[Flagdu] National Federation of the Blind Statement on Delta's New Service Animal Policy

Thu Jan 25 19:00:40 UTC 2018

Hello,

Here is NFB's response to Delta's policy. I'm sure Marion, as President of
NAGDU, will keep us informed about any communications or meetings which will
hopefully take place between Delta and NFB.

Warm regards

Sherrill

From: NFBNet-Members-List [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of National Federation of the Blind via NFBNet-Members-List
Sent: January 23, 2018 6:31 PM
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Statement on
Delta's New Service Animal Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Federation of the Blind Statement on Delta's New Service Animal
Policy

Baltimore, Maryland: (January 23, 2018): The National Federation of the
Blind stated the following with regard to the new service and support animal
policy announced by Delta Air Lines on January 19:

We are deeply concerned that Delta Air Lines has taken this action without
consulting the National Federation of the Blind, our division the National
Association of Guide Dog Users, or any other democratically elected
representative of blind Americans. Blind people have safely and successfully
used guide dogs for decades, but this policy fails to make a clear or
practical distinction among guide dogs, other "service and support animals"
(as Delta puts it), and pets. Onerous restrictions on guide dog handlers do
not resolve anything and violate the principle of equal access for
passengers with disabilities. Furthermore, we believe that elements of
Delta's policy, as currently articulated, violate the Air Carrier Access
Act.

We are particularly troubled by the requirement that guide dog users submit
paperwork to Delta forty-eight hours before flying. Travelers without guide
dogs are not required to plan their travel forty-eight hours in advance.
Furthermore, guide dog users will no longer be able to fly Delta in family,
medical, or other emergencies. We believe that this forty-eight hour
requirement is both unnecessary and unlawful.

We are asking for an urgent meeting with Delta and stand ready to work with
it and other airlines to craft fair and reasonable policies to address the
concerns of air carriers, their personnel, and their passengers, without
imposing undue, unsupported, and unlawful hardships on guide dog users.

###

About the National Federation of the Blind 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
initiatives at
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=10066&qid=212453
7> www.nfb.org.

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

 <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org

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National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230
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