[Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCBresolution on changestohave certification for service dogs
Patricia A. Lipovsky
plipovsky at cfl.rr.com
Sun Apr 6 21:58:25 UTC 2014
Wow, Janet, this is awesome!!
So many great comments and information from some knowledgeable people.
Its like getting a free education. I hope everyone is taking notes, smile.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Janet DeLuca" <janetsyear2010 at gmail.com>
To: "'Florida Association of Guide Dog Users'" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2014 3:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Flagdu] FW: [nagdu] A CCBresolution on changestohave
certification for service dogs
>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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>>>
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>>
>>
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>
>
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