[NAGDU] NAGDU Digest, Vol 166, Issue 17

[Julie Johnson]

Peter,
1.  What exactly would be the limitation in the bill proposal to us, and 
other real service dog users?
Nothing that I can discern.  If your disability is readily apparent no 
paperwork will be needed.  If your disability is not  noticeable, then some 
sort of documentation can be asked for.  This documentation has to come from 
a health care provider licensed in the state who actually carries on with 
providing health care to people, not simply handing out papers for a fee. 
This seems to me to be fair and will eliminate purchasing credentials for 
your dog on the internet.

2.  Whom exactly should we write to there in the legislature - if we are not 
from that state - so that we can help to provide input?
This is completely my opinion, but I think input should come from Nebraska 
residents. If you are planning a move and will be a resident, feel free to 
contact your Senator's office.  BTW we have a unicameral legislature here 
and everyone is referred to as a Senator.

3.  Two or three talking points that we can all tap into would facilitate 
mass input from many of us around the country.
No idea here.  Really I think the bill as proposed is okay.  This is a 
housing issue, so if paperwork is needed, it would be a single time, not a 
reoccurring event, so not a burden to the disabled person.  also it would be 
only to the landlord/rental agency so no disability information would be put 
on display for public consumption or comment.

There are issues that we, as a society, need to address.  The confusion with 
terminology is a big one.  However we need to get our ducks in a row on that 
one before approaching lawmakers because it will only end in a bigger mess 
if we don't have a very clear plan and many, many disability organizations 
working together.

Julie
On The Go with Guide-and-Service-Dogs.com
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