[nfbmi-talk] Guide Dog Committee Meeting

Mon May 11 15:16:05 UTC 2015

The federal ADA law prohibits public establishments from asking for
identification or proof that a dog is a service animal.

The new state legislation would establish a voluntary process whereby
service animal users could voluntarily obtain an identification tag and
certificate that a dog is indeed a service animal.  It does not change the
fact that a public establishment cannot ask for proof that a dog is a
service animal.

Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit
organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to
accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the
public is normally allowed to go.
 For example, in a hospital it would be inappropriate to exclude a service
animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination
rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from
operating rooms or burn units where the animal's presence may compromise a
sterile environment. 

Service Animals Must Be Under Control 

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered,
unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the
individual's disability prevents using these devices.
 In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through
voice, signal, or other effective controls. 

Inquiries and Other  Specific Rules Related to Service Animals 

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited
inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service
animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the
dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person's disability,
require medical documentation, require a special identification card or
training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its
ability to perform the work or task. 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of larry d
keeler via nfbmi-talk
Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2015 8:13 PM
To: 'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'
Cc: larry d keeler
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Guide Dog Committee Meeting

It is my understanding that the NFB of Michigan will be supporting these
bills and that we, as our guide dog committee will have to approve it.
Incidently, we also discussed the steps to becoming a division and told a
few dog stories to illustrate a few points. Well, also some goofy ones. We
only had 3 who attended and I'm calling a few more this week and sending
them the matterials as well. I think we will approve the things though.  The
only contention we currently have and will have to work into the wording a
little further is that of requiring ID's. These Id's may be required by the
new bills but, I think they were strongly suggested. The ADA law doesn'tt
require a service dog to show a dog ID but this bill may. Nagdu, the
national Association of Guide Dog Users isn't in favor of requiring ID's for
our dogs but there has been a lot of debate over this subject. The trend of
having a lot of fake service animals out there is making it more difficult
for us who use a legitimate service animal. I am personally in favor of the
ID's but, I am also concerned that the state and national laws match. No,
I'm not our secretary but I would consider these things our notes. Atteding
were myself, William Vandervest and Deric Moore. We met for an hour and 15
minutes. We should have an answer for the board on Saturday. I might even
come out of the kitchen! 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Elizabeth Mohnke via nfbmi-talk
Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2015 6:27 PM
To: 'Mark Eagle'; 'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'
Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Guide Dog Committee Meeting

Hello,

What time is the conference call? I do not see it mentioned in the email.
Also, is this a bill the NFB of Michigan is supporting, or will this be
something that will be discussed and decided upon during the conference
call? Any information anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Elizabeth
-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mark
Eagle via nfbmi-talk
Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2015 3:17 PM
To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
Cc: Mark Eagle
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Guide Dog Committee Meeting

      From: larry d keeler via nfbmi-talk <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
 To: NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: larry d keeler <lkeeler at comcast.net>
 Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2015 10:50 AM
 Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Guide Dog Committee Meeting

I would like to hear from our committee members on Sunday May 10. The
conference number is: 605 475-4333 and the sign in number is: 902855 We will
be discussing our support of the modified resolution. Mark, could you please
send the most recently modified one? Hear from you soon! 

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