[nagdu] Guide Dogs at Carnegie Hall

[Michael Hingson]

Shanna,

I agree.  You might also contact Marion Gwizdala, NAGDU president, and a
musician in his own right.  I believe he is accompanied by his guide dog
during performances.

Break a leg. 


Best,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Shanna Stichler
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2013 07:02 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs at Carnegie Hall

     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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