Still not sure?
Can you afford not to be?
The common denominator in all access denials is lack of education! It is your obligation as a business operator to ensure that each and every one of your staff undergoes a formal disability sensitivity program before he/she is ever allowed to have interaction with clientele. Never assume that disability awareness is something most people already know; statistics prove that most people do NOT know the proper way to address people with disabilities...even fewer are aware of service dogs (other than dogs that guide the vision impaired) and the laws that govern their use. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you and your staff maintain quality relations with your clientele with disabilities.
Complacency WILL cost you!
Is access denial happening in your place of business? Chances are you won't know until it's too late. Access denial is a direct violation of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act; violation is considered a federal offense and carries stiff penalties such as heavy fines and even jail time.
It only takes one!
Service dog handlers who are fed up with having to educate misinformed employees and fight for unobstructed access have done their homework. They know their civil rights and are prepared to fight for them in a court of law. Costly lawsuits are a miniscule ripple in the negative effects access denial can have on your place of business. One access denial can result in years of probation and intense scrutiny (at your cost) from the United States Department of Justice. The price tag for one misinformed, (even a well-meaning) employee mistake can be staggering.
Think it can't happen to your business? 99% of all access denials happen to the utter shock of the upper management who wrongly assumed that their staff knew the laws that govern service dog use! By the time they are made aware of the problem, law suits have been filed, the U.S. Department of Justice launches investigation, and they are subject to years of intense scrutiny, heavy fines, and bad publicity.
Think you don't need disability awareness training? Take this quick quiz:
1. Do you know the local, state, and federal laws that govern service dog use?
2. A. Do you know how to properly greet a person with disabilities who utilizes a service dog? B. When discussing disabilities, do you know and implement the "person first" language?
3. Do you know the only two questions you may legally ask a handler in regards to permitting access to a SD team?
4. Do you know your rights and responsibilities regarding service dog use in your place of business?
5. Here's a tough one: Are you 100% sure that each and every one of your employees can answer the above questions correctly?
How'd you do? Still not sure about the answers? Can you afford not to be??
Chances are, you may be familiar with some of the questions, but are probably not sure about all of them, which leaves your business open to severe liability. The good news is, Kimberly Carnevale can help. She is a person with disabilities who relies upon a service dog and has experienced access denial first hand. She is a successful businesswoman who knows the importance of maintaining good client relationships. She is a defender of service dog teams, and is a fair, understanding advocate; mediating in international access issues for nearly ten years-- attempting to prevent lawsuits by bringing parties to a workable compromise.
Kimberly can structure an effective training seminar to meet your individual needs. In addition, Kimberly is an accomplished motivational speaker and can inspire your team not only to change; but to want to be more effective, compassionate and competent. Call today and unlock the potential of your business!
WOW! Didn't see That one coming!
Have you or your staff ever encountered a service dog team in your store and felt something wasn't just right? Did the dog display behavior that isn't appropriate for a service dog such as growling, urinating or deficating, or interupting your business in other unacceptable fashion?
Unfortunately, there is a growing problem of people who falsely pass off their pet dogs as service dogs. Many businesses allow these misbehaved dogs into their store, and incur damages; but they don'tfeel they have any recourse, thinking they will get into trouble if they question the handler. It is a problem which is being addressed in congress as we speak; unfortunately, businesses are paying the price in the interim.
If you have a dog in your store/business that you've been told is a service dog, but is not acting in accordance to behavior appropriate for a service dog, DO NOT try to rectify such a situation without professional help. It is imperative that you approach such a situation in a professional and legal manner, as the dog in question may very well be a real service dog.
Call Kimberly immediately for consulting, and be sure to follow up with a staff seminar so that Kimberly can teach you and your staff how to spot "imposter" service dogs, and how to legally protect your business, customers and employees in the future.
609-213-7790
