What do you think of the new definition of “service animal” under the ADA?

July 23, 2010, the Attorney General signed the Final Rule for the changes in the Title II and Title III Regulations for the ADA, including changing the definition of “service animal.”

This change will become effective 6 months after it is published.

Here it is folks:

“Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler´s disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. The crime deterrent effects of an animal´s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.”

Is it what you expected? Do you love it? Hate it? How will it effect you personally?

http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/reg2_2010.html

This is basically a clarification of the old definition, which is, “Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.”

There were some abuses with strange species being used as well as attack dogs being claimed as service dogs.

I’m happy and relieved with the changes. I think it will reduce at least some of the abuses.

Chester as a service dog

Chester pulling a mobility scooter

I have a service dog(mobility assistance) & have lived in my condo for 2 yrs. upon moving in here I provided?

the association with all of his training,shots & pertinent papers including(at their insistance) a letter from my from my Dr. stating the reasons for & absolute need for my dog. My dog has never had any complaints lodged against him and is an integral part of my life. My mobility has improved & I currently do not use his leather harness w/handle for support but could need to do so at any time. Since I’ve lived here his ID vest has not been required when walking or taking him to potty. Now the BOARD is DEMANDING his vest is to be worn at all times when he is out. This would be confusing for him since when his vest is on him he is in working mode. What are my rights? Do I have to comply when doing so will result in undermining his training & restrict his free,non-working time. I have Parkinsons and a balance disorder that has improved w/new meds. & am on total disability.
I Iive in Tarpon Springs,FL. There is a 35 lb. weight limit in this complex, my dog is 70 lbs. He was trained by myself & my son and tested by a professional trainer for 2 weeks & passed on ALL points ! I believe someone has complained re: his size. Hence the BOARD is now trying to enforce a rule that was not there to begin with. I’m a respectful,peaceful resident & have had NO problems here otherwise. There is NOTHING in my lease in reference to this new rule.
There are many dogs here.

Launch of subsidised electric scooter rental service

MP Yeo Guat Kwang speaking at a grassroot event in Hougang to launch to subsidised electric mobility scooter rental service for needy residents.

Do you have (or know someone who has) Ankylosing Spondilitis, or severe arthritis and has a service dog?

Do you have a dog that aids you in your mobility? How has he/she helped you the most? What are things that the dog does that helps you out the most? What kind of harness do you use?