[nagdu] Clearing up confusion over service animals

[Cindy Ray]

I think it does point out the things that have been being discussed here., and I felt certain that was the point of it. It doesn't, at least not so I saw, itemize which animals are service animals so much.

Cindy Lou

On Aug 4, 2013, at 9:09 PM, "Steven Johnson" <blinddog3 at charter.net> wrote:

> Interesting that this article is using old info as a service animal is now
> specifically defined as that of a dog or in some cases a miniature horse.
> The article therefore in my opinion, is misleading to the reader.
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ginger Kutsch
> Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2013 8:37 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: [nagdu] Clearing up confusion over service animals
> 
> Clearing up confusion over service animals
> 
> Tips By Dennis Dotson 
> 
> Lincoln County Sheriff 
> 
> Friday, August 2, 2013
> 
> Source:
> http://www.thenewsguard.com/opinion/article_649a87bc-fb00-11e2-9f5e-0019bb29
> 63f4.html
> 
> 
> 
> Service animals may be of any type or breed of dog and need not be certified
> by any governmental agency or service group. Some service animals, such as
> guide dogs, may be readily identifiable, but many don't have a distinctive
> symbol, harness, or collar.
> 
> 
> 
> It's important to understand that service animals are not pets and may be
> trained by an individual or organization to assist individuals with
> disabilities. People should not attempt to pet the animal or offer food
> items.
> 
> 
> 
> The following examples are just some of the ways service animals may be used
> to provide assistance:
> 
> .Guiding people who are blind or have poor vision;
> 
> .Alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing;
> 
> .Retrieving or picking up items, opening doors, or flipping switches for
> people with disabilities who have limited use of their hands, arms or legs;
> 
> .Pulling wheelchairs;
> 
> .Providing physical support and assisting people with physical disabilities
> with stability and balance;
> 
> .Doing work or performing tasks for persons with traumatic brain injury,
> intellectual disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities, such as reminding a
> person with depression to take medication or to wake the person;
> 
> .Alerting a person with anxiety to the onset of panic attacks, providing
> tactile stimulation to calm a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
> assisting people with schizophrenia to distinguish between hallucinations
> and reality, and helping people with traumatic brain injury to locate
> misplaced items, find places or follow daily routines.
> 
> Under the ADA, service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are
> permitted in all public facilities and areas where the general public is
> allowed. If an animal exhibits vicious behavior, poses a direct threat to
> the health of others, or unreasonably disrupts or interferes with normal
> business operations, the employee may direct the partner/handler to remove
> the animal from the premises.
> 
> 
> 
> Barking alone is not a threat nor does a direct threat exist if the
> partner/handler takes prompt effective action to control the animal. Each
> incident must be considered individually and past incidents alone are not
> cause for excluding a service animal. Removal of a service animal may not be
> used as a reason to refuse service to an individual with disabilities.
> 
> 
> 
> Businesses are required by federal law to permit service animals to
> accompany their partner/handler in all areas that other customers or members
> of the public are allowed. If it is unclear whether an animal meets the
> definition of a service animal, an employee may ask the individual only the
> following questions:
> 
> .Is the animal required because of a disability?
> 
> .What task or service has this animal been trained to do?
> 
> If the individual explains that the animal is required because of a
> disability and has been trained to work or perform at least one task, the
> animal meets the definition of a service animal and no further question as
> to the animal's status should be asked. The person should not be asked
> questions about his/her disabilities nor should the person be asked to
> provide any license, certification or ID card for the service animal.
> 
> 
> 
> Any individual who, as a result of his/her disability, believes he/she has
> been discriminated against should contact the Civil Rights Division of the
> U.S. Department of Justice.
> 
> 
> 
> For more information and tips, visit our web site at
> www.lincolncountysheriff.net and on your Smartphone via the "MobilePatrol"
> app and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - Oregon.
> 
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