Basic Rights
The ADA covers service animals due to their training to perform tasks for the person with a disability. There is a frequently asked questions section under the ADA, specifically for service animals (see Resources). The information includes:
- The definition of a service animal that references training and tasks performed
- Why emotional support animals are excluded
- Certification and registration requirements for service animals
- The ADA offers requirements and rules for service animals. These cover:
- Limiting the definition of a service animal to dogs only
- Where service dogs are allowed in public places, including hospitals
- Staff may ask if the service dog is required due to disability, and what task the dog is trained to perform
- Individuals with disabilities may NOT be asked what kind of disability they have or specific medical information, and do not have to provide documentation on the training or have the dog perform tasks
The ADA has information for businesses and government agencies regarding service animals and discrimination. This explains:
- Service animals are dogs, any breed
- Service dogs are not required to wear a vest or other identifying information
- Emotional support animals are not service dogs
Air Travel
Under the Air Carrier Access Act, it is illegal for airlines to discriminate against people with disabilities. Airlines may not:
- Refuse to transport people with disabilities
- Require advance notice
- Require that the person with a disability travel with another person
Airlines must be accessible. They also must provide assistance with boarding, disembarking, and making connections, if needed. The U.S. Department of Transportation has made avaialble an Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, as well as a complaint form. People with disabilities can ask for a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) who is an expert on disability accommodations. There is also a specific section in the Air Carrier Access Act on service animals. Service animals are allowed to be under the seat in front of the person with a disability. A service dog can only be removed if it is unmanageable or not housetrained.
Other Modes of Transportation
Service animals must be allowed on trains with guidelines similar to air travel. Under the ADA, buses must also accommodate people with disabilities who have services dogs. People with disabilities who use service dogs have rights, including when they travel.
Getting Up to Speed : Service Animals and Travel
ADA.GOV
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA
www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs
ADA Requirements: Service Animals
www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements
Service Animals (ADA)
www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals
Upgraded Points - The Ultimate Guide to Air Travel with a Disability
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/air-travel-with-a-disability
Amtrak Traveling with Service Animals
www.amtrak.com/service-animals
U.S. Department of Transportation About the Air Carrier Access Act
www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities
Public Awareness Campaign to Ensure Air Travelers with Disabilities Know Their Rights
www.transportation.gov/AccessibleAirTravel
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights
www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights
Air Travel Service Complaint or Comment Form
https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint
Traveling with a Disability
www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/traveling-disability
Service Animals
www.transportation.gov/resources/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals
National Rural Transit Assistance Program
ww.nationalrtap.org/Toolkits/ADA-Toolkit/service-animals
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Agoratus, M.A. is the NJ Coordinator for Family Voices, NJ Regional Coordinator for the Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and Product Development Coordinator for RAISE (Resources for Advocacy, Independence, Self-Determination, and Employment). She also serves as NJ representative for the Caregiver Community Action Network as a volunteer. Nationally, Lauren has served on the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities transplant committee (antidiscrimination), Center for Health Care Strategies Medicaid Workgroup on Family Engagement, Family Advisor for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs National Research Network, National Quality Forum-Pediatric Measures Steering Committee, and Population Health for Children with Medical Complexity Project-UCLA. She has written blogs and articles nationally, including publications in two academic journals (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=agoratus+l).
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