Deaf student files complaint against Sonny's

[rockdrummer]

this is a perfect example of somebody standing up for their rights. I don't care if people don't think about the ADA so much anymore. It still exists and there are laws that need to be followed. Sometimes it takes sending a clear message like this to get people aware again. I am proud of this person for standing up for her rights.

 

[Cheri]

this is a perfect example of somebody standing up for their rights. I don't care if people don't think about the ADA so much anymore. It still exists and there are laws that need to be followed. Sometimes it takes sending a clear message like this to get people aware again. I am proud of this person for standing up for her rights.

What rights? It makes me think that sight deaf people cannot live independence and only rely on a dog for hearing. I have no problem with deaf-blind people or people who have limited vision or people who are physically or mentally disabled who needs service dogs/assistance dogs to guide them because they do not have sight, hearing and etc. But, deaf people who have sights do not need a service dog to assist them, just because they can't hear doesn't mean they cannot use their eyes.

 

[rockdrummer]

What rights? It makes me think that sight deaf people cannot live independence and only rely on a dog for hearing. I have no problem with deaf-blind people or people who have limited vision or people who are physically or mentally disabled who needs service dogs/assistance dogs to guide them because they do not have sight or hearing or etc. But, deaf people who have sights do not need a service dog to assist them, just because they can't hear doesn't mean they cannot use their eyes.

Her rights under the ADA. The subject of if deaf people need service dogs or not is a totally different subject.

 

[Cheri]

Her rights under the ADA. The subject of if deaf people need service dogs or not is a totally different subject.

Yea, I know about the ADA law, but hearing dogs are to alert a person who is deaf to sounds like doorbells, smoke alarms or baby cries in their own home. I don't see where it says that she is allow to bring her dog to restaurants not in my knowledge.

 

[rockdrummer]

Yea, I know about the ADA law, but hearing dogs are to alert a person who is deaf to sounds like doorbells, smoke alarms or baby cries in their own home. I don't see where it says that she is allow to bring her dog to restaurants not in my knowledge.

Cheri, I understand what you are saying but I don't think the ADA is written in a subjective manner. Meaning it doesn't specify when and where someone is allowed to have their service dog. I do agree that if this person really didn't need the dog under that set of circumstances (hearing parents were there, it was in a restarunt etc) and this person is just posturing to enforce her rights, then that would be wrong. But what about the other side of the coin where a person that does need their service dog and is alone? Would it be right for the busniess to refuse them access? Regardless of there being an actual need for the dog to be there it's not up to the business to make that decision. Its up to the business to provide accessability under the ADA. And if anything comes of this it should be a clear message to business owners that they must be accomidating under the ADA.

 

[rockdrummer]

Read here what happened to Wal-Mart for not complying with the ADA. Here is a list of settlements from the ADA site. I think it is important for people that have special requirements and needs to be able to stand up for their rights and send a clear message to businesses that this is something that needs to be taken seriously. If anyone is having problems click here for information on enforcement.

 

[Cheri]

Thanks rockdrummer for several links.

I just want to point out one thing, The manager of the restaurant did informed them that they would not be allowed in unless they show him some legal documentation. An identification is one. She should have show a card that stated that the dog is a service dog and not a regular or normal dog, and that the dog should be wearing a red hearing dog jacket to avoid any misunderstanding.

 

[somedeafdudefromPNW]

I just want to point out one thing, The manager of the restaurant did informed them that they would not be allowed in unless they show him some legal documentation. An identification is one. She should have show a card that stated that the dog is a service dog and not a regular or normal dog, and that the dog should be wearing a red hearing dog jacket to avoid any misunderstanding.

Ding-ding! Cha-ching!

 

[rockin'robin]

Read here what happened to Wal-Mart for not complying with the ADA. Here is a list of settlements from the ADA site. I think it is important for people that have special requirements and needs to be able to stand up for their rights and send a clear message to businesses that this is something that needs to be taken seriously. If anyone is having problems click here for information on enforcement.

I would like to know:....Are "hearing dogs" required to have training?....Are they required to wear "vests"? ....are they required to have proof of their health/shot/up-to-date records?....Are the owners required to have "proof" the dog is a "hearing dog"? w/picture of the dog?......Any person could take a dog into any store and say "I'm deaf, and this is my "hearing dog". ......

Seems the ADA laws are lacking here....should be more specific! Should be more rules and requirements, along with positive person ID (noting the person IS deaf and requires a "hearing dog".)

Suppose the deaf owner of the hearing dog does not keep up with the dog's shots, especially rabies and the dog bites a patron in the restaurant?.....Is the patron allowed to "sue" the deafie or the restaurant?

Suppose the "deaf" owner does not groom/bathe the dog properly, the dog smells...looks dirty.....suppose the dog poops on the restaurant floor while other patrons are eating?....Who cleans up the mess?......Who pays for the carpet cleaning? The restaurant? Or the deafie?

Seems the way it is....I could pick up any stray dog, that is full of fleas and hasn't had a bath, smells....and take it to a restaurant and say "it's my hearing dog"?....And the other patrons in the restaurant have to "grin and bear it"....or leave?.....Wouldn't the owner of the restaurant lose business?

So many questions here!

 

[rockdrummer]

I would like to know:....Are "hearing dogs" required to have training?....Are they required to wear "vests"? ....are they required to have proof of their health/shot/up-to-date records?....Are the owners required to have "proof" the dog is a "hearing dog"? w/picture of the dog?......Any person could take a dog into any store and say "I'm deaf, and this is my "hearing dog". ......

Seems the ADA laws are lacking here....should be more specific! Should be more rules and requirements, along with positive person ID (noting the person IS deaf and requires a "hearing dog".)

Suppose the deaf owner of the hearing dog does not keep up with the dog's shots, especially rabies and the dog bites a patron in the restaurant?.....Is the patron allowed to "sue" the deafie or the restaurant?

Suppose the "deaf" owner does not groom/bathe the dog properly, the dog smells...looks dirty.....suppose the dog poops on the restaurant floor while other patrons are eating?....Who cleans up the mess?......Who pays for the carpet cleaning? The restaurant? Or the deafie?

Seems the way it is....I could pick up any stray dog, that is full of fleas and hasn't had a bath, smells....and take it to a restaurant and say "it's my hearing dog"?....And the other patrons in the restaurant have to "grin and bear it"....or leave?.....Wouldn't the owner of the restaurant lose business?

So many questions here!

I agree with you that the definition of a service animal is not specific enough and there are loopholes that can be taken advantage of, however, in my view, that is not the issue here. The issue is about a business being in compliance with existing ADA laws and regulations. You have very valid points though but I am not sure how one would address them other than going to the ADA and asking for a revision that includes additional specifics and requirements.

 

[Maria]

I like Sonny's BBQ, and go there often with my boys when we're in the mood for BBQ and I'm not in the mood to fix it myself....

It was "my understanding" that service dogs were welcome at restaurants that had "outside seating", such as a patio. Sonny's does not.

And as long as the dog is wearing a "service vest".!

As for people taking their dogs "inside" the restaurant, I say NO....there are patrons that could be allergic to dogs, the dog could have an accident while the people were eating, the dog could have fleas and the restaurant could get infested......so many things could happen and spoil the enjoyment of other patrons.

I once worked part-time at a Salad Bar in a nice restaurant. This lady walked in with a very, very big dog! It wore a service vest. The dog looked dirty! The other patrons didn't like this.....however, my manager let her stay.

I am OK with service dogs eating at restaurants that have an outside seating.....but going inside, NO. And as long as the dog has a service vest, certification, looks clean and "not scratching" from fleas, etc.

LOL I disagree with you on that part in your statement above. There are some flies, mosquitos, wasps or even bees around people while they are eatin' outside in despite of where they are eatin' at. Campin' does have that problem as well... flies and mosquitos around. It doesn't matter if, the dog is inside or outside. Flies, mosquitos and such are still around. It's everywhere.

Some houses have spiders, and some bugs and yet familes/people still eat their meals while they have their dogs around or not. No difference. It's part of the nature we have to accept.

 

[rockdrummer]

LOL I disagree with you on that part in your statement above. There are some flies, mosquitos, wasps or even bees around people while they are eatin' outside in despite of where they are eatin' at. Campin' does have that problem as well... flies and mosquitos around. It doesn't matter if, the dog is inside or outside. Flies, mosquitos and such are still around. It's everywhere.

Some houses have spiders, and some bugs and yet familes/people still eat their meals while they have their dogs around or not. No difference. It's part of the nature we have to accept.

Not to mention that most people would not even eat at certian restarunts if they were able to see the kitchen. Some of them are nasty with roaches, mice droppings etc.

 

[rockin'robin]

New Service Animal Law!!! What Do You Think?
by Spot on August 20, 2008

The* De*pa*r*tme*n*t o*f Ju*stice* is r*e*e*x*a*min*in*g* the* cu*r*r*e*n*t Se*r*vice* A*n*ima*l r*e*g*u*la*tio*n*s tha*t a*r*e* pa*r*t o*f the* A*DA*. He*r*e* is the* pr*o*po*se*d la*w.

PAR*T 36-N*O*N*DIS*C*R*IMIN*ATIO*N* O*N* TH*E BAS*IS* O*F* DIS*ABILITY* BY* PUBLIC* AC*C*O*MMO*DATIO*N*S* AN*D IN* C*O*MMER*C*IAL F*AC*ILITIES*
S*ubpar*t A-Gen*er*al

PRO*PO*SED DEF*I*N*I*T*I*O*N*

New Service Animal Law!!! What Do You Think?
by Spot on August 20, 2008

The* De*pa*r*tme*n*t o*f Ju*stice* is r*e*e*x*a*min*in*g* the* cu*r*r*e*n*t Se*r*vice* A*n*ima*l r*e*g*u*la*tio*n*s tha*t a*r*e* pa*r*t o*f the* A*DA*. He*r*e* is the* pr*o*po*se*d la*w.

PAR*T 36-N*O*N*DIS*C*R*IMIN*ATIO*N* O*N* TH*E BAS*IS* O*F* DIS*ABILITY* BY* PUBLIC* AC*C*O*MMO*DATIO*N*S* AN*D IN* C*O*MMER*C*IAL F*AC*ILITIES*
S*ubpar*t A-Gen*er*al

PRO*PO*SED DEF*I*N*I*T*I*O*N*

Ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* m*ea*n*s a*n*y dog or* oth*er* com*m*on* dom*estic a*n*im*a*l* in*div*idu*a*l*l*y tr*a*in*ed to do wor*k or* per*f*or*m* ta*sks f*or* th*e ben*ef*it of* a*n* in*div*idu*a*l* with* a* disa*bil*ity, in*cl*u*din*g, bu*t n*ot l*im*ited to, gu*idin*g in*div*idu*a*l*s wh*o a*r*e bl*in*d or* h*a*v*e l*ow v*ision*, a*l*er*tin*g in*div*idu*a*l*s wh*o a*r*e dea*f* or* h*a*r*d of* h*ea*r*in*g to th*e pr*esen*ce of* peopl*e or* sou*n*ds, pr*ov*idin*g m*in*im*a*l* pr*otection* or* r*escu*e wor*k, pu*l*l*in*g a* wh*eel*ch*a*ir*, f*etch*in*g item*s, a*ssistin*g a*n* in*div*idu*a*l* du*r*in*g a* seiz*u*r*e, r*etr*iev*in*g m*edicin*e or* th*e tel*eph*on*e, pr*ov*idin*g ph*ysica*l* su*ppor*t a*n*d a*ssista*n*ce with* ba*l*a*n*ce a*n*d sta*bil*ity to in*div*idu*a*l*s with* m*obil*ity disa*bil*ities, a*n*d a*ssistin*g in*div*idu*a*l*s, in*cl*u*din*g th*ose with* cogn*itiv*e disa*bil*ities, with* n*a*v*iga*tion*. Th*e ter*m* ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* in*cl*u*des in*div*idu*a*l*l*y tr*a*in*ed a*n*im*a*l*s th*a*t do wor*k or* per*f*or*m* ta*sks f*or* th*e ben*ef*it of* in*div*idu*a*l*s with* disa*bil*ities, in*cl*u*din*g psych*ia*tr*ic, cogn*itiv*e, a*n*d m*en*ta*l* disa*bil*ities. Th*e ter*m* ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* does n*ot in*cl*u*de wil*d a*n*im*a*l*s (in*cl*u*din*g n*on*h*u*m*a*n* pr*im*a*tes bor*n* in* ca*ptiv*ity), r*eptil*es, r*a*bbits, f*a*r*m* a*n*im*a*l*s (in*cl*u*din*g a*n*y br*eed of* h*or*se, m*in*ia*tu*r*e h*or*se, pon*y, pig, or* goa*t), f*er*r*ets, a*m*ph*ibia*n*s, a*n*d r*oden*ts.

New Service Animal Law!!! What Do You Think? | Service Dog Blog

The "feedback/comments" on this link are a "worth" reading!.....Kinda' opened my eyes a little.....

But again, I feel a "Service Dog" should have training, be certified, documentation, clean and up-to-date w/shots/health records....."A*n*im*a*l*s wh*ose sol*e f*u*n*ction* is to pr*ov*ide em*otion*a*l* su*ppor*t, com*f*or*t, th*er*a*py, com*pa*n*ion*sh*ip, th*er*a*peu*tic ben*ef*its, or* to pr*om*ote em*otion*a*l* wel*l*-bein*g a*r*e n*ot ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l*s."

Th*e ter*m* ter*m* ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* in*cl*u*des in*div*idu*a*l*l*y tr*a*in*ed a*n*im*a*l*s th*a*t do wor*k or* per*f*or*m* ta*sks f*or* th*e ben*ef*it of* in*div*idu*a*l*s with* disa*bil*ities, in*cl*u*din*g psych*ia*tr*ic, cogn*itiv*e, a*n*d m*en*ta*l* disa*bil*ities.

 

[rockin'robin]

New Service Animal Law!!! What Do You Think?
by Spot on August 20, 2008

The* De*pa*r*tme*n*t o*f Ju*stice* is r*e*e*x*a*min*in*g* the* cu*r*r*e*n*t Se*r*vice* A*n*ima*l r*e*g*u*la*tio*n*s tha*t a*r*e* pa*r*t o*f the* A*DA*. He*r*e* is the* pr*o*po*se*d la*w.

PAR*T 36-N*O*N*DIS*C*R*IMIN*ATIO*N* O*N* TH*E BAS*IS* O*F* DIS*ABILITY* BY* PUBLIC* AC*C*O*MMO*DATIO*N*S* AN*D IN* C*O*MMER*C*IAL F*AC*ILITIES*
S*ubpar*t A-Gen*er*al

PRO*PO*SED DEF*I*N*I*T*I*O*N*

New Service Animal Law!!! What Do You Think?
by Spot on August 20, 2008

The* De*pa*r*tme*n*t o*f Ju*stice* is r*e*e*x*a*min*in*g* the* cu*r*r*e*n*t Se*r*vice* A*n*ima*l r*e*g*u*la*tio*n*s tha*t a*r*e* pa*r*t o*f the* A*DA*. He*r*e* is the* pr*o*po*se*d la*w.

PAR*T 36-N*O*N*DIS*C*R*IMIN*ATIO*N* O*N* TH*E BAS*IS* O*F* DIS*ABILITY* BY* PUBLIC* AC*C*O*MMO*DATIO*N*S* AN*D IN* C*O*MMER*C*IAL F*AC*ILITIES*
S*ubpar*t A-Gen*er*al

PRO*PO*SED DEF*I*N*I*T*I*O*N*

Ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* m*ea*n*s a*n*y dog or* oth*er* com*m*on* dom*estic a*n*im*a*l* in*div*idu*a*l*l*y tr*a*in*ed to do wor*k or* per*f*or*m* ta*sks f*or* th*e ben*ef*it of* a*n* in*div*idu*a*l* with* a* disa*bil*ity, in*cl*u*din*g, bu*t n*ot l*im*ited to, gu*idin*g in*div*idu*a*l*s wh*o a*r*e bl*in*d or* h*a*v*e l*ow v*ision*, a*l*er*tin*g in*div*idu*a*l*s wh*o a*r*e dea*f* or* h*a*r*d of* h*ea*r*in*g to th*e pr*esen*ce of* peopl*e or* sou*n*ds, pr*ov*idin*g m*in*im*a*l* pr*otection* or* r*escu*e wor*k, pu*l*l*in*g a* wh*eel*ch*a*ir*, f*etch*in*g item*s, a*ssistin*g a*n* in*div*idu*a*l* du*r*in*g a* seiz*u*r*e, r*etr*iev*in*g m*edicin*e or* th*e tel*eph*on*e, pr*ov*idin*g ph*ysica*l* su*ppor*t a*n*d a*ssista*n*ce with* ba*l*a*n*ce a*n*d sta*bil*ity to in*div*idu*a*l*s with* m*obil*ity disa*bil*ities, a*n*d a*ssistin*g in*div*idu*a*l*s, in*cl*u*din*g th*ose with* cogn*itiv*e disa*bil*ities, with* n*a*v*iga*tion*. Th*e ter*m* ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* in*cl*u*des in*div*idu*a*l*l*y tr*a*in*ed a*n*im*a*l*s th*a*t do wor*k or* per*f*or*m* ta*sks f*or* th*e ben*ef*it of* in*div*idu*a*l*s with* disa*bil*ities, in*cl*u*din*g psych*ia*tr*ic, cogn*itiv*e, a*n*d m*en*ta*l* disa*bil*ities. Th*e ter*m* ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* does n*ot in*cl*u*de wil*d a*n*im*a*l*s (in*cl*u*din*g n*on*h*u*m*a*n* pr*im*a*tes bor*n* in* ca*ptiv*ity), r*eptil*es, r*a*bbits, f*a*r*m* a*n*im*a*l*s (in*cl*u*din*g a*n*y br*eed of* h*or*se, m*in*ia*tu*r*e h*or*se, pon*y, pig, or* goa*t), f*er*r*ets, a*m*ph*ibia*n*s, a*n*d r*oden*ts.

New Service Animal Law!!! What Do You Think? | Service Dog Blog

The "feedback/comments" on this link are a "worth" reading!.....Kinda' opened my eyes a little.....

But again, I feel a "Service Dog" should have training, be certified, documentation, clean and up-to-date w/shots/health records....."A*n*im*a*l*s wh*ose sol*e f*u*n*ction* is to pr*ov*ide em*otion*a*l* su*ppor*t, com*f*or*t, th*er*a*py, com*pa*n*ion*sh*ip, th*er*a*peu*tic ben*ef*its, or* to pr*om*ote em*otion*a*l* wel*l*-bein*g a*r*e n*ot ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l*s."

Th*e ter*m* ter*m* ser*v*ice a*n*im*a*l* in*cl*u*des in*div*idu*a*l*l*y tr*a*in*ed a*n*im*a*l*s th*a*t do wor*k or* per*f*or*m* ta*sks f*or* th*e ben*ef*it of* in*div*idu*a*l*s with* disa*bil*ities, in*cl*u*din*g psych*ia*tr*ic, cogn*itiv*e, a*n*d m*en*ta*l* disa*bil*ities.

(Dunno what happened here!)

 

[FireTiger]

OK, just got done puppy raising for SEGD and I was only denied access 3 times, once to a Mexican restaurant who didn't know the law, once to Food Lion on Merrill Road, who didn't think a 10 week old puppy was covered by the ADA (they are but volunteers trainers/raisers are not...) and once by a restaurant in St.Augustine (Where there is a def/ blind/ deafblind school right there!). I always asked for a manager and we always got the problem resolved that day.

I think its because most people 'expect' to see a Retriever, Lab, Sheppard, Collie, as a service dog, not a seemingly random small dog.

I do know an anxiety dog that is an English Setter, that is about the smallest dog I've ever seen that was actually specifically trained for the job.

I see both sides of this issue- as the coats CAN be bought online these days (which is a disservice to anyone that needs them for a good reason) more and more restaurants are seeing people cheat with their PET dogs.

As far as the story does the dog in question is not covered by the ADA. So I don't know exactly what is going to become of this case.

 

[Maria]

Not to mention that most people would not even eat at certian restarunts if they were able to see the kitchen. Some of them are nasty with roaches, mice droppings etc.

It depends on the climate/weather. My fiance works in Miami and he sleeps in one room that has lots of roaches. Rain always brings roaches in and such. What are you expectin' ? That's life because of that nature. Each state have their own pest problem.

Alaska... no problem and I've seen some people bring their dogs inside. I used to have one of my own and walked in with no problem. No roaches or mice droppings or anythin' up there, because of the weather was cold... well, NOT really cold, just say it was around 60 to 70 degree in summer/spring.

Really, it depends on where people live. Every state is different with their weather. One day, we will have a BAD global warmin' around and pests ( bugs/insects/etc. ) will come in and it will spread virus and such. Germs and infestations. It's the nature that create it. Dogs get fleas because, of that. Dogs can't help it.

I don't agree with the manager ( restaurant ) who told that deaf girl to leave with her dog. I don't think it's right.

I wouldn't be surprised if, pets receive their rights just like people's and they will sue!!

 

[Cheri]

LOL I disagree with you on that part in your statement above. There are some flies, mosquitos, wasps or even bees around people while they are eatin' outside in despite of where they are eatin' at. Campin' does have that problem as well... flies and mosquitos around. It doesn't matter if, the dog is inside or outside. Flies, mosquitos and such are still around. It's everywhere.

Some houses have spiders, and some bugs and yet familes/people still eat their meals while they have their dogs around or not. No difference. It's part of the nature we have to accept.

You are comparing oranges and apples. I've worked at restaurants like forever --matter of fact the city health department comes in and performed an inspection to find out if there's any number of violations. if they see a pest problem, they will make owner of the resturant take care of the problem, believe me they're that strict, All restaurants must follow the Health Department rules and regulations. They have the right to shut down restaurants either permanently or temporary until problems are solved.

 

[mushbean]

So cause she claims its a service dog makes it a service dog. Florida law says a service dog can not be a pet, also she broke the law not having the dog on a leash.

The girl was with her hearing mother, brother and friends (not sure if the friends are deaf) she claims she needs the dog to hear people coming from behind and car horn honks, so where does any of that fit into a restraunt. The girl has even been photographed at a tree planting function and did not have her so called service dog, even played sports. She claims she needs the dog her words were "When they take the dog away, they're virtually throwing her out to the wolves"

So why it is a service dog when she wants it to be and then other times it a pet. She can't have it both ways. I feel for the ones who really need service dogs, I am afraid after this stunt they pulled its going to make it harder now on the honest ones.

 

[Cheri]

Not to mention that most people would not even eat at certian restarunts if they were able to see the kitchen. Some of them are nasty with roaches, mice droppings etc.

Most of the time, customers would file a compliant to the Health department that's when they step in.

 

[Daredevel7]

I thought the restaurant abided by the ADA laws. Doesn't it say somewhere in the ADA laws that there must be identification or some sort of proof that the said animal is for service? The restaurant people asked for identification and they didn't produce it... right? Did I miss something?