[Blindtlk] Confronting Discrimination at McDonald's

[Sherry Gomes]

I'm like you Julie, and I've been working with guide dogs since 1975. I've
rarely had an access issue and never been absolutely refused. I've had to
explain the dog is a service dog, and long ago before I knew better, I had
to show my GDB ID card one time. I don't know why I haven't had issues
whereas others I know seem to have issues somewhat frequently.  Well, except
for taxis. I had a lot of issues with cabs when I lived in Washington state
by a particular cab company and had one cab leave me in san Rafael of all
places. But for the most part in nearly 40 years, it hasn't been a problem.

Sherry



-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
via blindtlk
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2014 6:28 AM
To: Lauren Merryfield; Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Confronting Discrimination at McDonald's

Lauren,

I've had guide dogs for over ten years and I have never had an access issue 
related to them.  I'm not sure if they have been more adorable than the 
average guide, (that's a joke!), I come off as scary to people, people like 
dogs where ever I go, or people are just that up to date on the law where I 
live.  I've had people ask if he's a service dog, which is entirely allowed 
by law.  Once I was asked for ID, but a brief conversation got that 
straightened out.  I've had employees go consult the manager about the dog 
in the store, but the manager reassured them it was okay and all was well.

If it helps I live in the rural Midwest.  Generally when I travel, which is 
fairly frequently, it is to other smallish Midwest towns.    Some people 
seem to have a lot more access issues though.  I wish I could tell you what 
the common denominator is, but I haven't figured it out yet.  But if you are

considering a guide and the only thing stopping you is the possible access 
issues, that may not necessarily be a problem for you.

Just something to think about,
Julie


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