[Cagdu] Lets keep it up

[Juliett Cody]

    Hello CAGDU Community:

The seminar was a huge success! Here is what we accomplished:
  *WE Educated a few folks.
* We discussed our concerns with the transit ADA coordinator.
* We discussed our concerns with  the San Diego lifeguards.
*WE discussed our concerns with the Carlsbad Police  code enforcements.

Most importantly, we   brought the ADA to life with our cry. The North County Times heard us and put it all in print. Below is our Article read it:   

Sunday, August 12, 2007
Last modified Sunday, August 12, 2007 12:02 AM PDT

(Photo caption)
>From left, guide dog users Gail Paulson, with her dog Alton, Peter 
Mansell, with Aerie, Juliet Cody, President of the California 
Association of Guide Dog Users, and Robert Stigile, President of the 
National Federation of the Blind of California, with Wonder, stroll 
down the boardwalk in Carlsbad Saturday.
----------
www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/08/12/news/coastal/23_33_058_11_07.txt

North County guide dog users say there's a problem with cabs

By: DARRYN BENNETT - For the North County Times

CARLSBAD ---- Things heated up at the California Association of Guide 
Dog Users' first annual seminar Saturday when association President 
Juliet Cody opened a discussion about equal access to taxicabs.

Several people at the seminar in Heritage Hall at Carlsbad's Magee 
Park spoke about difficulties they have experienced when trying to 
get a cab ride with their guide dog. They said they are often 
discriminated against and refused service because they need a service 
animal to ride with them.

"This is a growing problem in North County and across the nation," 
Cody said. "We're asking for the community to help us solve this."

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits taxicab 
operators from refusing service or charging higher fares to people 
traveling with guide dogs.

Cody said the problem stems from the fact that many cabs are 
independently operated by drivers who don't understand the law.

"We've heard every excuse from 'I'm allergic to dogs' to 'It's 
against my religion to have dogs in a car,' " Cody said.

According to the ADA, guide dogs can only be excluded from a place of 
business, including a cab, if the dog poses a direct safety threat.

Brandon Christianson of North County said he can't even hail down a 
cab with his guide dog Patriot.

"I want to get 'Dateline' with their hidden camera out there or 
something so everyone can see how we're treated," he said.

Cody said she invited representatives from Yellow Cab of North 
County, Coach Cab in Oceanside and Courtesy Cab in Vista ---- local 
companies association members said employ drivers who have refused to 
let guide dogs in their cabs ---- but no one showed up.

"Members called as many as 12 times," she said, "but no one even 
called us back."

Yellow Cab representatives couldn't be reached for comment Saturday, 
but Mike, a dispatcher who preferred to not give his last name, said 
although he didn't know of an official company policy, he was "pretty 
sure it's illegal to not let them (guide dogs) ride."

John McPherson, a dispatcher for Courtesy Cab, said he had heard 
about the invitation to the seminar, but no one from the company was 
able to make it on short notice.

"I can't think of any reason a driver wouldn't let a dog ride unless 
it was wet and dirty or something," he said. "But 100 percent, if I 
knew a blind person with a dog needed a cab, I'd find someone to pick 
them up."

McPherson, who also didn't know if his company had an official guide 
dog policy, said Courtesy Cab's owner wouldn't be available for 
comment until Monday.

A Coach Cab employee who declined to give his name said he found it 
"difficult to believe" anyone had been refused service from drivers 
with the company. He said the owner wouldn't be available for comment 
until Monday, but that the company is somehow contracted with the ADA 
to provide service to people with disabilities.

"We pick up people with guide dogs every day," he said.

The free seminar also included discussions of other concerns for 
guide dog owners, a presentation on beach safety from a San Diego 
lifeguard and an update on North County transit issues for people 
with disabilities. It concluded with a walk along the boardwalk near 
the beach.

Comments On This Story

Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those 
of the North County Times or its staff.
Paul wrote on Aug 12, 2007 8:44 AM:

" They need to hire that lawyer that is so litigious and sues 
businesses. But he won't take up that cause as there is not enough 
money in it for him. "

Hey!! wrote on Aug 12, 2007 9:26 AM:

" Get Pinnock! He can claim to take every cab in Oceanside and it 
'ruined his weekend'!! Reminds me of a long time back when Chin's 
refused folks with guide dogs and I still think of that every time I 
see their sign. "

Not just cabs wrote on Aug 12, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Blind and visually impaired are discriminated in more places than 
taxi cabs. Restaurants are DARK - you have to carry a flashlight to 
find your way or maybe read a menu? NONE have large print menus. 
Stores allow obstacles on the floor, never picking up toys or clothes 
that inconsiderate kids/families toss there. Neighbors ignore 
neighbors who could use a ride (and can't afford a taxi), and others 
are just plain RUDE if a blind person walks slowly or asks a 
question. Many YELL at blind people thinking they are dumb and can't 
HEAR. All of you that are able bodied, getdown on your knees and give 
thanks! "

Paul wrote on Aug 12, 2007 1:29 PM:

" To not just cabs -- I am handicap, BUT I do not have a huge chip on 
my shoulder. GET A LIFE! "

to Not just cabs... wrote on Aug 12, 2007 4:51 PM:

" if someone cannot afford a taxi why is it all of a sudden my duty 
to become a personal chauffer? I walked/rode a bicycle for a few 
years before I got a car... big deal! GET A LIFE INDEED! not being 
able to afford a taxi has NOTHING to do with this article... "

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This is Juliet's message to all of you:
Here is what we need to make happen. In the seminar last Saturday we only got the ball rolling. I would like to see every guide/handler team up and down the state who has had a  problem to call their local newspaper and give the newspaper the story.  Tell them about the problems you have experienced in other states, if we get enough releases the awareness may travel across the nation! Please circulate this article and      do your part. Post on the  CAGDU List your support and your advocacy contribution, LETS KEEP IT UP!!!

Thank you,
Juliet and Marly Cody 
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