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If you’ve been denied access to an establishment or mistreated because of your service dog, you are not alone! And you are not powerless. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects your right to be accompanied by your service dog in public spaces. When someone violates that right, you have legal options. This guide will walk you through the process of filing a complaint and what to expect along the way. Step 1: Know Your Rights As A Service Dog Handler Under the ADA, you have the right to take your service dog into most public spaces, including: Restaurants Hotels Retail [...]

Most people picture a service dog helping a blind person navigate public spaces or cross a street. Many do not realize the numerous “invisible disabilities” that service dogs can be trained to assist with. These conditions may not be immediately apparent to the public, but they are life-altering disabilities nonetheless. An increasing number of service dog teams support individuals with psychiatric, neurological, or chronic medical conditions. All of these are disabilities that you cannot see. Let’s explore what this means and how service dogs change the lives of those living with these disabilities. What Are Invisible Disabilities? Invisible disabilities are physical, [...]

Service dogs are not pets; they are trained working animals that provide support to individuals living with disabilities. As more and more people access their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), schools and workplaces need to understand their legal responsibilities and best practices when it comes to accommodating individuals with service dogs. Educating and informing yourself can make the difference between a supportive environment and a discriminatory one! Understanding ADA Service Dog Laws Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their service dogs in public spaces. These spaces include schools [...]

Service dogs play a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities. They ensure their handlers can navigate daily life with greater independence and confidence! In Colorado, federal and state laws provide protections for service dog handlers and clearly outline guidelines for businesses and the public. What is a Service Dog? Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform specific tasks or do work for a person with a disability. These tasks must be directly related to the individual's disability in order for the dog to be classified as [...]

Service dogs are life-changing partners for people with disabilities. They provide crucial assistance and support in everyday life. When acquiring a service dog, one of the most critical decisions is choosing how your service dog will be trained. Will you attempt owner training? Or will you opt for program training instead? At Justice Speaks, we believe in empowering individuals with disabilities. We aim to provide clear and accessible information so people can make informed decisions about their unique needs. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between owner-trained and program-trained service dogs and the pros and cons of each approach. What [...]

For service dog handlers, their service dogs are far more than a working animal; they are their closest companions, providing protection and security - they are family. But, like all working professionals, service dogs eventually reach the point where it’s time to retire. At Justice Speaks, we understand the mixed emotions that come with retiring a service dog. The transition is bound to bring up feelings of gratitude, grief, and uncertainty. If you or a loved one is facing this significant life change, know you are not alone. We are here to offer guidance, support, and understanding for this impactful experience. [...]

Air travel is a stressful endeavor for most people. If you’re traveling with a service dog, several additional layers of preparation, responsibility, and rights need to be considered to ensure a smooth travel experience. At Justice Speaks, we believe in empowering individuals with service dogs and ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to safely navigate every public space, including airplanes. If you or a travel companion is traveling with a service dog, here’s what you should know. Your Rights Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) If you’re traveling with a service dog on a plane, the Air Carrier Access [...]

Service dogs are more than just pets or companions; they are life-changing partners for people with disabilities. They provide invaluable assistance, allowing their handlers to live their daily lives more independently and confidently. Despite the countless benefits, living with a service dog is challenging. We will detail the realities of the unique partnership between service dogs and their handlers, delving into the hurdles they face and the benefits they receive. The Challenges of Living with a Service Dog While having a service dog has numerous advantages, we must acknowledge the challenges and hardships that service dog handlers face regularly. Extensive Service [...]

The phenomenon of “fake service dogs” is on the rise and becoming an increasingly serious concern. Illegitimate service dogs impact businesses, legitimate service dog handlers, and the integrity of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Justice Speaks, we believe in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and shutting down those who undermine those rights. We will explore how businesses can address this issue while complying with the law. The Rights of Businesses: Questions That Can Legally Be Asked of Service Dog Handlers   Businesses are often unsure of how to navigate the presence of service animals and can understandably choose [...]

Service dogs are irreplaceable companions for people with disabilities. They provide assistance drastically improving their quality of life and, in many cases, life-saving care. Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about service dogs, leading to misunderstandings about them and their handlers. At Justice Speaks, we aim to debunk common myths and present facts to create a more informed and respectful environment for service dogs and their handlers.   Myth 1: Real Service Dogs Are Only For Blind People Fact: Service dogs are traditionally known for assisting blind individuals. However, their roles extend far beyond helping the visually impaired. Service dogs can be [...]