Service Dog Teams Can Battle Discrimination
Two of the many challenges you will experience out in public 
with your assistance dogs in Florida are: (a) interacting with people who aren’t aware of common courtesy and (b) folks who have no clue about ADA guidelines regarding service animals. Aside from the plethora of people who gawk, want to pet your dog, recoil in fear, or inquire about your disability (comment that you don’t LOOK like you’re disabled), or exclaim how lucky you are to have the dog, you will no doubt run into those who wish to keep you from accessing their restaurant, store, hotel, taxi, or a host of other establishments. Service dog teams can battle discrimination and win. It’s not as difficult as you might think. Genesis Assistance Dogs, Inc. wants you to know that you have options with your assistance dogs in Florida.
Being human, your first reaction to any or all of the statements made above may be an immediate increase in your blood pressure due to the insensitivity and rudeness you’ve encountered. You’ve heard it time and time again – it gets old fast. It’s not easy; take a deep breath and try to chalk it up to them feeling awkward and not knowing how to deal with it. If you’d like, explain why they can’t pet your dog, that your disability is a private health matter, etc.; whatever answer seems appropriate. It’s also o.k. to simply state that you are in a hurry and don’t have time to talk. After all, how would they feel if the roles were reversed?
If you are denied access to a restaurant, hotel, store or other venue as a result of your assistance dog in Florida – that’s another story. Most often the biggest obstacle in gaining entrance to businesses is employees who ask for documentation that proves your dog is a true service dog. Count to ten, take a deep, deep breath and calmly explain that there is no legal proof of certification or documentation for an assistance dog. Some handlers carry a notification card with the phone number for the ADA where verification of that statement will be reinforced. Other handlers chose to leave quietly, and others attempt to stand their ground asking for someone higher up the food chain.
Have you been seated at a table way in the back of the restaurant, or asked to sit outside regardless of your explanation of your service dog? Were you told that you had to pay a pet deposit at the hotel, or that you are staying in a dog friendly room? Were you told that the taxi driver is allergic to dogs, or that your assistance dog wasn’t allowed to board the train? These situations are all in violation of the ADA regulations as they pertain to service animals.
These types of experiences should be reported to the U.S. Department of Justice who receives complaints from citizens who believe that their rights were violated under the ADA. Click here to learn more about filing a complaint against a business owner for non-compliance.
Citizens can and do win when claims of discrimination and non-compliance are substantiated by the Department of Justice. It’s important to remember that your claim may take months to be investigated, but you will always hear back from them with the results of their findings, and/or suggestions for further action that may be taken. Visit here to read a recent release by the U.S. Department of Justice with regards to complaints against a major transportation company.
The bottom line is that you and your assistance dog in Florida have the right to work as a team wherever any other person is welcome to go. Wherever appropriate take the opportunity to enlighten and educate John Q. Public about the great support and service your assistance dog gives to you!
