[Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCB resolution on changestohave certification for service dogs

Sun Apr 6 19:08:54 UTC 2014

I agree 100% that some schools push out dogs that have no business being in the public. However that’s why it’s so important for businesses to know their legal rights.
There are many ways to get funding for TV or Radio ads, and I’ll be willing to share them at some point. I have already suggested the small poster for business and other groups are jumping on it. Below is the information about service dogs.
 A dog with an appropriate temperament could become an effective service dog. 
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability ... regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government .
Choosing a Dog
Seek professional guidance when evaluating your pet or selecting the animal you plan to train as your service dog. Assistance dogs can begin as rescues or pets, or as dogs bred for this purpose, but not all dogs have the proper temperament. In her article, "Choosing the Right Dog," Veronica Morris states, "Your best bet is to either choose a puppy whose mother has the temperament for service work or choose an adult dog from a stable home  environment that already has the right temperament.
Health and Temperament Screenings
The Delta Society explains that service dog candidates must pass entry screenings "for aptitude and health with consideration for age, physical soundness, soundness of temperament ... size, expected longevity" and behavioral issues.
The dog must pass a physical exam performed by a veterinarian, be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, not underweight or overweight, physically suited to tasks and work conditions and have an expected working life of at least six years.
The dog must be screened for temperament appropriate to required tasks and working conditions. Service dogs should be confident, friendly, but not overly so, be willing to interact with people in unfamiliar environments, not have inappropriate fear reactions to ordinary experiences and not be excessively submissive or assertive.
An owner trained and self-certified service dog has the same access rights as a dog from a service dog program, but even if you have trained dogs before, you should work with a professional dog trainer or participate in a program that helps you train your own service dog. Complete professionally supervised obedience and socialization classes. Service dogs must receive training in three areas--obedience, tasks and public access. The dog must never exhibit behaviors such as aggression, inappropriate barking, biting, snapping, growling, begging or inappropriate jumping on or sniffing people.
Specific Disability Training
Service dogs should be taught to perform a variety of tasks depending on  people's disabilities and needs. You and your dog must complete specific disability related service training so your dog will be comfortable executing at least three tasks that will assist you with your disability. Dogs are trained to guide the visually impaired, alert the hearing impaired and help people with mobility issues by retrieving dropped or needed items, opening doors and assisting with balance.
Training Standards and Test
Complete six months of training using the minimum training standards for public access, and pass the Public Access Test, which requires an evaluation performed in person in a variety of situations. Although any professional dog trainer can administer the test, certification should be completed by someone qualified to evaluate service animals. Have the test videotaped so you have a record in case legal issues arise.
Proof of certification is not required in the United States. Many states lack training programs for certification, so the Department of Justice uses an "honor system, by making the tasks the dog is trained to perform on command ... to assist a disabled person, rather than certification ID, the primary way to differentiate between a service dog and a pet," according to the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners.

-----Original Message-----
From: Flagdu [mailto:flagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of National Association of Guide Dog Users
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 2:01 PM
To: 'Florida Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCB resolution on changestohave certification for service dogs

Peter,
	The challenge with a law requiring proof of training from an accredited program or whatever language  is used is that those with legitimate owner-trained dogs would be left out. Though most guide dogs are trained by programs, not all are nor must be under the current legislation. I have seen many poor program-trained service dog teams; however, I have never seen a poor owner-trained team. If the Florida legislature passes the bill making it through committees, it will be a misdemeanor to claim one is disabled in order to gain access with an untrained service dog. As a criminal summons, if they ignore the citation  they can be arrested for contempt of court.

	As for the woman you encountered, perhaps it would have been a good idea to inform her that her untrained pet helping her with stress does not qualify as a service dog. She is likely not disabled because of her stress, so not protected by the ADA. If someone from the entity would have asked the questions allowed by law, they could have asked her to remove the dog, as they are not required to provide her with access accompanied by the dog that, by her own admission, is not "trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability". 

Fraternally yours,
Marion

. 
-----Original Message-----
From: Flagdu [mailto:flagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Peter
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 11:50 AM
To: Florida Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCB resolution on changestohave certification for service dogs

Patricia, Janet,
Pat as you said the general public is taking advantage of the law.
Not to long ago I was shopping for groceries.
This woman was in the store with her toy poodle. According to her the dog helped her with stress. Here I am with a trained guide dog, in harness helping me with my mobility.
So I asked her where was her dog trained. Oh he isn't trained; he is just my pet dog that helps me.
What is next somebody bringing in an elephant so it can help them reach high places?
I think any so called service animal has to come from an accredited school.
Yes I'm aware you can buy documented cards on the internet that claims that your turtle is a service animal.
The general public won't change until stronger penalties are enforced.
Someone suggested a five hundred dollar fine. I think that is a start.
Oh the person might say, the hell with paying the fine, just like many do with parking tickets, Etc. What can be done about this? Any suggestions?
We are all blind, and are a minority. However collectively we have to stand together, together with others that use service animals that are authorized, trained to help that person.
I have no problem with showing proof that JJ is a trained Gide dog. However in all the years I’ve used JJ, and my previous dogs, never have I’ve been asked to show any type of proof.
Educating the public I think is a must.
I don’t know how much it costs to advertise on the radio or TV. However what do you all think of a commercial stating something that it is illegal to masker aid your animal as a service animal? I know the wording had to be better; however I think you all get the point.

-----Original Message-----
From: Patricia A. Lipovsky
Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2014 6:03 PM
To: Florida Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCB resolution on changestohave certification for service dogs

I agree Janet.  The problem with the general public is they are learning they can take advantage of the law, and take their pets out into public places without any recourse.  Until we can get the DOJ to revamp the law, I think we should all try to educate the businesses in our own areas as to what they need to watch out for, and what they fan expect from a legitimately trained service animal.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Janet DeLuca" <janetsyear2010 at gmail.com>
To: "'Florida Association of Guide Dog Users'" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2014 11:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCB resolution on changes tohave certification for service dogs

> Hello All,
>
> I was wondering which idea you are interested in.
> The only 2 problems I see with sending stickers out is.
>  Most businesses won't uses sticker, because they shift things around 
> a lot. (I also dated myself with time clock, since most use computers.)
>   Most people that get stickers, with a donation envelope end up 
> throwing it out. You may get  a quarter of donations that you mail.
> The bottom line it takes a lot to get a Bill on the floor, so until 
> that could be done, we should think of a way of dealing with educating 
> the public. However again restaurants have a high turnover rate.
>
>      Janet
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Flagdu [mailto:flagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Patricia A.
> Lipovsky
> Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2014 10:01 AM
> To: Florida Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCB resolution on changes to have 
> certification for service dogs
>
> My goodness, what happened? We had such a good dialogue going, with so 
> many expressing themselves, sharing their thoughts and ideas.  Perhaps 
> we ran this topic into the ground?
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Toni King" <tkk at samobile.net>
> To: <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2014 12:49 PM
> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCB resolution on changes to have 
> certification for service dogs
>
>
>> That is a good thought and I know several  companies that would post 
>> such a sign.
>>
>> --
>> Check out my blog
>> www.samobile.net/users/tkk/
>>
>> Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature....
>> Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
>>   Helen Keller, The Open Door (1957)
>>
>> Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
>> -Roger Caras
>>
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>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
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>> 04/03/14
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>
>
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