[NAGDU] Guide dogs and hotels

[NAGDU President]

	The Americans with Disabilities Act defines several forms of
discrimination. One form is known as "separate benefit" in which an
individual with a disability is segregated or separated from others because
of their disability. Another form of discrimination is called "unequal
benefit" in which the individual is not afforded equal treatment because of
a disability. To segregate a person who is disabled because of the presence
of their service dog by requiring them to accept a pet room violates both
the separate and unequal benefit clauses of title III of the ADA.
Furthermore, Section 501(d), known as the "right to refuse" allows a person
with a disability to deny an aid, accommodation, service, benefit, or
advantage the person wishes to refuse. Disabled individuals accompanied by
service dogs may not be segregated to pet rooms or floors, required to
accept a disabled room, be denied a room on an upper floor, or be charged
any surcharges, deposits, or fees due to the presence of the service dog.
The person may not leave their dog unattended in the room and is liable for
any damages caused by the dog if it is the customary policy to charge for
such damages over and above normal cleaning costs. HTH!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala




-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione
via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 8:32 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: [NAGDU] Guide dogs and hotels

I'm curious about the thing David mentioned, a hotel putting anyone with a
dog on a special "dog floor" that, from David's description, doesn't sound
all that desirable. Can a hotel require a guest with a guide dog to stay in
a particular room?

I have occasionally been assigned to a "handicapped-accessible" room, and
didn't like it much.  Its accessibility features had nothing to do with
blindness, so I request not to be put there.  Save it for someone who needs
it.

Tracy

 

 

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