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<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A
title=TDuncan@guidedogs.com href="mailto:TDuncan@guidedogs.com">Theresa
Duncan</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=AlumniAssociationBoard@guidedogs.com
href="mailto:AlumniAssociationBoard@guidedogs.com">Alumni Association Board
Members</A> ; <A title=presidents-forum@googlegroups.com
href="mailto:'presidents-forum@googlegroups.com'">'presidents-forum@googlegroups.com'</A>
</DIV>
<DIV><B>Cc:</B> <A title=TBarrett@guidedogs.com
href="mailto:TBarrett@guidedogs.com">Terry Barrett</A> ; <A
title=BFrancis@guidedogs.com href="mailto:BFrancis@guidedogs.com">Brian
Francis</A> ; <A title=ngardner@guidedogs.com
href="mailto:ngardner@guidedogs.com">Nancy Gardner</A> ; <A
title=JRitter@guidedogs.com href="mailto:JRitter@guidedogs.com">Joanne
Ritter</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, April 07, 2009 1:48 PM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> [presidents-forum] FW: Airport relief areas</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV><FONT face="Arial, sans-serif" size=2>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff>Hello Board Members and Presidents,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff>This communication from IAADP may be of interest to you
and your chapter members. You may wish to encourage them to call their
local airports to advocate for appropriate relieving areas. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff>Thanks!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff>Theresa Duncan</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial, sans-serif" color=#000080>------------</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial, sans-serif" color=#000080></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial, sans-serif"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">IAADP </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Airport Service Animal Relief
Areas</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Dear IAADP Members and
Supporters,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">According to the latest rules
established by the U.S. Department of Transportation, all U.S. airports are
required to have installed service animal relief areas by May 13, 2009.
Since DOT is not in a position to enforce this requirement, it is up to us to
help make air travel with assistance dogs as safe, convenient and comfortable as
possible. The following article which will appear in Partners' Forum
provides information about the new rule, and how to go about working with
airlines and airports to ensure compliance as soon as possible.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">For many of us who travel with canine
assistants, this new requirement will make air travel a less stressful
experience!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Ed Eames, Ph.D., President</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">*ARTICLE START*</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">I'm Relieved That You Can Now
Relieve!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">by Toni and Ed Eames</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">During a long layover in Salt Lake City
airport, we met the perfect escort!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">He listened and responded to our needs,
described the surroundings as we trudged through the airport, and, best of all,
knew a good grassy spot near the parking garage where our guide dogs, Keebler
and Latrell, were able to have a relief break! Fortunately, the security
agents were familiar with screening disabled people accompanied by assistance
dogs and the whole process took less than half an hour. We made our
connecting flight without a problem. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every
transfer at an airport could be as stress free as this? That dream can
become a reality if the new rules developed by the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) are implemented.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">One requirement is that airlines create
service animal relief areas at all U.S. airports by May 13, 2009. In
addition, escort service, known as meet-and-assist personnel, will be required
to show us to these areas and escort us to our next gate or destination, if this
service is requested.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">To convert these rules set forth in
2008 into actuality requires a cooperative effort on the part of assistance dog
training programs and those of us partnered with assistance dogs. The
Coalition of Assistance Dog Organizations, which includes IAADP, has taken on
this advocacy outreach effort for the 50 most traveled airports in the United
States.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">With only a short time to go before the
May 13 deadline, if you want to get involved, we recommend contacting your local
airport operators and airline representatives to make sure the relief areas are
adequate and accessible.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">In addition, it is important to make a
case for installing relief areas within the secured perimeter to avoid the need
to go through security after providing a relief break for your dog.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">IAADP recommends:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 1. Contact your
closest airport and ask whether the mandated relief areas have been
installed. If the answer is no, then find out when that will be done and
who is responsible for the installation.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 2. The probability
is nothing has been done and it is important for you to inform the airlines and
airport management they have a very short time to be in compliance with DOT's
New Rule. Offer your expertise in developing an accessible and convenient
facility. Also, stress the point that escort providers and other staff
need to know where the relief areas are located.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 3. Make a case for
placing the relief area within the secured perimeter.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Reasons for this are:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> A.
It will be more convenient for travelers with disabilities accompanied by
assistance dogs not to have to go through security after taking their dogs to
the relief area. The disabled community constitutes a significant segment
of those who travel by air and airlines should be providing greater service to
us. The need to take your canine assistant to a relief area outside the
terminal can result in missed flights and major inconvenience and discomfort for
you.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> B.
Having to go through security not only places a burden on the disabled passenger
but on the security check operation, as well. Many partners accompanied by
assistance dogs must go through an intensive search because the assistance dog
equipment sets off the alarm system requiring a time consuming hands on
search. This not only delays us, but also causes delays to other
passengers and takes the time of TSA staff. By providing the relief area
within the secured perimeter, this unnecessary use of security checking time and
personnel can be avoided.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> C.
Since the escort service is required to accompany the disabled person/assistance
dog team to and from the relief area, their time commitment would be
significantly decreased If the relief area were within the secured
perimeter. This would decrease the cost to airlines.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 4. It is Important
to emphasize the need for you to be involved in the actual design and placement
of the relief area to make it fully accessible and convenient for disabled
passengers. For specific suggestions, see the model letter
below.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">When we landed at Canada's Prince
Edward Island airport several years ago, Toni's partner Escort pointed to a
patch of grass on the tarmac adjacent to the terminal door. Established to
enhance the decor of the airport, the grass patch conveniently served as a
unique relief area! It would be wonderful if all airports had a similar
approach. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">We have the opportunity to make this
happen!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Although the law may be on our side, it
is important to engage airlines and airport representatives in a positive
way. Airports have not been designed for us and our assistance dogs, so it
is important to move toward a mutually satisfactory way of complying with this
new mandate.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">***MODEL LETTER***</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">On first approaching airline staff or
airport operators, we suggest the following letter be sent:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">*START OF MODEL LETTER*</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Dear Airline Station
Manager,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">The Department of Transportation has
set forth new rules requiring the installation of service animal relief areas at
all U.S. airports ( see the relevant paragraph from the Final Rule below my
signature )</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">As one who frequently travels through
your airport accompanied by my assistance dog [ put in your dog's name ], and as
an IAADP member, I would like to work with you on implementing this
mandate. The Coalition of Assistance Dog Organizations, representing the
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP), Guide Dog Users
Inc.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">(GDUI), Assistance Dogs International
North America (ADI NA) and the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), has
shared the following GUIDELINES with the U.S. Department of Transportation
Guidelines for Service Animal Relief Areas at Airports</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 1. Service
animal relief areas should be established within the secured
perimeter.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 2. The
location of service animal relief areas should be negotiated between airlines,
airport operators, assistance dog training programs and assistance dog
partners. Representatives of TSA should be asked to participate in these
discussions.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 3. A minimum
area of 10 feet by 10 feet should be set aside for each relief area. If space
permits a larger area should be designated.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 4. Grass or
other natural surfaces are preferred. Additional surfaces may be wood
chips or gravel.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 5. Every
service animal relief area must be accessible for physically disabled
individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 6. The service
animal relief area must be maintained by airlines and/or airport
operators.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 7. All service
animal relief areas should have bags for pick up, pooper scoopers and trash
receptacles.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 8. Service
animal relief areas should be fenced in with gates wide enough to provide
wheelchair access.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 9. Escort
service staff must be trained about these requirements and notified of the
mandate to provide escort service to and from the service animal relief area for
disabled passengers accompanied by assistance dogs.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"> 10. Other
airline staff, such as Complaint Resolution Officials, must be trained about
these requirements and know the location of designated service animal relief
areas.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">I would like to assist you in any way
possible. Please contact me at [ include your phone number, address and
email address ]</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">[ Sign your Name and Date the
Letter]</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Below is the language used in the final
rule published in the Federal Register</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Part II</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Department of
Transportation</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">14 CFR Part 382</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Nondiscrimination on the Basis of
Disability in Air Travel; Final Rule</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Page 39</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">382.51</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Paragraph only:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">One new requirement at U.S. airports is
to provide, in cooperation with the airport operator, animal relief areas for
service animals that accompany passengers who are departing, arriving, or
connecting at the facility.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">*END OF MODEL LETTER*</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">To Unsubscribe, contact <A
href="mailto:database@iaadp.org"><FONT
color=#0000ff><U>database@iaadp.org</U></FONT></A>.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">IAADP</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">38691 Filly Drive</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Courier New, monospace">Sterling Heights, MI 48310</FONT></DIV>
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color=#0000ff><U>iaadp@aol.com</U></FONT></A></FONT></DIV>
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