[Nyagdu] Resolution Regarding Guide Dogs in Air Travel

[NAGDU President]

Dear all,

 

        On July 7, during the annual convention of the National Federation
of the Blind, the convention passed the following resolution regarding
service animals in air transportation.

 

Fraternally yours,

Marion

 

 

Resolution 2018-10

Regarding Guide Dogs in Air Travel

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest
consumer organization of blind people in the United States, and the National
Association of Guide Dog Users is its special interest division consisting
of guide dog users and those interested in issues related to the use of
guide dogs; and

WHEREAS, this organization has been working with the airline industry and
the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop sound,
specific, and objective policies, practices, procedures, and regulations
that effectively support the civil rights of airline passengers who use
trained service animals; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently released an
advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on the Air Carrier Access Act
(ACAA) concerning the carriage of trained service animals and untrained
emotional support animals; and

WHEREAS, some of the proposed rules concerning service animals are vague and
open to interpretation that could lead to discriminatory actions, such as
referring to the safety concerns posed by a large animal; and

WHEREAS, the current implementing regulations of the ADA provide effective
regulations and guidance concerning service animals which, if adopted by the
DOT, would adequately secure the civil rights of disabled passengers
accompanied by service animals while ensuring safety to all passengers and
airline staff; and

WHEREAS, the ACAA does not currently provide for a private right of action,
thus limiting the remedies available to disabled passengers when facing
discrimination: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention
assembled this seventh day of July, 2018, in the City of Orlando, Florida,
that this organization urge all airlines to work with the National
Federation of the Blind to adopt policies concerning the carriage of service
animals that respect the dignity of the individual and protect our civil
rights while ensuring safety for all passengers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization urge the United States
Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations that are harmonized
with the Americans with Disabilities Act and are sufficiently detailed so
that they are not open to subjective interpretation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization urge the United States
Congress to amend the Air Carrier Access Act to include a private right of
action for violation of this law.

 

 

Marion Gwizdala, President

National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)

National Federation of the Blind

(813) 626-2789

President at NAGDU.ORG

Visit our website <http://nagdu.org/> 

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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.