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-   -   discrimination and hidden disabilities (https://www.neurotalk.org/service-and-support-animals/172122-discrimination-hidden-disabilities.html)

seachylde 06-24-2012 01:25 PM

discrimination and hidden disabilities
 
Because of my disability not being obvious, I`ve had some pretty stressfull experiences.
I have a small service dog and discrimination is a regular occurance.
I`ve had people try throw me out of food establishments, grocery stores, you name it.
Confrontation makes my medical condition worse. Sometimes reason, suggesting a visit to the nearest computer, just doesn`t work. If the police are called, by that time I could be bordering on a fugue state. Then everyone gets to see a part of what my small, scruffy service dog does. It`s very embarrassing.
If anyone can offer some help on how to deal better with these events I would be very gratefull.

wolfpup54 12-27-2013 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seachylde (Post 891449)
Because of my disability not being obvious, I`ve had some pretty stressfull experiences.
I have a small service dog and discrimination is a regular occurance.
I`ve had people try throw me out of food establishments, grocery stores, you name it.
Confrontation makes my medical condition worse. Sometimes reason, suggesting a visit to the nearest computer, just doesn`t work. If the police are called, by that time I could be bordering on a fugue state. Then everyone gets to see a part of what my small, scruffy service dog does. It`s very embarrassing.
If anyone can offer some help on how to deal better with these events I would be very gratefull.

Im very sorry you had to go threw this my mom has a small service dog to she has had the same problem I know the that vest an identification is not needed but it helps alot i mean no one gonna tell you to leave if you have them stuff I have not had this problem cause my dog is big i have certifications a doggy diploma an stuff like that cause i got her trained bye service dog peoples wen she was 8 weeks old she even came back with a blue vest an a diploma of completing her class an shes registered as a service dog in this state so we never had that problem if im asked i say this is a service animal an all i got to do iz show them her registrations an alls good no more questions after that but theses self trained service animals aint sure never trained one on my own

ibclare 04-29-2014 11:08 PM

Boy, can I relate to your issue. I now am sure to have either my small dog's vest, emblem, bandana, or large medical service tag apparent. I also always carry copies of both her certification and my psychiatrist's letter in case I have issues.

My own disability is "hidden" as you say, until such moments when it is not. Then, like you said, they all get to see why Luci Sky is a service animal.

I wish you luck with this and advise, like in the other reply, to carry documentation or have your dog wear obvious service dog paraphenalia. (or both) The prejudice and ignorance of some of the general public will never be resolved, but we have to exude confidence and maintain our rights under the auspices of the ADA. We too have rights and must demand (politely) respect.

Supermomma 05-17-2014 11:55 AM

This is horrible. I have a well trained Lab I want to take out with me as a service animal, she just needs a little more training so she's not so excited to meet other animals/people. I am saddened to learn that anyone would kick anyone out of an establishment for having a service dog. I know it's frustrating when you look like you're ok but suffering inside - I go through that daily. Thank you for your post, it is nice to be aware that no everyone is kind hearted and understanding. (well, I already knew that but re: service dogs).

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibclare (Post 1066666)
Boy, can I relate to your issue. I now am sure to have either my small dog's vest, emblem, bandana, or large medical service tag apparent. I also always carry copies of both her certification and my psychiatrist's letter in case I have issues.

My own disability is "hidden" as you say, until such moments when it is not. Then, like you said, they all get to see why Luci Sky is a service animal.

I wish you luck with this and advise, like in the other reply, to carry documentation or have your dog wear obvious service dog paraphenalia. (or both) The prejudice and ignorance of some of the general public will never be resolved, but we have to exude confidence and maintain our rights under the auspices of the ADA. We too have rights and must demand (politely) respect.


Jamiemarie23 12-17-2014 07:28 PM

Service dog info w establishments
 
Service Dog Owners!!
Iv been reading how some or many of you perhaps have been threatened or questioned about what type, or why you have a service dog......

**Remember the laws here i explain are on for California, plz check ur local laws on service dogs for this year**

I myself have a 15 year history of owning small service dogs under 10 lbs. I have a service dog, who is 7lbs, a male Shih-Tzu, an he is for pain therapy.
Im 24 and i live in California.I suffer from a rare nerve disease and also a rare 1 foot spinal tumor. none of which are invisable to anyone else really.
My issues are many and are severe, so severe yet invisable to everyone bc of how well ive learned to hide my pain and issues (since age 9) I therefore am questioned a lot. Many of the times ive been threatened to be kicked of a bus, or out of a store, only bc one person is having a crappy day and wants to take it out on you and your dog.

Legally in Ca.: (in 2012 when i did heavy research)
A service dog doesnt have to be "registered", all you need is your Dr reccomending that it would better your health.
I do NOT have to have a vest on my dog or with me.
Upon being asked aloud, I do NOT have to disclose what my dog does as a service (because this is a violation of mymedical and personal privacy)
They cannot make me leave.:)

Establishments can be sued for not accompanying a disabled person and not allowing them to have their service dogs with them, no matter the reason or size of dog. (Places usually seem to care less if i carry or have them in a cart on my own blanket as they sleep or chill)
Ive had to be stearn and stand up for myself. Ive gotten into many an arguement with store personel who think they know the service animal laws better than i.having on a vest helps a lot along knowing your rights.

**Get to know your state/county's laws and get as educated as possible so you can adequetely defend yourself when the time arises.***

I do tho Always carry on me a current reccomendation from my Pain Mgmt Dr. descibing the typs of dog and reccomending I my service dog with me at all times. This is usually hand written on a prescription blank. Mine discloses the reason for having my service dog from my Pain mangament Dr. It doesnt have to say the reason though, but in my case i didnt care.

**If you are in the right (law wise), be sure to stand your ground, dont back down or seem uneasy!!
I'm not sure about other places but here in Ca. having a service Dog in an establishment is a right.
I wish you all the best with your little doggy companions!

Jamie Marie


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