[NAGDU] Disappointed in Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Response

Thu Jan 25 21:54:46 UTC 2018

I have my cane taken away from me several times all on Delta.  Off topic for
this list, but if anyone wants details on the last time it happened, write
me off list.
Jordan

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Roanna Bacchus
via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 8:33 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: rbacchus228 at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Disappointed in Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Response

I am proud of you for sending this email to guiding eyes for the blind. I
was shocked when I read about this policy from Delta Airlines. I someone who
travels regularly, I have never had my cane taken away from me on a flight.

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 24, 2018, at 11:58 PM, NAGDU President via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> Dear NAGDU Members & Supporters,
> 
> 
> 
> I am writing to share with you my comments to Guiding Eyes for the 
> Blind regarding their comments on Delta's proposed service animal policy.
> 
> 
> 
> Fraternally yours,
> 
> Marion Gwizdala their statement
> 
> 
> 
> January 24, 2018
> 
> 
> 
> Dear Mr. Cawley,
> 
> Via Email: bcawley at guidingeyes.org
> 
>                I want to express my extreme disappointment with the 
> response by Guiding eyes for the Blind to the issue we are facing with 
> delta Airlines. The National Association of Guide Dog Users, a strong 
> and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind,  is 
> committed to advocating for all guide dog users, whether they receive 
> their guide dogs from a formal training program or choose to 
> owner-train their dogs. We are also aware that, when we advocate for 
> policies that affect us as guide dog users, we have a more global 
> responsibility to the entire service dog industry. We take this 
> responsibility seriously and reject any attempt to weaken our civil 
> rights. This being said, we oppose any measures that have the effect 
> of discriminating against disabled individuals who use service dogs, 
> including the imposition of an unequal benefit, something Guiding Eyes for
the Blind seems to condone in their recent statement.
> 
> 
> 
> Though it is true that consumers of Guiding Eyes for the Blind and 
> other guide dog training programs are issued identification cards, 
> these cards are not and should not be required as a precondition for 
> access under the Air Carrier Access Act or a covered entity under the 
> Americans with Disabilities Act. Though it is equally true that all 
> responsible animal owners, including guide and service dog users, must 
> accept the responsibility of maintaining the health of their dogs, it 
> is paternalistic to require us to demonstrate that we are doing so 
> just because we are blind or otherwise disabled and use a service dog! 
> The requirement to present a health record as a precondition to travel 
> is discriminatory and imposes an undue burden for those of us who use 
> service dogs. Likewise, the inability to book on-demand travel and 
> check-in online, curbside, or by means of a kiosk is a discriminatory
unequal benefit.
> 
> 
> 
>                By issuing their statement, Guiding Eyes for the Blind 
> has done a disservice to their consumers and the entire service dog 
> using public. Such an ill-informed position compromises the progress 
> made by the National Federation of the Blind and the National 
> Association of Guide Dog Users to ensure that service dog users have 
> the right to full participation in society on terms of full equality 
> and to travel freely without harassment or the imposition of unnecessary,
burdensome requirements.
> 
> 
> 
>                The National Association of Guide Dog Users strongly 
> urges Guiding Eyes for the Blind to rescind their statement and take a 
> stand with us to demand that those of us who choose to use service 
> dogs have the ability to travel freely and on equal terms with our 
> nondisabled peers. We further urge
> 
> all guide and service dog training programs to stand with the National 
> Federation of the blind and its National Association of Guide Dog 
> Users to ensure that their consumers are well-informed about their 
> civil rights under the law and take an active role in advocating for those
rights.
> 
> 
> 
>                For more information about the National Association of 
> Guide Dog Users, please visit our website
> 
> 
> 
> http://nagdu.org
> 
> 
> 
> Follow us on Twitter - @nagdu
> 
> 
> 
> Join the discussion on our Facebook page by searching for NAGDU.
> 
> 
> 
> Live the life you want; nobody can stop you!
> 
> 
> 
> Respectfully yours,
> 
> Marion Gwizdala
> 
> 
> 
> Marion Gwizdala, President
> 
> National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
> 
> National Federation of the Blind
> 
> (813) 626-2789
> 
> President at NAGDU.ORG
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 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.
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
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