[nagdu] Discrimination

Thu Jul 21 22:54:02 UTC 2011

Hi Gloria,
My name is Steve and I am working my 3rd dog since 1992.  In that time, and
this is the same time that the ADA was enacted, I have faced anywhere from
30-35 or possibly more incidents where I was denied access.  However, please
keep in mind, that the majority of these occurred in the 90's with the most
recent being in 2006 where I actually filed a lawsuit and prevailed.  Part
of what we as handlers need to know, is #1, our rights, #2, our
responsibilities, and #3, where to turn to when we don't have the answers.
The NAGDU hotline will be that mechanism for many of our peers and countless
other service dog users across this nation as they encounter potential acts
of access denial.  Unfortunately, the reality is that it still happens, and
if you ever see the ADA/DOJ quarterly publications that outline recent cases
heard, it is very obvious that it is still an issue.  Keep in mind though,
that many complaints are resolved out of court, and settlements are
reached...like my case.  We were all set to go to court when the reality of
the suit hit the business owner, and the result was exactly what the ADA
requires, the removal of that barrier that exists.  
Gloria, use us as we all have different backgrounds, levels of knowledge,
experience and so much more, and try to refrain from letting one's opinions
sway you.

Best to you,

Steve & Leader Dog, Misha

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Gloria G
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 5:05 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Discrimination

Hi Tami,
Your comments on discrimination were veery helpful, because receiving 
comments from others about if I have deeper issues and maybe I shouldn't get

a guide dog because of my concerns would really make me reconsider being a 
member of this list. I feel that we all should watch how we respond to 
things. While we all have the rite to voice our opinions, I feel we should 
watch how we say things. Our words can have a big impact on others. I myself

am guilty of this and have to check myself. I feel this is especially true 
when new members come along we want them to know this a place where they 
will not be critized for their beliefs and where they can receive help from 
others who have experienced some of the same things.
Gloria
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tami Kinney" <tamara.8024 at comcast.net>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Discrimination

> Lyn and Gloria,
>
> It seems to me that being prepared for such tings in advance is the best
> way to go, so that you're not caught flat-footed when discrimination,
> access denials, whatever occur. I've been pretty fortunate thus far and
> haven't run into anything I couldn't bare-face my way thorough. But I
> always pay close attention to tales of access denial, discrimination,
> being asked to put your dog in the trunk of a car... Who would even
> think of suggesting that? Oh, apparently, quite a few cabbies all over
> the country. So now I have a list of strategies for that, just in case.
> So I don't have to lie awake nights worrying about all that and
> everything I learn and consider makes me better prepared for whatever
> comes up that I've never even imagined to plan for...
>
> Gloria, I think it's way cool seeing you and others before and certainly
> after you, considering these questions and others during the
> anticipation of going to guide dog school for the first time and meeting
> your first dog and learning to be a strong guide dog team with her/him.
> You'll have 28 days of intense instruction and practice, while your
> instructor does his/her best to teach you everything you'll need to know
> to head off into the real world ...  If you can pick up everything you
> need to know in that amount of time, please let me know how you did
> that. /lol/ You'll come out with a great foundation with your dog for
> the team building process of the next months while you build experience
> together.
>
> Tami ,
>
> On Wed, 2011-07-20 at 16:04 -0700, Lyn Gwizdak wrote:
>> I, too, have had very little in discrimination against my guide dog.   I
>> don't think about it but deal with it if and when it does occur.
>>
>> Lyn and Landon
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 2:20 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Discrimination
>>
>>
>> > Gloria,
>> >
>> > For me, no, I extremely rarely have issues of discrimination because of

>> > my
>> > guide dog.  Well, I rarely have descrimination issues of any variety. 
>> > I
>> > honestly have no idea if this is because I am a scary person, the area 
>> > I
>> > live, my particular dog, the specific places I go or some other factor.
>> > Others experience access issues more often than I do, but I wouldn't 
>> > say
>> > it's routine for any of us.
>> >
>> > There are lots and lots of people and resources available to assist you
>> > with an access issue should one come up.  My best advice is don't worry
>> > about and deal with it if one should come up.  That's all you can do.
>> > *smile*
>> >
>> > Julie
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > On 7/19/2011 1:32 PM, Gloria G wrote:
>> >> Hi,
>> >> I was wondering if many of you have experienced discrimination because
>> >> you were guide dog users? I mean is it pretty common for buisnesses to
>> >> refuse you service or make negative commants because of your guide, if

>> >> so
>> >> please describe the situation and explain how you handled it if you 
>> >> would
>> >> like? Thanks!
>> >> Gloria
>> >> _______________________________________________
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>> >>
>> >
>> >
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>>
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