[nagdu] Re NAGDU resolution and guide dogs at zoos

[Marion Gwizdala]

Elizabeth,
    I agree that there are corresponding responsibilities with every right. 
The ADA protects both the right of the disabled person and those of the 
public accommodation. There are certainly occasions in which a service 
animal may not be the best choice for mobility and, if it causes a direct 
threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a 
reasonable modification of policies, practices, or procedures or the animal 
is out of control and the handler does not take immediate, effective action 
to correct the behavior, the animal may be excluded. however, to statutorily 
allow a zoo to arbitrarily discriminate against a disabled person 
accompanied by a service animal, is in direct violation of the ADA.
    Our goal through criminalization in those states in which there are no 
criminal remedies is to facilitate nmore effective, immediate resolutions by 
allowing law enforcement officers to intervene and resolve the access issue. 
By doing so, we also relieve the disabled person from the lengthy civil 
processes and the costs involved in them.

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala



 To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 3:13 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Re NAGDU resolution and guide dogs at zoos


> Michael and Rebecca, your points about red herrings and individual 
> discretion are well taken.
>
> But I raise my own point because our resolution supports the 
> criminalization of activity that might have a rational basis other than 
> discrimination.
>
> As a former prosecuting attorney, and one with a guide dog, I've learned 
> to be careful about when criminal sanctions should be invoked.  I also 
> believe in filing charges and going to the matt for a conviction when 
> needful.
>
> Very few, if any, rights are absolute, and just about every right carries 
> responsibility.  I believe that when we engage the life of another being 
> in the pursuit of our right to independence, then we have a corresponding 
> responsibility to protect that life, and to uphold laws that honor its 
> quality and dignity.
>
> No human is an island.
>
> Elizabeth
>
>
>
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