The ADA laws that the article posted by Ritaman is referring to are primarily those that require a business to modify the facility such that it accomodates disabled people. The law requires handicapped bathrooms with handles on the wall and a wide enough door for a wheelchair to fit through. If the business has steps, it also has to have a ramp for wheelchair access. There has to be a certain number of handicapped parking spaces, etc. I don't know all of those perameters but as the owner of two dental offices, we have had to comply with all those laws and we do. We want our facilities to be as disabled friendly as possible.
Lawyers get blasted all the time by "busniess owners and their lobbyists" for aggressively defending the rights of those who are not as wealthy and able to defend their rights, this includes the disabled. I am sure that abuses occur, but despite the fact that the insurance companies love to complain about "frivolous" lawsuits, these get kicked out of court summarily (quickly) under the current laws. The other side need merely file a summary hudgment motion or a cross complaint for abuse of process and the system takes care of it. An attorney can also be sanctioned and possibly have their license suspended for filing lawsuits without merit. No respectable lawyer would do this. There are bad apples in every profession.
No one on this forum is suggesting that we use our animals as service dogs if we are not disabled. The fact is that the law is quite broad on purpose and allows anyone with a condition which prevents them from living their daily lives in a completely normal way to be considered disabled for the purposes of having a trained service animal who is allowed access to all public places.
To suggest otherwise is not just expressing an opinion but impugning the integrity of the members here and this is distressing.
To sneak our dogs into places where they are not allowed is not a "sin" in my opinion, but if you choose to feel that way, then so be it. I respect your opinion.
I do not have to "sneak" my dogs in anywhere because they are servcice animals and I feel no guilt about this because it is perfectly legal. It is hurting no one as the law is not being abused.
To post that article to suggest otherwise is a misrepresentation of the facts and does not support your opinion. Find an article that addresses abuse of the service animal laws and you may have something. |