Training Video: ADA Law for Service Animals

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Denying a person and their service dog access to a business is a violation of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Law, which can lead to legal action and Federal fines of up to $50,000 per complaint.

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A service animal is defined as any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

Pamela Grossman, advocate and founder of ADA Law for Service Animals:

The Training Video is proud to launch a nationwide campaign to educate businesses, Government offices, Fire, Rescue and Police about the facts of ADA Law as it applies to service animals.

Imagine having a disability that makes it difficult for you to do everyday tasks. Imagine that you and your service animal have invested thousands of hours in training to become independent again. Now imagine that you walk into your local grocery store, post office, gym or bank only to be told, "You can't bring that dog in here."

Pamela Grossman was forced to leave a prominent position in television production 13 years ago after being diagnosed with severe panic disorder. The introduction of a service animal helped Pamela get back to a normal life, however, she quickly learned what it was like to be denied access to places like, her local post office, grocery store, gym - even a Doctor's office

A Police Officer was called to one of the scenes and told Pamela he didn't know about the law. His exact quote, "What do you want me to do about it" In lieu of filing complaints against each of the businesses that denied her access, Pamela decided to be part of the solution. She created a video titled, "ADA Law: The Training Video" to teach organizations how to handle situations that arise with a service dog and their handler.

Through the training video, hosted by famed Broadcaster Joe Washington, companies can review real life scenarios, effectively identifying the proper course of action to avoid federal fines.

Are most American companies compliant?

No. The ADA Law effects all businesses including restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, public transportation, gyms, spas, retail and all Government offices including Fire, Police and Rescue. Each year, ADA Law fines cost businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawsuits.

"The lack of knowledge of ADA Law is making it difficult for people with disabilities who rely on service animals to assist them in their everyday lives," says Pamela Grossman, founder, ADA Law for Service Animals. "If businesses would properly train employees, they would not only avoid massive fines, but make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities for years to come."

The national ADA Law for Service Animals educational campaign includes:

• Availability to purchase the 10 minute ADA Law: The Training Video for all businesses.
• Book ADA Law for Service Animals: The Training Video founder and advocate Pamela Grossman for speaking appearances, workshops and seminars.
• Access to ADA Law for Service Animals web site to learn the facts and read inspiring stories about service animals and their handlers.

Service Animal Facts and Information

• Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the State attorney general's office.
• From March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
• The use of service dogs for psychiatric and neurological disabilities is explicitly protected under the ADA.
• A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
• People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be charged extra fees, isolated from other patrons, or treated less favorably than other patrons.
• Generally, title II and title III entities must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.
• Service animals are required to be leashed or harnessed except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the dog's ability to perform.
• Businesses may ask if an animal is a service animal or ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform, but cannot require special ID cards for the animal or ask about the person's disability.
• Service animals are exempt from breed bans as well as size and weight limitations.
• Dogs whose sole function is the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship are not considered service dogs under the ADA.
• Businesses that sell or prepare food must allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.
• 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.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed article relating to our Service and Therapy Animals section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Training Video: ADA Law for Service Animals" was originally written by Amanda Leesburg, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2015-04-24 (Updated: 2021-08-20). Should you require further information or clarification, Amanda Leesburg can be contacted at adalawforserviceanimals.com. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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