[nagdu] Guide Dogs at Carnegie Hall

[Shanna Stichler]

Thank you Michael.

I'll be sure to get in touch with the gentleman you mentioned. I think 
the Carnegie people are concerned that the dog would pose a distraction 
to the audience, or that they just don't want to clean up the dog hair 
on their stage. :D I really can't see a fundamental way my dog's 
presence would disrupt a classical music concert.

Shanna
On 3/4/2013 10:16 PM, Michael Hingson wrote:
> Hi Shanna,
>
> Interesting question.  I do understand the complexity of the situation from
> the viewpoint that the stage isnot 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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