[nfb-talk] Question about screening Service Animals and Their users.

[Bill Outman]

Hi, David and all.  

I thought I read somewhere, possibly on another blindness list, that the
reason had something to do with the size of the AIT machine not permitting
both guide dog and handler to go through simultaneously, tut don't quote me
on that since I am not totally sure.  

Bill Outman 


-----Original Message-----
From: nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of David Evans
Sent: Sunday, November 28, 2010 4:49 PM
To: Thackeray, Brewster
Cc: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org; East Hillsborough NFBF; Marion Gwizdala; NAGDU List
Subject: Re: [nfb-talk] Question about screening Service Animals and Their
users.


Dear Sur,

I am not concerned with getting a pat down.
I am asking "Why" can I and my guide dog not go through the scanners like
most everyone else.
What makes that impossible?
I am a Nuclear/Aerospace Materials Engineer.  Therefore I think that I can
well understand any technical reasons that you might present.
What makes it possible, for me to pass through the scanners and not my dog?
What dangers are there that prevent him, but don't effect me?
If I remove his leash and harness,and pass it through the X-ray machines
along with my lap top and other carry-on baggage.  Why then can I not place
a nylon leash and collar on him and let him accompany me through the full
bodies scanners.
We both can stop in the middle and I can raise my arms and if needed I will
train him to raise his leg or lie down and roll over so you can see all
sides.
I was kidding about raising the leg, but I don't like to be treated any
different than my sighted peers.  I am asking these questions as if I am
investigating Why I should let and accept the TSA being able to segregate
and treat me differently than everyone else.
I want to hear the reasons that would allow TSA to discriminate against me
and my guide dog Jack.
If I can go through the scanner physically, then why can not Jack, who is
smaller and not bigger or smaller than many a human child?
I am sure that the National Association of Guide Dog Users would like to
know also.
It seems to me that anywhere a person can just walk through the scanners and
out the other side, instead of having to have someone put hands on them, it
would be better and faster for all concerned.
I will wait to hear your explanation.  "Its just the policy" is not enough
here.

David Evans, NFBF and GD Jack.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Thackeray, Brewster 
  To: David Evans 
  Sent: Friday, November 26, 2010 11:59 AM
  Subject: RE: Question about screening Service Animals and Their users.


  Dear Mr. Evans,

   

  You aren't the first person I have heard from who read this release as you
did, but I'm glad to be able to tell you that you and most other people who
are blind will not face additional screening beyond what they previously
did. Although you would not be able to go through the advanced imaging
technology machines that have recently been introduced, you still can
proceed through standard metal detection just as you always have. As in the
past, if you and your dog pass through separately, and neither alarms,
neither of you will get a pat-down. If either of you do alarm, then
whichever of you does would be patted down. 

   

  We want to encourage all travelers to plan ahead to avoid setting off
alarms if possible. 

  I hope that you will have a pleasant travelling experience.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Brewster Thackeray

   

  Brewster Thackeray

  Senior Policy Advisor 

  Office of Disability Policy and Outreach TSA-33

  Office of the Special Counselor

  Department of Homeland Security

  Transportation Security Administration

  601 South 12th Street, E11-202S

  Arlington, VA 20598-6033

   

  571/227-4831

  brewster.thackeray at dhs.gov

   

   

   

   

   

  From: David Evans [mailto:drevans at bellsouth.net] 
  Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 2:39 PM
  To: "ODPO atbrewster.thackeray"@tsa.dhs.gov
  Subject: Question about screening Service Animals and Their users.

   

  Dear MS. Basha,

   

  I am a Blind man and a service animal user.

  As I understand the letter, It says that I must under go a pat down and
can not use the scanners.

  I would just like to know why?

  Is it my dog or is it me that can not go through the scanner.

  I am a Nuclear/Aerospace Materials Engineer and would like to know why I
and my dog can not go through the scanners.

  I can remove my dogs harness and pass it through with my other carry on's
and can use only a nylon leash to guide my dog and to stand in the scanner
with arms raised to be scanned.

  If the pat down is the only way, I can put up with it, but I would like to
have the option if I can to be screened like everyone else.

   

  I can be reached at:  drevans at bellsouth.net  .

   

  Yours,

   

  David Evans

  19601 Carolina Circle

  Boca Raton, Fl. 33434

  Home: (561) 482-5684

  Cell: (561) 789-2488

   
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