\n2. **Use the corporate email**  \n   Use **bd@flourishresearch.com**, mention that you\u2019re reaching out about a matter of inclusion and accommodation. If you find a more specific email for Mr. Schulz or his office, include it.\n\n3. **File a complaint of discrimination if needed**  \n   If your informal communication doesn\u2019t resolve things, you can file a complaint with:  \n   - The **Florida Commission on Human Relations** \u2014 state body handling disability and public accommodations discrimination in Florida. ([fchr.myflorida.com](https://fchr.myflorida.com/file-a-complaint-page?utm_source=openai))  \n   - The **U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)** if the trial is federally funded, and/or the FDA if the study is intended to support drug approval.  \n   - The **U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)** may be relevant, but this depends on whether the discrimination is in employment or \u201cpublic accommodations.\u201d Many research studies fall under public services/public accommodations.\n\n4. **Gather documentation**  \n   Keep records: when you inquired, who you spoke with, exactly what was said, any written material or study consent documents. That will help support your case.\n\n5. **Seek support from disability rights organizations**  \n   You may find assistance from local or national disability rights nonprofits, which can help advise you or may intervene.\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can help you draft a sample email or complaint letter to send to Flourish Research or help find legal aid in Boca Raton. Would you like that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "yes"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are two helpful resources: a **legal aid referral** that can assist locally, and a **sample email and complaint letter** you can use to contact Flourish Research or file a formal complaint with a relevant agency.\n\n---\n\n## 1. Local Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services\n\nThese organizations can provide free or low-cost legal help with civil rights/disability discrimination claims in Boca Raton / Palm Beach County:\n\n- **Saint Thomas University Human Rights Institute**  \n  Address: 2112 South Congress Avenue, Suites 201 & 202, Palm Springs, FL 33406  \n  Phone: (561) 472-2346  \n  Services: Civil rights and disability-rights cases, legal advice and representation. ([justia.com](https://www.justia.com/lawyers/civil-rights/florida/boca-raton/legal-aid-and-pro-bono-services?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **Justia & Boca Raton Civil Rights Lawyers**  \n  You can use the Justia directory to find civil rights attorneys in Boca Raton who specialize in disability/clinical trial discrimination. ([justia.com](https://www.justia.com/lawyers/civil-rights/florida/boca-raton/legal-aid-and-pro-bono-services?utm_source=openai))\n\nThese resources can help you review your case, possibly send letters on your behalf, or help you file formal complaints.\n\n---\n\n## 2. Filing a Complaint with Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)\n\nIf you believe Flourish Research discriminated against you under Florida law, you can file a complaint with FCHR. Key info:\n\n- Complaints must be filed within **365 days** of the discriminatory act. ([fchr.myflorida.com](https://fchr.myflorida.com/file-a-complaint-page?utm_source=openai))  \n- You can file **online**, by mail, or in person. Address: 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110, Tallahassee, FL 32399-7020. ([employmentlawaid.org](https://www.employmentlawaid.org/florida/workplace-discrimination/how-to-file-fchr-complaint/?utm_source=openai))  \n- The process is free, and you do not need an attorney to file. ([employmentlawaid.org](https://www.employmentlawaid.org/florida/workplace-discrimination/how-to-file-fchr-complaint/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## 3. Sample Emails & Complaint Letters\n\nBelow are templates you can adapt. Use these either to contact Flourish Research leadership or to file with FCHR or other agencies.\n\n---\n\n### Sample Email to Flourish Research Leadership\n\n```\nSubject: Request for Explanation and Accommodation Regarding Clinical Trial Eligibility\n\nTo: Reinhold Schulz, CEO\nCC: Dr. Seth J. Baum, Chief Medical Officer\n\nDear Mr. Schulz and Dr. Baum,\n\nMy name is [Your Full Name]. On [date], I applied to participate in one of your clinical trials at the Boca Raton site. I was informed that I do not qualify because I cannot read the power of attorney document with my eyes, due to being totally blind. I was told this disqualifies me from participation.\n\nI believe this decision may be inconsistent with disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FDA guidance that require reasonable accommodations for disabilities unless there is a legitimate safety/scientific reason not to grant them.\n\nI respectfully request:\n\n1. A written explanation of your policy or procedures that led to my exclusion.\n2. Information about accommodation options that could\u2019ve been used, such as having the document read to me or presented in an accessible format.\n3. Whether you have an appeals process or grievance policy for eligibility decisions.\n\nI value the scientific contributions of your research and want to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. I hope we can resolve this fairly and ensure inclusion of participants who need accommodations.\n\nThank you for your attention.\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Name]\n[Your Contact Information]\n```\n\n---\n\n### Sample Complaint Letter to Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)\n\n```\n[Your Name]\n[Address]\n[City, State, ZIP]\n[Phone Number]\n[Email Address]\n\n[Date]\n\nFlorida Commission on Human Relations  \n4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110  \nTallahassee, FL 32399-7020  \n\nRe: Disability Discrimination Complaint against Flourish Research\n\nDear Commissioners,\n\nI believe I have been discriminated against based on my disability (total blindness). On [date], I applied for a clinical trial at Flourish Research, Boca Raton. I was informed that I was not eligible to participate because I could not read a power of attorney document with my eyes, even though I offered to have the document read to me or use an accessible format.\n\nThis exclusion denied me equal access and failed to provide a reasonable accommodation, in violation of the Florida Civil Rights Act (disability protections), and possibly federal law under the ADA.\n\nDetails:\n\n- Name and contact info of respondent: Flourish Research, 7900 Glades Rd #400, Boca Raton, FL 33434; Phone: (561) 513-6266  \n- Date(s) of the discriminatory decision: [exact date]  \n- Description of the discriminatory act: refusal to allow participation due to inability to read the consent/POA document visually; no accommodation offered.  \n- Why I believe this is unlawful: total blindness is a protected disability; the law requires reasonable accommodations unless doing so imposes undue burden; FDA guidance encourages inclusion of people with disabilities in trials.  \n\nI request:\n\n- An investigation into this incident  \n- Appropriate remedy: reconsideration of eligibility or compensation or assurance of revised policy  \n- Assurance this type of discriminatory exclusion does not happen going forward  \n\nThank you for your consideration. Please contact me at your earliest convenience via [phone/email].\n\nSincerely,\n\n[Your Name]\n```\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can help you fill in the dates and details for your specific case and find email addresses of the CEO / CMO so your message goes directly. Would you like me to assist with that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "yes"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are the relevant contact details I found for Flourish Research leadership, plus guidance on filling out the specific details for your situation. These are the most reliable public sources available.\n\n---\n\n## Most reliable leadership contact info found\n\n- **Corporate business development / general leadership email:** bd@flourishresearch.com ([flourishresearch.com](https://flourishresearch.com/locations/boca-raton/contact-us/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Dr. Seth J. Baum, MD** (Manager / Chief Medical Officer at the Boca Raton site):  \n  - He is listed as the principal contact on the BBB profile for Flourish Research \u2013 Boca Raton. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/boca-raton/profile/clinical-trials/flourish-research-boca-raton-0633-92056249?utm_source=openai))  \n  - His business email is partially listed publicly through resource sites like ContactOut, which suggest formats like **seth.baum@[company-domain]**. (I can\u2019t provide heretofore private personal emails, but you could try variations on their official domain like \u201c@flourishresearch.com\u201d or \u201c@excelmedicalclinicaltrials.com\u201d using his name.) ([contactout.com](https://contactout.com/Dr-Baum-482989?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## How to fill in your specific case details\n\nHere\u2019s a version of the earlier sample email/letter with placeholders for your personal details. You can insert your actual dates and details where needed. Also, try sending this both to **bd@flourishresearch.com** and to an email you craft for Dr. Baum (e.g. seth.baum@flourishresearch.com) if you believe it\u2019ll reach him.\n\n---\n\n### Completed Sample Email to Flourish Leadership\n\n```\nSubject: Request for Explanation and Accommodation Regarding Clinical Trial Eligibility\n\nTo: bd@flourishresearch.com  \nCC: Dr. Seth J. Baum (seth.baum@flourishresearch.com)\n\nDear Mr. Reinhold Schulz and Dr. Baum,\n\nMy name is [Your Full Name]. On [date you applied \u2014 e.g., July 15, 2026], I applied to participate in a clinical trial at the Boca Raton site of Flourish Research. During my conversation with your recruitment/study staff, I was informed that I could not join because I am completely blind and therefore cannot read a power-of-attorney document with my eyes. No alternative accommodation (such as having the document read to me aloud, using audio, Braille, or via a representative reading to me) was offered.\n\nI believe this decision may conflict with disability rights laws and principles, specifically:\n\n- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires reasonable accommodations unless a safety/scientific necessity prevents them.  \n- FDA guidance (from Dec. 2025) affirming that eligibility criteria in clinical trials should not unduly exclude people with disabilities when accommodations are possible.\n\nI respectfully request:\n\n1. A written justification of the policy or criteria used that led to my being excluded.  \n2. Information on what accommodations you provide (or have provided) in similar cases, particularly for non-sighted participants.  \n3. Whether there is an appeals or grievance process in your eligibility or consent policies.\n\nI want to help and participate in your studies, and would like to see how your policies can be aligned with legal requirements and fairness. I appreciate your time and look forward to your response by [give a reasonable deadline, e.g. \u201cwithin 14 days\u201d].\n\nSincerely,  \n[Your Name]  \n[Your Email Address]  \n[Your Phone Number]  \n[City, Florida]\n```\n\n---\n\n### Completed Sample Complaint to FCHR (Florida Commission on Human Relations)\n\n```\n[Your Name]  \n[Address]  \n[City, State, ZIP]  \n[Phone Number]  \n[Email Address]  \n\n[Date]\n\nFlorida Commission on Human Relations  \n4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110  \nTallahassee, FL 32399-7020  \n\nRe: Complaint of Disability Discrimination by Flourish Research\n\nDear Commissioners,\n\nMy name is [Your Full Name]. I am filing this complaint because I believe Flourish Research (Boca Raton, Florida) discriminated against me on the basis of my disability (total blindness).\n\nOn [date \u2014 e.g., July 15, 2026] I applied to participate in a clinical trial at your Boca Raton site. I was refused participation because I was unable to read a power-of-attorney document with my eyes, even though I proposed alternative means (having someone read aloud, audio or accessible format). No accommodation was offered. I believe this constitutes unlawful discrimination under the Florida Civil Rights Act and protections for people with disabilities.\n\nRespondent details:  \n- Name: Flourish Research (also doing business as Excel Medical Clinical Trials, LLC)  \n- Address: 7900 Glades Rd, Suite 400, Boca Raton, FL 33434  \n- Contact phone: (561) 513-6266  \n\nFacts:  \n- The date I was rejected: [insert date]  \n- The reason given by staff: inability to read visually  \n- My proposed accommodations: [list what you proposed]  \n\nLegal basis:  \n- Total blindness is a protected disability under Florida law.  \n- The law requires that entities provide reasonable accommodations so a person with a disability can participate unless doing so would impose an undue burden.  \n- By refusing participation without offering accommodation, Flourish Research may have failed this legal duty.\n\nRequested relief:  \n- A written investigation into this conduct.  \n- Reconsideration of trial eligibility with appropriate accommodations.  \n- Assurance of policy changes and staff training so no one else is excluded unfairly.  \n- Any compensation or other remedy you see fit.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. Please let me know if additional information is needed. I expect to be contacted at [your email / phone] soon.\n\nSincerely,  \n[Your Name]\n```\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can also look up specific case law or similar precedents in Florida to strengthen your letter. Would you like me to pull that together?"
    }
]