[nagdu] Guide Dogs at Carnegie Hall

[Michael Hingson]

Hi Shanna,

Interesting question.  I do understand the complexity of the situation from
the viewpoint that the stage is not a place where the public is invited to
go.  However, you were invited, and there are requirements for reasonable
accommodations in the ADA.  You are the expert on what you require.
Certainly a guide dog does not incur a major expense for Carnegie Hall so
they can't use that excuse.  Your dog is an extension of you.  I definitely
suggest you push the envelope.  I also suggest you contact Carl Jacobsen,
president of the NFB of NY. 


Best,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Shanna Stichler
Sent: Monday, March 04, 2013 06:37 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Guide Dogs at Carnegie Hall

Hi everyone

Firstly, I'm sorry I haven't been active on this list. I will try and remedy
that, but for now I have an access question for those of you who know about
such things.

I am scheduled to perform at Carnegie hall next year with a vocal ensemble.
I have performed at this venue previously, and at that time, I was told
before I arrived in New York that while my guide dog was welcome to attend
rehearsals and remain backstage, she would not be permitted onstage during
the performance or final dress rehearsal. The tricky part is that the actual
stage at Carnegie is not an area open to the public, so possibly the
production company is within their wrights to refuse my dog access to that
area. However, I'm involved in a program their, and as I understand it, my
dog gets access, even though the stage isn't an area open to the public
because all other participants in my group will have stage access.

The first time I went there, I let this issue slide because to be honest, I
had a lot of other problems on my hands, and I didn't have the energy for
another drama in my life at that point. Also, my parents and friends came to
watch the performance, so I had someone willing to watch my very easy to
handle Labrador. Additionally, the stage was configured in such a way that
having a dog would have been very awkward for myself and my little girl.

This time though, I'm more willing to advocate for my needs if I'm right
about how the ADA works.

My dog, Diamond, is very well-behaved when onstage with me during other
performances, including with the symphony and other fairly high-profile
groups in my area, so she wouldn't cause a disruption in any way.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you all might have about this issue.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Shanna

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