[NAGDU] Disappointed in Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Response

Jean Menzies jemenzies at shaw.ca
Thu Jan 25 21:56:59 UTC 2018


Hi Raul,

Agree about the bulkhead. I never sit there if I can help it.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Raul A. Gallegos via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 1:23 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Raul A. Gallegos
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Disappointed in Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Response

Hello Jean, both Stacie and I opt for the even simpler option. We simply
show up and get our boarding passes just like everyone else. If we are
allowed to pre-board, that's fine, but I don't require extra space for
my 75 pound dog, nor does Stacie for her 85 pound dog. I know this is on
a different topic, but I strongly feel that people should not put their
dogs on the extra floor space of a front row bulkhead as this can turn
your dog into a 70 plus pound projectile if the plane hits some nasty
turbulence.

Thanks.

--
Raul A. Gallegos
Assistive Technology Trainer - RGA Tech Solutions
Voice and Text: 832.554.7285
Office: 832.639.4477
Personal Email: raul at raulgallegos.com
Work Email: training at rgats.com
Twitter: @rga7285 and @RGATrainer

“Any teacher that can be replaced with a computer, deserves to be.” -
David Thornburg

On 1/25/2018 2:55 PM, Jean Menzies via NAGDU wrote:
> Hi Dan,
>
> As a Canadian, I will chime in here. Yes, if we want the extra seat for 
> our dog, we have to call 48 hours in advance. However, we can still fly 
> last minute like everyone else, but we won't be given that extra floor 
> space. That works for me. The dog's details are not kept on file, and you 
> have to make tis arrangement every time. Extra floor space is only given 
> for dogs 70 pounds and up.
>
> There is also the possibility that if you don't pre identify, that someone 
> with another condition could end up bumping you off the flight if they 
> have selfidentified. That's only if both situations can't be accommodated. 
> I've never heard of it happening, but it's in the regs somewhere.
>
> The one thing I dislike is that once a dog is noted on the ticket, I can't 
> check in in advance and must go to the counter. That also means I have to 
> handle paper boarding passes instead of having the convenience of having 
> the boarding pass on my phone.
>
> Jean
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Dan Weiner via NAGDU
> Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 9:14 AM
> To: Gary via NAGDU
> Cc: Dan Weiner
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Disappointed in Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Response
>
> and then, Gary, what happens if you need to make a sudden trip I thought
> you were a journalist, don't journalists sometimes need to fly on short
> notice, do you then ust not take your dog?
>
>
> Dan
>
>
>
> On 1/25/2018 12:00 PM, Gary via NAGDU wrote:
>> jhe all:
>> I'm glad you are all advocating against these changes.  in Canada we have 
>> to give the airlines at least. 48 hours notice through their medical desk 
>> that we have a service dog.  we have to check in at the airport because 
>> once we have identified we have a service dog we are assigned special 
>> seats.  The only up side to this hassle is that our dogs  hwho are over 
>> 55 lbs are provided with their own seat for the floor space at no extra 
>> cost. we don't have to show any vaxination records unless we are crossing 
>> the border and even then I've never been asked to show records, even 
>> though I obviously had them.
>>
>> I did like that comment that maybe white canes need to be checked for 
>> diseases and using them irresponsibly would have Ethel taken away or 
>> refused on the plane. very funny.
>>
>> gary
>> Vancouver. Canada.
>>
>>
>> On January 25, 2018 8:44:40 AM PST, Tracy Carcione via NAGDU 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Actually, no.  Last time I flew, I checked in online, and went straight
>>> to security when I arrived.  Much quicker. Before that, I think I got
>>> my boarding pass curbside, which was also faster than standing in the
>>> check-in line.
>>> Tracy
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Christopher
>>> O'meally via NAGDU
>>> Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 11:37 AM
>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> Cc: Christopher O'meally
>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Disappointed in Guiding Eyes for the Blind's
>>> Response
>>>
>>> don't you have to wait in line at the airport to check in anyway?  if
>>> you have to submit paperwork early, check in online, then your time at
>>> the airport won't be effected.
>>>
>>> On 1/25/18, Tracy Carcione via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> Chris, my understanding is that, somehow, we have to provide health
>>>> records at least 2 days before flying, but then we must also check in
>>>> at a Delta counter when we arrive at the airport.  No more online
>>>> check-in, stroll to security, show the boarding pass on the phone,
>>> and be on your way.
>>>> Tracy
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>>> Christopher
>>>> O'meally via NAGDU
>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 10:48 AM
>>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>> Cc: Christopher O'meally
>>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Disappointed in Guiding Eyes for the Blind's
>>>> Response
>>>>
>>>> I personally don't see the big deal.  When I travel, I braing basic
>>>> documentation with me in the event my dog needs medical attention,
>>>> every handler should when they fly.  We have to check in two days
>>>> early, so we can just go through to security when we get there
>>> instead of standing in line.
>>>> But from the other side, I could see how having to report this so far
>>>> ahead of your flight can be annoying at worst, so maybe we should
>>> work
>>>> with delta in modifying this maybe?  just not sure giving this any
>>>> negative attention will give us anything we want.
>>>> Compromises are much mor welcome to large corperations.  They don't
>>>> like to be told what they want is wrong.  just my opinion though.
>>>>
>>>> On 1/25/18, Roanna Bacchus  via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> I am proud of you for sending this email to guiding eyes for the
>>>>> blind. I was shocked when I read about this policy from Delta
>>>>> Airlines. I someone who travels regularly, I have never had my cane
>>>>> taken away from me on a flight.
>>>>>
>>>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Jan 24, 2018, at 11:58 PM, NAGDU President via NAGDU
>>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Dear NAGDU Members & Supporters,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I am writing to share with you my comments to Guiding Eyes for the
>>>>>> Blind regarding their comments on Delta's proposed service animal
>>> policy.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Fraternally yours,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Marion Gwizdala their statement
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> January 24, 2018
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Dear Mr. Cawley,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Via Email: bcawley at guidingeyes.org
>>>>>>
>>>>>>                 I want to express my extreme disappointment with the
>>>>>> response by Guiding eyes for the Blind to the issue we are facing
>>>>>> with delta Airlines. The National Association of Guide Dog Users, a
>>>>>> strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind,
>>>>>> is committed to advocating for all guide dog users, whether they
>>>>>> receive their guide dogs from a formal training program or choose
>>> to
>>>>>> owner-train their dogs. We are also aware that, when we advocate
>>> for
>>>>>> policies that affect us as guide dog users, we have a more global
>>>>>> responsibility to the entire service dog industry. We take this
>>>>>> responsibility seriously and reject any attempt to weaken our civil
>>>>>> rights. This being said, we oppose any measures that have the
>>> effect
>>>>>> of discriminating against disabled individuals who use service
>>> dogs,
>>>>>> including the imposition of an unequal benefit, something Guiding
>>>>>> Eyes for the Blind seems to condone in their recent statement.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Though it is true that consumers of Guiding Eyes for the Blind and
>>>>>> other guide dog training programs are issued identification cards,
>>>>>> these cards are not and should not be required as a precondition
>>> for
>>>>>> access under the Air Carrier Access Act or a covered entity under
>>>>>> the Americans with Disabilities Act. Though it is equally true that
>>>>>> all responsible animal owners, including guide and service dog
>>>>>> users, must accept the responsibility of maintaining the health of
>>>>>> their dogs, it is paternalistic to require us to demonstrate that
>>> we
>>>>>> are doing so just because we are blind or otherwise disabled and
>>> use
>>>>>> a service dog! The requirement to present a health record as a
>>>>>> precondition to travel is discriminatory and imposes an undue
>>> burden
>>>>>> for those of us who use service dogs. Likewise, the inability to
>>>>>> book on-demand travel and check-in online, curbside, or by means of
>>>>>> a kiosk is a discriminatory unequal benefit.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>                 By issuing their statement, Guiding Eyes for the
>>>>>> Blind has done a disservice to their consumers and the entire
>>>>>> service dog using public. Such an ill-informed position compromises
>>>>>> the progress made by the National Federation of the Blind and the
>>>>>> National Association of Guide Dog Users to ensure that service dog
>>>>>> users have the right to full participation in society on terms of
>>>>>> full equality and to travel freely without harassment or the
>>>>>> imposition of unnecessary, burdensome requirements.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>                 The National Association of Guide Dog Users strongly
>>>>>> urges Guiding Eyes for the Blind to rescind their statement and
>>> take
>>>>>> a stand with us to demand that those of us who choose to use
>>> service
>>>>>> dogs have the ability to travel freely and on equal terms with our
>>>>>> nondisabled peers.
>>>>>> We
>>>>>> further urge
>>>>>>
>>>>>> all guide and service dog training programs to stand with the
>>>>>> National Federation of the blind and its National Association of
>>>>>> Guide Dog Users to ensure that their consumers are well-informed
>>>>>> about their civil rights under the law and take an active role in
>>>>>> advocating for those rights.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>                 For more information about the National Association
>>>>>> of Guide Dog Users, please visit our website
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://nagdu.org
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Follow us on Twitter - @nagdu
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Join the discussion on our Facebook page by searching for NAGDU.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Live the life you want; nobody can stop you!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Respectfully yours,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Marion Gwizdala
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Marion Gwizdala, President
>>>>>>
>>>>>> National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> National Federation of the Blind
>>>>>>
>>>>>> (813) 626-2789
>>>>>>
>>>>>> President at NAGDU.ORG
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not
>>> the
>>>>>> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
>>>>>> expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind
>>>>>> people and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is
>>>>>> not what holds you back.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
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>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -- 
>>>> Very Respectfully,
>>>>
>>>> Christopher O’Meally.
>>>>
>>>> NVB of Virginia 2016 leadership fellow.
>>>>
>>>> Lead instructor and CEO of Access Tech Media INC.
>>>>
>>>> Contract Closeout Specialist, Defense Contract Management Agency.
>>>>
>>>> Chris.omeally at gmail.com
>>>>
>>>> (804)658-6668
>>>>
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>>>
>>> -- 
>>> Very Respectfully,
>>>
>>> Christopher O’Meally.
>>>
>>> NVB of Virginia 2016 leadership fellow.
>>>
>>> Lead instructor and CEO of Access Tech Media INC.
>>>
>>> Contract Closeout Specialist, Defense Contract Management Agency.
>>>
>>> Chris.omeally at gmail.com
>>>
>>> (804)658-6668
>>>
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>
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