Guide Dog Users, Inc. is, first and foremost, an advocacy organization, assisting individual members with advice and useful contact information and advocating at both state and Federal levels on behalf of the guide-dog handling population. Our widely-praised, award-winning advocacy achievements are accomplished through legislative and judicial efforts as well as public education.
Many people know GDUI from its advocacy efforts on behalf of quarantine exemption for the state of Hawaii. Our advocacy efforts don't end with our landmark work in Hawaii though. GDUI helps individuals who face discrimination involving housing, employment, entry to public places and transportation. GDUI's many affiliates around the country work tirelessly to assure that guide dog handlers in their areas have equal access to taxi cabs, doctors' offices and restaurants with their guide dogs.
Members also educate Congress, state and local legislatures and government agencies about the role of guide dogs and other assistance animals. GDUI prides itself on its work with coalitions both inside and outside of the assistance animal movement to strengthen our rights.
GUIDE DOGS AND THE ADA
People who work with guide dogs have fought for the right to be accompanied by their dogs in public since 1929. As pioneers in civil rights for people working with service animals, Guide Dog Users, Inc. is proud to provide the following helpful link. This document from the United States Department of Justice helps to anser the question:
"Just what is a service animal anyway?"
If you have any questions about the use of service animals in places of business in the United States, click here . for information directly from the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section. The information will be displayed in a new window.
On November 26, 2002, GDUI and four guide dog schools filed a formal complaint with the Department of Justice on behalf of Stephanie Dohman, a guide dog handler, against the Iowa Department for the Blind. Read about this case and listen to ACB Radio interviews here.
Members of our California affiliate, Guide Dog Users of California, played key roles in 2 videos produced by the California branch of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. You can view the video for law enforcement officers here. Another video for hotel and restaurant staffis also available. Our California affiliate also takes part in the association's trade shows, educating hotel and restaurant owners about the rights of people with guide dogs.
It is illegal to deny someone an apartment due to the presence of his or her guide dog. It is also illegal to charge extra for the dog in any rental situation. You can assist GDUI in a national information gathering project on housing discrimination. Visit our Housing Pages for more details.
The Legislative Committee of Guide dog Users, Inc. proudly makes available "The Team, The Attack" a guide for legislators. This booklet offers an overview of the serious issue of dog attacks. Chilling recollections from handlers who have been attacked by loose or uncontrolled dogs add "real world" experience to this text. An outline of model law language with comprehensive, easy-to-understand explanations forms a framework for any state or local official wishing to grant greater protection to our guides. The Washington State guide dog protection law, often cited as one of the most extensive in the United States, is copied along with letters of support from The Seeing Eye ™ and the President of Guide Dog Users, Inc. This booklet is a must-have for any advocate!
Access and advocacy are not exclusive to blind people and guide dogs. People with disabilities work with animals in a variety of ways, many of which are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). GDUI supports the rights and responsibilities of anyone with a disability who benefits from and works with an animal specially trained to mitigate his or her disability. In February, 2001 GDUI hosted the first conference of what would become The Coalition of Assistance Dog Organizations (CADO). Debbie Grubb writes of CADO's formation and activities in this full-length article.
Listen to the CADO Public Service Announcement for radio.
Read more about GDUI's position papers and other documents in our INFORMATION CENTER
STATE AND FEDERAL LAW INFORMATION
GDUI's Advocacy and Legislative Committees announce our newest resource, the State Law Center. This collection of links to state legislative web sites and other useful government and information sites on the Internet is designed to assist individuals and groups in looking up laws, finding sponsors of pending legislation and learning more about the operation of their specific state legislative processes.
Enter GDUI's State Law Center.
special thanks to Guide Dog Users of Arizona for gathering this collection of additional state and federal law information.
While GDUI does not have the resources to assist with legal fees in individual cases, we are always happy to supply suggestions, advice and useful contact information to any guide dog handler involved in an advocacy situation. Please contact the Advocacy Committee Representatives listed below or call our toll-free number with any advocacy questions or concerns.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES
Eastern Region: Mike Harrell
Western Region: Kevin Chinn
Email:
First Vice President / Advocacy Chair: Elizabeth (Becky) Barnes
Toll Free in North America: 1-866-799-8436 ext. 3
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
Patricia Kepler, Chair
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