How I Handle Access Issues

[@romafarmer4271]

I'm a new service dog handler and we had our first minor access issue yesterday. We were in a Panera inside a mall eating at a corner table. My dog was behind my chair and against the walls. An employee comes up and asks if he's a guide dog, I respond with no he's a service dog. He is labeled with a vest on as an SD too. Then the employee responds with, "well no dogs are allowed but you're almost done eating so it's ok," and walks off. The layout you described seems like it would be the most helpful if I'm in that situation again. Thank you for this video!

[@Bellbeesevenacresfarm]

Gladly so far I haven’t had a access issue

[@JenFarrer]

Perfect responses! I have only had minor access issues, I am very nonconfrontational so I would definitely handle it like this. Sadly I think if I had an access issue I would probably film it just because it would make good content for my channel 🤣 people who have controversial videos seem to be very popular 😂

[@adamguymon7096]

ALWAYS FILM. It is very important to document things like this for your protection. That is your evidence and you have a right to have it. Unfortunately, even when someone tries the nice approach and the employee just doesn't want to listen sometimes you have no choice but to be very firm and blunt and that is okay too.

[@ChristianSullivan]

Very helpful. I really appreciate it! I actually know a person that has her first guide dog and has been giving my friend and I advice on them. I enjoy learning about working dogs! Also, including how to deal with stuff like this.

[@laurendoerr]

I had my biggest access issue while traveling to Glacier National Park. We were staying in a hotel that was not pet friendly but they were great with my SD and treated us very well. The first night there we went to a street festival. I was traveling with my parents and my SD Bella. I had ordered food and as soon as I got the food employees of the festival were after me. They said I could not have Bella and that I needed to leave immediately. I explained she is a SD and by law is allowed to be with me. It kept escalating to the point they almost physically removed me. I was able to get my mom to take me back to the hotel. The incident caused a major anxiety attack. Bella tasked perfectly. After my mom dropped me off at the hotel she went back to the festival to be with my dad. When she returned we had a long conversation on what happened. Bella tasking was not enough to get me through my issues. It shook me up for the remainder of our trip. I still have flashbacks and issues related to that street fair.

[@Inciliusnebulifer]

Watching this while trying to wake up at a interstate rest stop where I had an access issue yesterday, well timed and ironic

[@servicedogangelthunder135]

Where I live in Ontario it is illegal to deny a service dog from entering a building unless it's a kitchen where you cook food or a sterile environment like surgery, sometimes the ICU, ect.

[@adventureswithlolotheservi3181]

Unfortunately even when I'm being calm and nice I come off as being angry and aggressive 😆 RBF on EVERY LEVEL.

[@ruthspickermann6652]

Hey, I just found your channel. I am trying to write a blind character in a novel and your videos help a lot with that. I have whatched a lot of Molly Burke but I needed to get some other perspective. By the way, the character is the best friend of the Queen of the country, so she will not have those access issues luckily. :D I also love all your musical posters on your walls! Made you seem cool right from the start :D

[@doggielover5587]

One tip is that most blind people don’t have gray or wight eyes.

[@ruthspickermann6652]

@@doggielover5587 thanks!

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

That’s a great and informative video OK. As someone who is applying for a guide dog I found it to be very helpful and I think that your choice to go through the common scenarios that you encounter and the dialogue that you use was a good one.

[@sarahcowan]

So, say I went into work with my guide dog and management didn’t like that I had a guide dog. (they know they can’t legally make me leave there store) BUT could they legally fire me?? i’m asking this cuz I am applying for a guide dog and i work in restaurant. Also what’s your instagram?? I have a few questions!

[@that_one_ghost]

I don't think they can legally fire you for having a guide dog, as that would be discriminating against their employee because they have a disability. I would definitely look up state/federal laws though just to be safe

[@fern1416]

The one outright refusel I got was the actual owner and manager and she wasen't budging my anxiety was through the roof and I left and just don't go there or talk to her. Not feesable in some situations but that's what happened that day and it wasen't even 8am yet lol. If am going anywhere like an event or booking a restraunt I just email ahead and say that am just checking there won't be an access issue with my assistance dog. It's a bit of a pain but just avoids the embarassment and humiation really. Never had a issue in shops or cafes and my GP has it on my notes so all the receptionists knoe and it isn't an issue there

[@briellewilbourne9236]

hey kay i was wondering if i could get in contact with you somehow. i wanted to talk to you about your vision a little bit. i have albinism as well and am looking in to getting a service dog. mrs. v pointed me towards your channel by the way. thanks

[@fromkaytozee8132]

Hi, yes for sure! I saw your comment the other day, I just hadn't had a chance to respond yet. My Instagram is @kmpolaroids. DM me and I'll send you my email address so we can chat!

[@briellewilbourne9236]

From Kay to Zee awesome thanks