[nagdu] Accommodations specific to guide dog teams

[Julie J]

Jewel,

Great questions!

There are no busses where I live.  However, my general rule of thumb is that 
in a public place where I have every right to be there, I will stay and the 
person with the issues can figure out their own problems. I'm not sure if 
it's where I live or just dumb luck, but I have never encountered an 
incident like this.  I have never been asked to leave either.

In a restroom I will use the large stall if that's appropriate.  Meaning if 
there are others who need it and don't have a choice of a different stall 
then I'll use a smaller one.  Again in my tiny town there are only a handful 
of people in wheelchairs and most are men.

I have a rug under my desk at work for Monty.  I don't think that really 
counts as an accommodation, but thought I'd toss it out anyway.  I like that 
I can take it home every now and then and wash it.  It keeps hair and excess 
dirt from his feet from getting all over the carpet.   I have to request my 
office to be vacuumed and the cleaning lady is not the most pleasant or 
cooperative person on the planet, so I opt for the rug. *smile*

Oh, at a restaurant I ask for a table next to a corner or wall  if it's 
possible.  It's easier to keep the dog out of the way if there's at least 
one side that has no traffic.

Some guide dog handlers choose not to use escalators.  I, personally, have 
in the past and don't have a problem with them.  Again escalators are not 
something I have in my home town, so I only teach that to my dog if I think 
we will need it.  Belle could do them with no problem.  I haven't taught 
Monty at this point.

In my experience  the presence of the dog is the main thing.  If people 
accept him into the building or wherever I can manage the rest of what he 
and I need.

Julie


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 9:19 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Accommodations specific to guide dog teams


> We have talked about APPS, quiet cars, and the white cane laws. All of
> these are important for blind people in general. I am curious now,
> what sorts of accommodations do guide dog teams specifically feel are
> important?
>
> I have seen the need for a "relief area" in airports, at hotels, and
> the like. What other accommodations do guide dog teams use
> specifically? Do you have any trouble walking in certain areas with
> your guide dog? What about using the restroom (do you use the large
> stall so your dog can come in, too?) On the bus, do you ever need to
> ask for an accommodation because there is no under-space? If someone
> on the bus doesn't like your dog being there, do you require the
> accommodation of being allowed to remain on, or do you just get off if
> they go crazy about it?
>
> I know this a broad topic, but I would love to see people's thoughts.
> What would you like to see? It doesn't have to be something already in
> place or already being fought for. What do *you* want/need?
>
> Hoping for a better conversation (and some education),
> Jewel
>
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