We NEED to talk about service dog discrimination…

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I'm Molly, a typical sushi, makeup, and fashion loving millennial girl who just so happens to be blind! I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at just 4 years old and began public speaking at age 5. I started just doing motivational speaking, but now I make videos and even model! Even though I can’t see, I know that there are bright spots in everything we face. Let’s find them together. 💕

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

This is a very difficult topic for me to speak about but I'm seeing an increased need for awareness and I'm trying to do my part to help create change for a vastly underrepresented and silenced community. Please share this video with anyone you know who works in the service industry and let's have some healthy and productive conversations about what we can do to raise awareness and put an end to this discrimination. Please remember to not silence disabled voices when we speak up about injustice. If you are not disabled, you don't have a right to tell us we "shouldn't feel that way" or that what we say we're experiencing isn't real or "that bad." You need to hear us to create change. Please take ownership over what role you might have played in this continued oppression of disabled people in order to help bridge the gap.

[@layla4294]

We're all here for you Molly

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Right on my friend right on what are you go true as a disabled woman as a blind woman is sick it’s absolutely sick what you go through with your guide dogs and anyone go through with their guide dogs it makes my blood physically boil it makes my blood boil so much so that I want to physically and verbally give out to that person because it is sick we should not live in a world where this happens and it is sick and I’m not gonna stand for it

[@calliopeblue2303]

I’m glad you shared this with us it’s really inspiring that your making the effort to help others with your videos even if you struggle to make them 🖤

[@8randomprettysecret8]

💛💛💛

[@natalcisn]

hi molly!! your so brave love you!!!

[@kaleighgreen7599]

I’m a Girl Scout who was looking for a gold award idea. After watching this video I think I have decided that for my award I want to spread awareness about service and guide dogs and the laws surrounding them.

[@sandieM27]

great idea :)

[@sdab4856]

Sounds awesome!!! :DD

[@cchambersglenn]

That would be wonderful!

[@cheriberry3]

You chose an amazing topic. ❤️

[@katierachel3305]

If you’re really interested in helping this community look into puppy raising!

[@beckabelle5927]

"Our struggles are different but the hurt is the same" brought me to tears honestly 🥺 having a hard day today this really helped.

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

Sending you love and good vibes today

[@guidebydog]

Becka hang in there!

[@laynierobins9238]

Same here. Was tearing up during this video so much. Sending you love! ❤️

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

I’m having a hard time today as well it’s been good so far but there has been a couple of negatives and hang in there my friend I don’t know you personally but just hang in there and yes discrimination is discrimination and experiences do matter because I’m disabled and I have a visual impairment and I’m from Ireland and just stay strong that’s all I have to say is stay strong

[@kate_omega2657]

Same here girl I hope your doing well

[@rebeccaspalding6132]

I was waiting in the pharmacy last week. A blind lady walked in with her guide dog. He expertly guided her through the store and proceeded to checkout. I wanted so desperately to tell him what a good boy he was for taking such good care of his handler. I didn’t of course, because I know that it is not right to interfere with a working dog. A man and his daughter walked straight up to them and asked if the little girl could pet the doggy. The blind women replied respectfully and calmly that it was not ok to ‘pet the doggy’ to which the man replied, “Don’t be such an effing B**ch, she just wants to pet your dog.” Myself and a couple other people all noticed this interaction, we we all stunned. I am so embarrassed to say, I did nothing, I said nothing. I just didn’t know what to do. Next time I will not be silent.

[@vickimainard6048]

Father setting his daughter a great example.

[@LailaHepburnandmarleysdit]

Tha k you for not interfering with the guide dog! People will often say 'sometimes it's OK as long as you ask and get permission, and technically yes, some people will give permission depending on what the dog is for and how they feel, but when the handler has to say no it can often be Awkward for them I appreciate when people ask me rather than just pet my dog but I also hate when they ask cuz I often just say yes cuz I'm so shy I kften can't bring myself to say no cuz I'm scared of their reaction. A girl at the clinic I go to always wants to pet my dog, then sue saw my new pup that will be my future SD and asked to pet her, and although I'd previously given permission with my current SD, I said ' sorry no, I need her know when she's out in her vest she has to be focused on me, not getting attention tion from other people' She accepted that as far as not touching my dog, but she kept saying 'oh I really want to pet the dog' which made me feel really fucking awkward. I know she didn't intend to make me feel that way, but unfortunately she did. Often people just touch him though, I've even bad people walk up behind me, kneel down and pick up my dog! Doesn't matter that his vest clearly states not to touch him, they do it anyway. Even in waiting rooms when people start petting him and I start telling them he's only allowed in because he's an assistance dog and he needs to focus on me to do his job, they're just like 'oh right, cool' then continue to distract my dog :(

[@rnptenafly]

This. Education to the non guide dog users. I learned so much from this video.

[@flyingblind5677]

Just received my first guide dog 2 weeks ago, finished training last Saturday, and on the literal first time I was ever alone with my dog in public, at my connecting flight in Atlanta, I had a man who was helping me find my seat after speaking to the gate agent immediately start petting my dog aggressively and getting her really riled up while she was in harness, and after I told him that I would appreciate if he did not pet her as she is a guide dog and working, his response was: “oh I know, but she is just so cute and I couldn’t help myself.” He says this as he continues to pet her, I called her into a close position under my chair, which forced him to stop and he left, but I was honestly just in awe. I really should’ve told him off and explained how harmful it is to get a guide dog riled up while in harness, but I was just stunned at how casually entitled this man felt like he was. I knew that this would happen, but I was not really ready to actually face it for the first time. He just thought that he could do it cause my dog is cute even though he admitted that he knew he shouldn’t. So crazy to experience that for the first time

[@AngelOrtiz-fm1ln]

“Our struggles are different but our hurt is the same” - Molly Burke

[@drewroberts1109]

That should be on a shirt. I'd definitely buy it

[@AngelOrtiz-fm1ln]

Me too!!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

If you had a T-shirt with that slogan my French I would buy it I would support you and we can make a difference

[@snakesrule7067]

That should be a world famous quote. Definitely putting that on my wall and sending it to my friends. A shirt with it would be nice I would buy and wear.

[@marinasalla3420]

totally...

[@singerofsongs468]

Expecting disabled people to be completely self-advocating at all times is just another example of passive ableism. It’s so overwhelming and I feel for your struggle. You’re so strong for dealing with this every day, and I wish I could say something more helpful. All I can do is let you know that from the perspective of this one abled person, you’ve done a lot of good by spreading awareness of these issues. I’m very grateful for your continued activism and education, and I can say personally that I’ve learned a lot of perspective from watching your channel. Thank you for your ongoing strength in addressing these issues.

[@EtherealFinn]

Yes, this!!! I'm fully physically able and I find it exhausting to stand up for myself, sometimes I decide not to because I can't handle it that day and I feel utterly destroyed afterwards! I can't imagine how terrifying it is to stand up for yourself when you are disabled in some way and being discriminated against, just to go about your normal life. Molly is incredibly strong for soldiering on and fighting for herself every time, and she has done immense good with her activism. I discovered her just a few months ago and have learned so much. We need to keep helping further the change we want to see.

[@anaimaleigh]

"Expecting disabled people to be completely self-advocating at all times is just another example of passive ableism." Commenting to bump this line so people can read it again.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

100%

[@HaleyMary]

Yes! As a learning disabled woman, I find it exhausting when people tell me that I have to advocate for myself. I have been underemployed for a decade and it seems no matter what I say, there is always some excuse that people give to not allow me to work more hours and it was difficult to try to find a second job where people were accepting of me needing more time to learn and giving me evening hours so that it wouldn't interfere with my day job. I just don't understand why in 2021 we have to live in a world that still discriminates against the disabled.

[@Mothman_In_a_T-Pose]

Absolutely. I have a developmental disorder--nonverbal learning disorder. I struggle with a lot of basic tasks and abilities, and pre-treatment, I could barely even string together a coherent sentence. I was diagnosed at 16 and started to slowly accept who I was and how my disability shaped me. I had so many accommodations I needed (and actually still need), but I had to fight for each one. I need to reiterate, _I couldn't organize my thoughts or words._ But I was still expected to prove why I needed more time for homework, why I needed quiet time between classes, why I needed a notetaker, why I needed to be excused from PE and essay writing and more. I was expected to have eloquent, introspective conversations to plead my case and sway the vice principal to my side. Disabled people do not owe anyone justification for their existence or accommodations. It's absolutely ableist to expect them to.

[@saltylemon137]

Saying that you’ll make an exception for a service dog is like a murderer saying that they will make an exception and not kill someone. Its not an exception, its the law!

[@user-jn1wm3tb8v]

"Ugh fine I'll let you live." "That was easy. Bye!"

[@FootlessJo]

I hate that you’ve had to face this, Molly. And so damn often. Knowing that you may be facing a fight of some kind every day if you decide to go outside is long term trauma over and over. It’s obscene that people speak to you this way and also that business owners (and employees) are so uneducated and ignorant. Thank you for sharing this. 💜

[@b.cheese6830]

Footless jo :D

[@Kronicallykatelyn]

"There is no hierarchy of discrimination" That is so perfect. People believe that one discrimination is worse than another, no, its all bad, it all hurt, no matter what happens its still discrimination and you can't compare it to one another. ANY discrimination at ALL is horrific and has to be stopped.

[@ChuckCanada1]

Leave it to someone with the name Donkey Farts to say something like that! You are absolutely 100% correct, all and any discrimination needs to stop. We're too smart in today's age to be discriminating. Our species as a whole needs to get its act together, yesterday.....

[@tenzingkittens8797]

I do think there is a bit of a hierarchy of discrimination actually. Blind people have a choice between using a cane or a dog. If the same people that refuse you entry when you're refused entry with a dog, also don't allow you in with a cane it would be discrimination against blind people. But I don't think that's what's happening here. You're being refused entry because of the dog and only the dog. Allowing guide dogs everywhere is discrimination against victims of dog attacks who've often been severely traumatised. Are those people not allowed to enjoy a meal at the restaurant? Are they not allowed to be uberdrivers? That's discrimination as well. If there's no hierachy of discrimation, how are we going to solve that type of discrimination? I think communication is the key here. If a company wants to be completely dog free, they should clearly state this on their website and you can ask when making reservations. I understand it's not as convenient as being allowed everywhere but there should be dog free places for people who are afraid of dogs as well. People have no right to yell at you though, they should still be kind about it and try to calmly explain why they react the way they do.

[@pipinanaC8]

@@tenzingkittens8797 It doesn't matter if a company wants to be "completely dog free," it is ILLEGAL in many countries to deny access to guide/service dogs. I am sorry to victims of dog attacks, but you can't break the law for comfort. I'm very traumatized around cars due to a severe car accident, but I can't force people to stop driving around me because of my own trauma. Its not discrimination against people with dog related trauma to allow service dogs into establishments, when service dog users need their well trained dogs to be independent, when it is required by law to do so. There's a big difference between discrimination and discomfort. Service dog users are not discriminating against people with fear of dogs, because they aren't choosing to use a service dog to purposely oppress them due to some form of hatred/bias against them. If a situation makes you uncomfortable because of past trauma, it's your responsibility to remove yourself from the situation. Again, I don't want to invalidate anyone's trauma, but you can't expect people to break the law to accommodate it.

[@tenzingkittens8797]

@@pipinanaC8 If purposely oppressing people out of hatred or bias is what we agree discrimination to be, neither is really discrimination. Dogs are not the only option to be independent. Cars usually don't come inside stores and restaurants. If leaving the store or restaurant whenever a dog enters is what you expect from people with dog related trauma's, why don't blind people just leave when they're refused entry? Or leave when they're in the middle of dinner whenever someone with dog related trauma's wants to enter? It's the same thing but that would be crazy (as well). When it's the law, companies should follow the law of course. But maybe the law needs to change a bit. There's also places where service dogs aren't allowed when food is being prepared in the same space. I'm not saying service dogs shouldn't be allowed anywhere but I do think it makes sense to have dog free places as well. But like I said: clear communication about this would be better for everyone. Another thing: I also think the amount of times people get refused depends on the type of dog they have. A big dog like Gallop or a dogs like the german sherpard are more likely to cause fear and are more likely to be refused. There's also an element of choice there.

[@victoriaturnershoemaker3723]

@@tenzingkittens8797 so using the same logic, a person who has experienced a serious, traumatic event regarding a man, who is now terrified of being in close contact with men, should have ‘man-free restaurants’? Men should be required to leave when she enters?

[@bethany8681]

Don’t be shy Molly, drop their business names! They are committing crimes by explicitly stating they’re denying you service because of your guide dog. Nobody should support companies that support that kind of discrimination. I’m so sorry this is happening but I think speaking up about these experiences are a good way to make big changes❤️

[@lilyprice706]

I too don’t want to accidentally support these businesses, stating the business names would probably reveal where she lives and since moving back from Canada she has been very private about where she lives for safety reasons, so that is probably why she didn’t name them

[@kiarimarie]

I think she should share the business names within her local community, but it can become out of hand if she shared this information in a video going out to millions of people. Some people start sending death threats and other crazy shit.

[@lindseyplasterdavis6973]

as a person who’s been in the service industry for about a decade now, i’m so embarrassed that any restaurant would treat you like that! i can understand the ignorance of a hostess, but for a manager to ask you to prove your disability!?! what in the actual fuck. if you’re ever in the Norfolk Va area please come to my restaurant (Leone’s Italian), I would love to serve you! 💕

[@sharonhumphreys8305]

In the UK my son manages a restaurant. One day a man eating there with his family started getting abusive about another customer who'd just been seated at a nearby table with his Guide Dog. The man wanted to complain to the manager about the Guide Dog user saying that his wife was allergic to dogs and he wanted the visually impaired person to be either moved somewhere else or not allowed to bring his dog into the restaurant. My son was called to the table and told him politely that the Guide Dog has as much right as he and his family to be in the restaurant and that the dog or the visually impaired person would NOT be moved. The guy got very abusive and my son told the guy to finish up their meal, pay their bill and leave the restaurant and not return because they were now barred from eating there. My son told me that it gave him a lot of pleasure to send this rude person and his family on their way. Oh yes, the guy also tried to get out of paying for their meals but being threatened with the police he soon paid and was on his way. Result!!!!!

[@FriedrichHerschel]

I do not know the full details of your story, but I am allergic to dogs as well. It got better over the years, but as a child once had an allergic reaction and hardly couldn't even breathe ... just lay flat on the floor, nothing else possible, until my parents found me and rushed me to a doctor. Emergency medication I had failed. I can fully undestand why blind people need their dogs and all ... but you have to understand that for some people that dog is potentially life threatening. Why couldn't your son just seat either the dog or the allergic person to another table? As I said, I don't know the full details of your story, but it does not require much imagination for me to imagine that I would get "abusive" if a restaurant manager thinks my life is worthless to him. And fuck being barred from that restaurant - I'd never go there again even if you'd paid me to. And again: I am not hating on service dogs. I am asking for 5 meters distance so I don't end up in a hospital or worse, and I have a hard time thinking of a reason why your son wasn't able give that space. As Molly here often says: disabilities come in many forms, and often you can't see them. And I am not "hating" or "accusing" your son as well. As I said, I do not know what exactly happened, so I can't really assign blame.

[@sharonhumphreys8305]

@@FriedrichHerschel I asked my son the question and he said that there was no other table available. All I know is what my son told me, in that the guy got really abusive and not just towards my son but towards the visually impaired person who was an innocent bystander. It was the abuse that was the problem. I don't know the extent of the woman's allergies or anything, I am just relating what I was told, I know nothing more than if a person is abusive to any of the restaurants staff, then they are told that they would not be welcome back. However, the UK Government state "The Equality Act 2010 prohibits service providers, including taxis and restaurants, from discriminating against those who need an assistance dog with them. It also requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers." I cannot answer you any more than that to be honest.

[@FriedrichHerschel]

@@sharonhumphreys8305 It might have been inconvinient for your son, but it would have been possible to ask a third table to move as well to arrange a setting suited for all. And I don't mean that in a condescending way, it's just an option that wouldn't have ruined the evening of at least three people. If the family had "to finish their meals" I assume they wouldn't have needed that much more time, so maybe politely asking the blind person to wait for 5-10 minutes would have also been an option (in a restaurant you have to wait for your meal anyways - if you do that inside or outside is irrelevant if the weather is okay - maybe offer a chair and a drink outside in the meantime as well as the menu) and it could have ended much better for everyone. As I said, I do not know the exact circumstances, who acted in which way and when etc, so I am not exactly blaming your son, I just want to say I can understand a husband stepping up for his wife if she had a condition like I have. Note: understanding why someone chose to act does not mean defending every chosen action.

[@sharonhumphreys8305]

@@FriedrichHerschel I appreciate your reply and welcome your comments. As I said above though, I really don't know more than what I wrote as I wasn't there. I will say though (and I know you will think that obviously I am prejudiced) but my son is a really reasonable guy, he is not prone to dramatics or over reacting, he definitely would have tried to please everyone, after all they were all customers, so I do believe that the abuse would have been quite bad for his reaction to have been so severe. I guess we will never know because none of us were there, and thankfully as far as I'm aware this is not something that happens frequently in the UK. Have a good evening. :)

[@jklroxmysox111]

@@FriedrichHerschel If you’re allergic, then it’s on YOU to move, not the other person. Normally, it would be fair that your version of a disability be cared for (for example, if you were allergic to smoke and someone was smoking in a no-smoking area, it’s on them to stop). But when it’s your disability vs. another disability, your allergies do not trump their need to use their dog. Why should I be in them to move when you’re the one experiencing the issue?

[@katherinemorelle7115]

As a wheelchair user, I find it to be quite different. For me, it’s usually a case of physically not being able to get in- there are straws, or really narrow aisles that are packed with product. There’s usually not a person telling me the at I’m not allowed in. It’s a more subtle, and ongoing for lack of care that wheelchair users can’t get in. It was designed that way, and nobody cares enough to change it. So there’s not that very immediate, and very humiliating refusal, more a slow, creeping neglect that nobody cares to change. That being said, I did have a real estate agent refuse me a house because “your wheelchair will damage the walls”. That was pretty humiliating.

[@tinydancer7426]

Was that a refusal to rent or a refusal to sell you a house?

[@Labinzel]

The fucking microagressions/issues...

[@jennagrace1534]

@@tinydancer7426 I think it was probably a refusal to even see a house (visit/look at) that they wanted to rent or buy.

[@RosheenQuynh]

TF?! WOW. Property being valued over a feckin' human being, unreal...

[@bunny_0288]

I do not have a disability, but the closet doors in my house are sooo narrow. I've often thought about how someone in a wheelchair would be unable to access the closets. I don't understand why builders don't take those things into consideration. It's crazy! I'm really sorry you have to deal with that crap. It's insane.

[@kiarimarie]

"Not one person said anything" That's what needs to change. I hope we can get to that point.

[@ThanksHermione]

An idea I have is for someone to create a website where people can post their discrimination stories and the name of the businesses that mistreated them.

[@tjeanvlogs9894]

We have a local group that will all descend upon a place that has refused access. With the law in hand, and at hand if necessary, we will arrive during busy times and just not take no for an answer. A local hamburger joint refused to learn from one of us, so we have them lots of practice including municipal official.

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

@@tjeanvlogs9894 that’s cool ! Call them out

[@sarah4hp]

@@tjeanvlogs9894 that is so great. It suck, that it even had to be done, but they can't be allowed to get away with treating others like that. I have never seen anyone with a service dog treated like that, and I hope I never will, but I can't even imagine staying quiet and not speaking up if I did. I think that shocked me the most, because every single person there should make it clear that what is going on isn't okay or even legal.

[@leekshikapinnamneni4835]

I wonder if you can even do that on yelp. I don’t see why not. I like the idea of having a wall of shame for these businesses though. I also think that the public needs to be educated. A lot of people are well-intentioned I don’t always understand the impact of their discrimination. For instance if you’re a restaurant owner and you haven’t seen a guy dog in 15 years of running your business of course you’re going to treat a service dog or guide dog like someone’s pet which is definitely not right.

[@patriciaschonrock2929]

I think this would be a good idea and that it would also be important to highlight places that that don’t discriminate

[@avery-brown]

As a SD handler, I feel like part of the problem is that people are so fired up about “fake” service dogs now that they automatically assume that every service dog is fake and taking advantage of the law. If you do not appear disabled, people question the legitimacy of your service dog, even if it is impeccably trained and behaving perfectly. People do not understand that all the crackdown on fakers is affecting REAL service dog handlers. Especially those of us with invisible disabilities. It is by far better and less ableist to give service dog teams the benefit of the doubt, and only take action if the dog is misbehaving or acting aggressively.

[@avery-brown]

PS Molly, I am glad you choose not contribute to the mass hysteria around fake service dogs. Yes, fakers are a real issue we face, but the public has taken this and blown it way out of proportion. I see so many inflammatory videos from young service dog handlers, call out posts, etc. on fakers and I don’t think they realize that they are inadvertently creating access issues for many of us real handlers. Because regular non-disabled people see those videos and think that they now need to be the self-appointed “service dog police”.

[@michelinelalonde2217]

^^^THIS^^^

[@Vivosaurus]

EXACTLY!! What really matters is the dog's behavior. A trained service dog is a trained service dog. It's not up to you to decide whether or not someone "really" needs it.

[@emmarosestrong]

@@avery-brown Thank you for sharing this! There are probably well intentioned people thinking they're "helping" the community by calling out what they assume are fakes. I see it a lot on tiktok, and they'll often tag SD handlers as if to say "hey, look! i'm helping!". Fakes are an issue, but I don't think public call outs are a way to fix it, nor is it an issue nearly as pervasive as discrimination like what Molly was talking about here.

[@daynabailen4331]

This is so true. It reminds me of the people who yell at my mother for using a “handicap” parking spot because she doesn’t look like she needs it.

[@ricerocks08]

I have celiac disease and can’t eat food at most restaurants, but I still want to go sit with my friends and family who can eat there. I legally am allowed to bring my own food into their restaurant if they cannot accommodate me safely. I have gotten told no so many times when my entire family is ordering food except me. People see my autoimmune disease as not real and it’s crushing how isolating it is.

[@xfreyawatson]

you say ‘most restaurants’, are there any celiac safe restaurants that you know of? :)

[@marieclairelebel]

@@xfreyawatson There are, but it's not always guaranteed that the "gluten-free" items on the menu are not cross-contaminated. The safest options are generally entirely gluten-free or higher-end restaurants that have an actual chef on staff, but those might not be as easily accessible outside of big cities.

[@aileendemong1410]

As a cook, if someone comes into a restaurant that I am working at with severe allergies, I would rather that they bring their own food and have us warm it up in the microwave instead of us possibly cross-contaminating unknowingly. The restaurants who say that they cannot do that are idiots and do not deserve any customers at all.

[@ricerocks08]

@@xfreyawatson yes there are dedicated facilities, but they are few and far between. Some have separate cook spaces and prep areas and those are safe as long as employees are trained on cross contamination.

[@Mickeystwin33]

@@xfreyawatson It's not just "gluten-free" food. It's like someone with a peanut allergy, who can't eat fries that were deep fried in peanut oil. Even with another oil available, unless there is a second fryer or deep deep cleaning between, there is still going to be peanut oil on that fryer. That is the same way with celiac disease. My roommate in college had celiac disease and we kept separate toasters because the crumbs in my toaster were enough to make her violently ill. It's hard to confirm how clean and allergy-friendly restaurants are.

[@majorzipf8947]

Can we all vow to each other that if we ever see discrimination of any kind, we stand up for that person, film it, whatever we have to do to make sure no one feels alone when they are being dehumanized. Please.

[@barbaravyse660]

I find shaming companies on Twitter to be helpful.

[@s.augustsmith1096]

People misusing their ESAs also reduces the credibility of actual ESAs. Mine is an indoor cat who I genuinely need to help with my depression- he's like a daily dose of happiness and he's completely changed my life for the better. That is what ESAs are for, they are not for going into stores, they are not for acting as a guide, they are not for any specific medical or functional purpose that would require them being in public spaces where pets aren't allowed. People who misuse their pets and ESAs cause damage to everyone who genuinely needs animal assistance, but I am especially sorry for the impact it has had on you and your service dog. I hope things better and I will try my best to be an active ally and advocate ❤

[@mila3483]

Yes!! When a new property management took over the rental I live in, I got kicked out for 6 weeks bc they wouldn’t accept the letter from my therapist for my ESA bc so many people abuse the system and get notes from their doctors so they can bypass pet restrictions and pet deposits. I had to get a lawyer involved. My ESA dog is so important not just for my depression and anxiety, but for my ADHD as well. For my ADHD, he keeps me on a schedule and gets me out of the house for daily exercise. He gives me comfort and companionship when the loneliness and overwhelm of depression and anxiety get to be too much. While I don’t need him everywhere I go, he is an absolute lifeline in my daily home life.

[@peachy4358]

Thank you for being a responsible ESA owner! I’m glad your ESA helps you so much and I’m sorry people taking advantage of the system makes people disregard how valuable legitimate ESAs are to their owners. They’re so helpful and just as important as service animals, just in different ways. As a service dog handler who’s run into/been attacked by a lot of “ESAs”/“emotional service dogs” (🙄) in stores, it’s really appreciated. 💕 I really hope that this issue is taken more seriously soon, and people will start taking service dogs and legitimate ESAs more seriously.

[@lilyjane570]

I couldnt agree more. As a teen I didnt take these things seriously cause i was uneducated and just rebellious and disrespectful and thought it would be nice to take my new dog everywhere with me. This didnt last more than maybe 6 months but now that i know better it makes me sad and ashamed. It also did help make me more understanding to those playing their part in hurting the community maybe without knowing and so much more grateful for people who share information that helps others like me. There are plenty of pet friendly places that exist and there is no good excuse to endanger service animals and their owners who need them.

[@rileyallen489]

Exactly! My dog is an ESA, not a service dog. He doesn't have the same rights as a service dog because he doesn't have the same job. ESAs and service dogs are super important, and the people who need them should be treated with respect.

[@allisonhandberg6484]

Thank you thank you thank you! I have an ESA also and she has saved my life. When I am having my worst day she is the reason I get up in the morning. She doesn’t have the same rights as service dogs and I understand that. I hate that people abuse the use of ESA’s and discredit the actual responsible ESA owners. I can’t even begin to understand how service animal owners feel but I am listening and doing what I can to be a responsible ESA owner.

[@miss_lilyanne]

I wish EVERYONE had to watch this video and could be educated by you about service dogs.

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

Please share it to raise awareness!

[@rjrobinson9067]

That's definitely one way to do it! ♥️

[@katelyn3431]

As a fellow blind woman, I 100% agree that disabled people’s stories are unheard, people often don’t care about the discrimination we face, and people don’t view us as a real marginalized community. I’m so glad you are educating people on these issues so that society can move one step in the right direction. As things are right now I constantly see even well educated, otherwise woke individuals, speaking and behaving from a place of ableism.

[@alizarehman1790]

I totally agree with you as somebody who is blind as well and society has typical stereotypes that we should fulfil as with any disability but our blind community is all about educating and breaking down stereotypes

[@findsmiles9282]

When checking in to a La Quinta hotel, my husband was told that they already checked a person with a disability that evening.... he didn’t know how to respond.

[@lesleysmith5544]

Should have replied, "Well, that is good to know.." haha XD

[@draughtoflethe]

"Good, then you've had some practice, so this shouldn't present a problem for you."

[@Roadent1241]

"Yeah, and this is another one. That's not a Legendary Pokemon, that wasn't the only one."

[@Queenofthatank]

I would just look at them like they grew a third head n walked out

[@punky19761]

It’s “awesome” having one or 2 spaces for 25% of the population. 🙄

[@disneybelle3594]

I was so annoyed at work today: A coworker called me over to our entrance because a lady was coming in with a service dog. We are allowed to ask “Is this a service dog?” and/or “What service/task is the dog trained to do?” My coworker asked the right question, got an appropriate answer, but STILL called me over because it didn’t “look” like a service dog to him. The poor lady was immediately (understandably) defensive and told me what the dog was for before I even said anything and I was just like, “Ok, sounds good, come on in!”

[@KG-cw9le]

I personally misused my ESA because I was misinformed by someone misusing their "guide dog". Since learning more about ESA laws, I've adjusted my behavior drastically, and I try to kindly educate others. That said, I saw a woman with a small dog with a service vest that was attacking every dog that walked by (including my own) and I tried to address this issue and I honestly got pretty angry with this couple. They said they were prescribed a service dog so they believed they could just slap a vest on their pet. That's not ok. When you're prescribed a service dog, that doesn't give you the right claim any dog is your service dog. This is the second time I've seen this exact phenomenon. This is the kind of shit that's making it harder for real service dogs to do their job, and I'm embarrassed I ever contributed to the problem.

[@elizabethmatchefts8509]

Can I just say what an amazing person you are for realizing and then changing your actions!

[@ExistWithMeASMR]

The whole Esa thing is a real problem in my city. They buy service dog jackets and throw huge fits but they are not trained as a service animal is.

[@lizthecontentcreator]

I feel that if you acknowledge the behavior, make the change & educate others as to why those actions are not the correct ones you're doing the right thing.

[@MandieZangora]

SAME!!!! I now have a service dog in training who better reflects and mitigates my illnesses and disabilities and try to raise awareness of the difference between the two and how to properly use train and advocate for either 🥰

[@alyssajohnson5668]

it’s so incredible that u recognized your behavior was wrong and ur so mature for changing❤️ thank you

[@ellawachtel66]

Imagine you needed a wheelchair to get around and you went to a restaurant and they said you can come in but you have to leave the wheelchair outside

[@RosheenQuynh]

I hardcore cringed at that

[@tjeanvlogs9894]

Has actually happened to me. Didn't want my wheels to ruin the carpet.

[@RosheenQuynh]

@@tjeanvlogs9894 God, ableists are horrible...

[@hayley6110]

A cat cafe in Toronto told a young disabled man that he couldn't bring his wheelchair inside because he'd hurt the cats. This was in the last 3 years or so, I think.

[@MylifewithM.E.]

I have actually had this happen to me at a wedding! And the venue was asked specifically if wheelchair users were welcome. It was so embarrassing, so I left, the bride was very upset and wanted to leave too, bless her..

[@gabbytheartfriend]

I haven’t experienced guide dog discrimination (as I’m not at all blind) but I have definitely been discriminated against because of my wheelchair. I’ve had teachers berate me for being late to class-which was legally written into a contract the school entered into willingly to give me a grace period due to the extreme difficulty in navigating a large campus in a wheelchair. I’ve also been forced by another teacher (this time in college) to go to a field trip for which there was no usable entrance for me. I still had to find a way to get into parts of the trip, or be penalized because the doorway was not only too narrow, but also had three cramped stairs to climb in order to get in. The other entrances actually forced me to enter through another museum, through a dumpster ramp, in order to get into my own school trip that was mandatory or else I’d fail my class. I’ve been demeaned, told they cannot help or serve me, been made repeatedly unsafe, and even discriminated against by paramedics who failed to listen to the nature of my illness and caused me extreme pain, even twice kicking me and punching me once in the head while helpless on the floor. These things made me feel the same way you describe here, and the only people who stood up for me were my family members. Even then, I was often forced to made difficult or painful exceptions. I have been treated horribly and there’s no rhyme or reason for it, but one thing you can always know, Molly, is that it’s got nothing to do with you and everything to do with the people who have done wrong. Those people are the ones at fault, every time. You have nothing to be sorry for, and I’m sorry anyone made you feel like you did, even for a second.

[@stephanievance6472]

People can say and do some really dumb things out of ignorance, not necessarily malice, because they've never been in that situation before and they simply dont have a clue. Thank you for educating all those who need it. May we all be kinder to one another.

[@thegreatsalad]

I'm so sorry you've been through so much 😔💙💙💙

[@VictoriaLehr]

♥♥♥♥ As many others have said, I'm SO sorry to hear you've been treated horribly by disgusting people!! What I don't understand is, the teachers definitly had NO right to FORCE you to do something. That should have been taken up with higher-ups at the school, or even brought up to your town council. I'm pretty sure that's 1000% illegal to do what they did, and you could have fought that and brought them down and got them in some serious trouble.

[@vickimainard6048]

Wow it is total BS that you had to go through all that. I work in a busy supermarket and always take the time to help people in wheelchairs it not that hard to give people a hand. Hand their receipt down to them and any change if they paying with cash, and make sure the bags are where you can get them comfortably. I will even go as far as putting their shopping bags in a basket or backpack that they have. How hard it is to offer help?

[@corneliastreet2491]

People talk about civil rights and emotional and mental hurdles and injustices (as they absolutely should), but instances of serious increased physical violence towards people with disabilities are unfortunately all too common and simply brushed away and excused as ignorance without taking any measures to educate. I am terribly sorry to you on many levels, and unfortunately I do feel your pain. There was a period in my life where I was regularly a part time wheelchair user (now I get by with only my cane most of the time) and experienced similar things in addition to people physically assaulting me, taking my chair, kicking my legs, etc, to “prove I could feel” and that I was thus faking my need for a mobility aid.

[@hannahcantrell430]

I have ADHD, anxiety, and panic attacks. I received accommodations throughout school and college and now that I am an adult, I have faced multiple work places which are unwilling to accommodate me even with my doctor speaking on my behalf and providing documentation from school about accommodations. I was told at my last employee review meeting that “despite my little hiccup, I’ve been doing great” they were referring to me advocating for myself to get accommodations…. I don’t look or seem disabled… so they write me off very easily. Listening to your story today Molly, I am so upset…. You better believe if I am ever there and witness something like that that I will speak up 100%!!! It is NOT ok

[@ecueto395]

I was just fired for my Fibromyalgia, ADHD, GAD, and cPSTD. I was told that it was “too much” for them, even though I had always preformed my job duties well. I struggled with getting harassed and bullied there and kept asking for help from my boss and she kept refusing. My boss was also one of the people gossiping about me behind my back and complaining about my disabilities.. I don’t really want to try to find a new job because I’m terrified that it’s going to happen again. Idk what to do at this point… I want to work, but I don’t want to be discriminated against, bullied, and harassed by my employer and coworkers.

[@MegaCutegirl1994]

I suffer from extreme anxiety all my life one day i over slept and missed work I was too scared and embarrassed to call them and when they called..I didn’t pick up. So to them it’s like I quit out the blue so it was hard finding another job because “seems like you never stay at your job for long” on another note I have this learning disability where I cannot comprehend what is being told to me I have to be shown or else I’ll get it wrong once I explained that my boss continued to only tell me what to do then fired me because “I just wasn’t getting it” people who don’t look disabled but suffer from anxiety and ADHD and depression are written off all the time

[@PonderingStudent]

@@ecueto395 See a lawyer. Idk what country you are in, but in most western countries this is HIGHLY illegal and if you can prove what happened you have a good case for a lawsuit and compensation. It might also be worth searching for a disability rights organisation that covers your country/disability as well and getting in contact - they might have advice about what to do, both as regards to your old employer and how to go about looking for new jobs and advocating for any adjustments you need with employers.

[@dakotamabry1645]

Its hard to prove it's more hidden , I have been discriminated against for being female and have been sexually harassed. I also went through mental break down - your boss will never care . If they have to baby sit you and make sure your not going through a break down every day you are deemed useless. Having one in a blue moon where it's ok you just need a moment or need to be sent home .. just handle your self . I know that working out regularly and eating healthy, setting a schedule and make sure I get plenty of sleep . Just the basics will make a big impact , if the job makes you so stressed out your breaking down more often .. leave that job as someone who has had to handle it by myself it makes me sick when people feel they use their illness as an excuse, but that's because If I was force to deal with it then every one else has to as well

[@theravenscatalyst]

Ugh! I know what you mean.. told an employer that I have PTSD, I informed them before they hired me, and the manager started sexually harassing me! Employer literally blew it off and when I brought it up that they were informed on day one, manager was like “I don’t know what that is, probably something you dreamt up”, and started trying to trigger me!! They also said except for your little hiccup.. it’s just absolute bs! Just a way for them to try to scapegoat any accountability. And since I reported the harassment, I have been getting targeted by other coworkers, my life being threatened, my service dog being threatened, and when I called the police.. they lied to the police and the cop told me that they said I was doing what I claimed they were doing and that they couldn’t do anything!

[@paigeh.9208]

I honestly started crying when you described the man breaking into your hotel room and the bartender stories. There just aren’t enough words to describe how appalling they are and I can only imagine the fear you must have felt. I’m disgusted that NO ONE stood up for you. I would have been the first person to run up and defend you or any other person being discriminated against, and if I ever see it happening I 100% will. Thank you so much, Molly, for sharing your experiences, so that hopefully people can learn through them.

[@LadyAurian]

I think that is one of the most important things to take away from this video. To stand up and stand with the person if you encounter this sort of thing in real life. To get more comfortable being an ally.

[@alizarehman1790]

@@LadyAurian this video should be aimed at those people who love to discriminate as people with disabilities and especially those who have service animals for example shopkeepers waiters or even those at the airport you should open your ears up and listen because it’s disgusting what happens

[@woefulmelancholy]

I'm sharing this with my partner. We got in a pretty heated discussion a few days ago, particularly about service dogs in Ubers because he's an Uber driver and thinks I should just order an UberPet to avoid discrimination or to just get a regular taxicab. I understand that Uber drivers use their own personal vehicles and don't expect to have a dog in the car but that’s what can happen if their job is to give rides to random people...some of us are going to be service dog handlers. Uber drivers don't have to be Uber drivers but I can't just stop being disabled or needing my medical equipment, even if it has fur

[@Chelseabee55]

If they care that much about the car, carry a little lint brush and clean the floor after the service animal has left the car, or get a different job. Uber drivers need to know that they can’t discriminate against a person just because it’s their vehicle, which the guide dog user is paying to use

[@woefulmelancholy]

@@Chelseabee55 I agree lol I even bring a blanket for my SD to lay down on but I still have issues with drivers

[@tjeanvlogs9894]

I am always clear that I have a wheelchair be and a service dog. I tip well to those who treat me well. Word has gotten around.

[@beatm6948]

im thinking that maybe they should have a function for the normal ones, because service animals arent just pets, so they should be allowed to use normal ones, just in case ppl have severe allergies. That could bring up the issue though of people purposefully saying they are allergic to discriminate.

[@woefulmelancholy]

@@beatm6948 I agree, plus UberPet cost more which is an issue because service dog handlers aren't meant to pay "pet fees"

[@whitcassie]

I don't even see why or how people would twist her words and say she's "comparing a dog to people". Those are probably the same people who discriminate against disabled people and/or use fake service dogs. How disgusting. People have no empathy or even sympathy.

[@sarahkwast1250]

Wow! I was told by a medical center, a little while ago, that my service dogs were not allowed in the patient rooms with me. It took three weeks, and threatening to get a lawyer, for them to add a note to my chart allowing my dogs to be with me wherever I go. My main argument was that my dogs have never been kept away from me at my usual medical center. Then today happens. Some random doctor was in the office, of that same medical center that never refuses my service dogs, last time I had an appointment. Because he is part of the 'Safety team' he is requiring me to bring documentation that my dogs are real service dogs before they can go past the waiting room. I have an appointment tomorrow but, if the office hasn't gotten the OK from the legal department, I will not be allowed to have my dogs with me in the room. I am bringing them 8 pages of the Service Dog FAQ directly from the ADA website, as well as calling the ADA myself if they do not accept the 'documentation' I am bringing them. My husband has decided that, if I miss my appointment because of this, we will contact a lawyer as soon as we leave the office. Service dogs are supposed to make life easier, not cause more stress! MY UPDATE IS IN THE COMMENTS OF THIS POST

[@sarahkwast1250]

Update: The office manager of my doctors office worked through her lunch to get this issue resolved. She called me to ask what tasks my service dogs performed and if they were professionally trained. She took very clear notes and sent them to the legal department. I told her he, the person from legal, could find all his answers on the ADA website's Service Dog FAQ. Apparently he did finally look it up because, when we got to the office for my appointment, he had found what he believed to be a loophole he could use against me. I was told that if my dogs growled or barked and scared a staff member the dogs would be required to leave. I explained that I could only be asked to leave if I didn't immediately address the dog and stop the growling or barking. I also explained that I could not be held accountable for my dogs barking in greeting when a staff member they know comes to say hi. Some staff members were very active in the extreme socialization of my newest dog and have watched her grow up, through my many appointments in the office, for her entire year and a half of life. Eventually we came to an agreement that I would ask anyone I came in contact with in the office if they are scared of dogs. If they are I would tell them not to look at or address the dogs in any way so they don't bark. Even though I shouldn't be the one educating the staff on service dog etiquette. Needless to say my stress level was very high during the appointment, but my dogs were with me the entire time. I even had one of my dogs on task, preventing a panic attack for some crazy reason 🙄, the entire time I was there. The doctor asked me to put her in the stroller with my other dog but relented, rather reluctantly at first, when I explained she was doing her job and had to remain where she was. I hope future appointments go better. Either way I am going to talk to the ombudsman at both medical centers, in person, about Service Dog rights and the laws that protect them. I refuse to be responsible for educating their staff whenever an issue arises!

[@lilmeowmeow6784]

Omg Molly, thank you for talking about this!! I just had to FIGHT a hotel to allow my service dog to accompany me, and they STILL wanted to make me pay for her to be there. I ended up going to another hotel, who also tried to tell me no, until another employee stood up for me. It was the first time I had to fight for my rights, and it was not easy. I was shaking, and I cried afterwards.

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

I'm so sorry you had to face this.

[@lilmeowmeow6784]

@@MollyBurkeOfficial Thank you Molly. I appreciate it very much. It scares me going forward in the future, but I'm not going to let them push me around either. I know my rights. And I loved the way you put it - Discrimination is discrimination. Period

[@suzanneriding3237]

I know for me, as a service dog user in the US, it helped to have a medical recommendation letter from my medical service provider that explicitly states my disability and accommodation requirement including citations from the ADA and other similar legislation. As an example, for my service dog's travel letter, along with a statement of disability it also states: "When travelling by air, Ms. Riding needs this service animal during the flight and at her destination. Please allow her to be accompanied by her service animal in the cabin of the aircraft, in accordance with the Air Carrier Access Act 49 U.S.C. 41705 and Dept. of Transportation 14 C.F.R. Part 382." I have a similar letter for hotels and another for other housing. These three letters, along with my original medical recommendation letter which all have citations to allow access in their conclusions, have lessened the personal burden for advocacy that I've had to face. I did have to grapple with allowing strangers to learn my diagnosis of disability but that emotional burden was lessened when I realized that as a service dog user, much like a wheelchair user, my disability is visible. So now I've decided to lean in... I'm a member of the visible disability community. At least I have a voice and by travelling through the world with citations in hand, every time I teach a member of the public what the access requirements are I make it easier for the next service dog user to access the space and receive respectful service. If you can, speak with your medical service provider about the way in which they've been trained to write their medical recommendations for service dog use as a medical device. They may want to update their training to include current legal citations to help protect their patients from discrimination. In the US, in general, places that serve the public like restaurants or movie theatres cannot ask for any type of certification or paperwork, but, there are exceptions. Employers, air travel, and places that provide housing can all ask for an appropriate medical recommendation for your service animal. I has helped me to have the well written letters on standby for when I move through the world. If you live in the US the general citation for places that serve the public would be The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 Title III Subpart B § 36.201a General. (a) Prohibition of discrimination. No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any private entity who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation. www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm#a201 I hope this helps! Cheers!

[@rachelleczeczko9076]

@@suzanneriding3237 very helpful information, we have been very lucky, and have only been questioned twice,once at our local costco, a new guy, and once when we landed in Mexico, an official there wanted us to carry our German shepherd because an animal was not allowed to touch the floor of the airport, my husband ignored him and kept walking, I followed and nothing happened, but trying to explain got us nowhere, our dog came out of the cabin like all the other passengers, but still no common sense from the security guard

[@suzanneriding3237]

@@rachelleczeczko9076 Odd... don't they use sniffer dogs for contraband alerts? A working dog is no animal. Ugh, I'm glad you kept walking :) I don't know the laws in Mexico and airlines have legal exceptions in all the countries I've visited but I've never come across someone who wanted me to pick up my dog. Would you ask a wheelchair user to pick up their wheelchair? It doesn't make sense. Cheers!

[@kallaproctor4838]

My work had a guide dog come into the restaurant the other week and initially one of my owners was saying how we can’t have them in here until I stated that it is illegal to say no as they had the correct paperwork and I finally got to see it and stand up for them x so sad people still struggle with this

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

Thank you for standing up to your boss and doing what's right.

[@AngelOrtiz-fm1ln]

Which law can I reference to if I EVER see this discrimination? I DEFINITELY WILL be speaking up until the rights are granted and offer my company to the guide dog user if they want it so that I can make sure that they are comforted and having a good time. I will never let this discrimination happen under my watch.

[@alexalove6243]

there is no paperwork for service or guide dogs though...

[@alexalove6243]

@@AngelOrtiz-fm1ln the ADA

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

@@alexalove6243 I believe in some countries there is

[@tyberiousmcelvogue8396]

I work at a grocery store and we are not even supposed to ask if it's a service animal we are told to pretend it doesnt even exist and honestly even if it's not a support/guide animal I'd rather they brought them inside then leave them in a hot car I'm sorry you have to go through this

[@GeeklingNo1]

Yeah unless that animal is actively hurting people or barking there should be no reason for them to be told to leave.

[@707Bubby]

@@GeeklingNo1 well its usually against health code to bring in animals to a lot of places, I have a family friend that uses a guide dog and I understand the importance of it for him, but I know for people who maybe dont know/have never come into contact with someone using a guide dog, they may be thinking of it more so as just an animal/pet, and if they were to allow pets/animals into certain spaces, that can get places shut down by the health department and so people I think are generally just trying not to get in trouble

[@GeeklingNo1]

@@707Bubby I understand that but if you run a business you need to know the laws about it. It’s far more likely for them to be a service dog than not

[@bladeofSteele]

@@nova-xw1vf In small towns it's the same story.

[@iwannavomit]

I too work in a grocery store and we can’t ask. Not that I would anyway because it’s not my business. But I do get customers complaining that there’s a dog in the store. I tell them that service dogs are allowed in the store.

[@isabelgannon]

I just made a post about this on Instagram a couple of days ago and got a ton of backlash for asking people to not bring their pets and ESAs into places like stores and restaurants. It’s so frustrating that people don’t understand such basic laws. And what’s even more frustrating is because of the number of fake SDs with “registration” cards and paperwork in the US, real SD teams are being denied entry because they don’t have fake paperwork. Ugh!!

[@cutiiedew]

My own dermatologist kicked my service dog out when I had an appointment recently! (That is illegal) My mother had to stand OUTSIDE the office with him while I nearly fainted in my appointment because I didn't have me dog with me ! She was also extremely rude the entire appointment because i needed a service dog. We need our dogs to function, its sick we still have to fight for our rights!!

[@daynabailen4331]

Please please please report this doctor.

[@isawthesign4421]

I would report her

[@rachelmorgannn]

I would also leave a google review so others know this happens. Of all people, doctors should understand service dog laws.

[@brittssleepsaround]

My doctors office told me to leave my dog at home because there's no room, but I could bring an "assistance human" How does that make sense? I canceled the appointment.

[@FukaiKokoro]

Is someone at the office severely allergic to dogs? Maybe that’s why?

[@brittssleepsaround]

@@FukaiKokoro no, they told me to leave her at home exclusively due to space.

[@brittssleepsaround]

@@FukaiKokoro I called to say I was confirming my appointment and to make them aware I have an SD. She said its too small to bring a dog.

[@becca6061]

@@brittssleepsaround How horrible! Last I checked most humans are larger than most dogs… so their argument holds no water.

[@brittssleepsaround]

@@becca6061 you're absolutely right! I said the same thing. My dog is also only 36lbs lol. My "assistance husband" is 190lbs lol.

[@cgoiq19]

I can’t imagine how horrified I would be if I woke up to a man breaking into my hotel room where I’m sleeping alone. The discrimination you’re speaking of-having your space violated, being denied access to restaurants and facilities-is something many other marginalized groups, people of color in particular, have been subjected to as well. It is something that wears at your soul and weighs heavy on your shoulders. Thank you for sharing this.

[@magnolia31611]

I was checking out at Target recently, and my 2 year old son was ready to go, and starting to get very fussy. Suddenly this very sweet lady walks into our lane, and had her service dog with her. She knew I was trying very hard to keep my son settled, but he really wasn’t having it. She then says to him, hey, look sweetheart, look at my dog. That instantly settled him, he smiled, and waved at them. In that moment I was so incredibly grateful for her for her kindness to me, and my son. To know that she most likely receives discrimination because of her dog makes me so upset. I’m so so sorry that you’ve experienced this kind of discrimination, you’re right, it’s not okay! I pledge to be aware, and if I see something like this, to not stand idly by and just let it happen. Sending you love, and light❤️

[@Palitato]

I'm a cashier and whenever I see babies or little ones fussing I always try and go over and distract them out of it for as long as it takes the parents to finish their transactions. I'm always like "Oh hi fussy baby! Hi, yes, I'm a distraction aren't I?! Look how distracting I am!" xD

[@aphroditeheart]

I don't have enough fingers and toes to count on how much I've been discriminated against as an ambulatory wheelchair user. I can't afford a wheelchair but my joint issues are so bad that a cane is only for the medium days. My hips and knees are in constant pain and sublux often. Being a cosplayer adds another level to this because I'll have my disabled convention pass. I'll be IN a wheelchair. And if I dare to stand up if someone say, asks for a photo because they like my cosplay, or I stand and walk over to pose for a photoshoot, or I stand to reach merchandise. I get the absolute dirtiest looks and sometimes I've gotten demeaned for "faking a disability" I've gotten yelled at, I've had ubers turn me away. And it makes absolutely no sense. It doesn't matter if I get stuck in a pose I took for a horde of photos from a bunch of people and ask someone else to help me stand because I don't have the strength or tools to stand back up with. I'll get dirty looks from people that don't understand disabilities. I have a friend who is blind like you, Molly, and she cosplayed with me a bunch before and her guide dog would be instructed to stay next to my chair while I guided her over to the "stage" we pose at. She got dirty looks too. She got told she was faking too. And she literally was just having fun and being perfectly normal spending time with me because she wanted to experience it. She has been told she's faking because bigots think blind people can't possibly like cosplay, streetwear, anime, or anything that you "see" I'm allergic to dogs, and this kind woman I've spent so much time with was SO utterly understanding that she made sure her guide dog didn't touch me and she even gave me allergy meds so I could spend time with her. Someone so incredibly sparkly and kind in personality just wants to have fun and people just tell her she's faking for attention. The world needs a MAJOR overhaul in manners. None of us want to be required to use tools just to feel independent and be able to be ourselves. We just want acceptance. Yelling at us and treating us like garbage on the bottom of their shoes is absolutely reprehensible behavior and yet so many people do exactly what you said. They stay silent and just watch. I never will and I HOPE beyond hope that people will stop being silent without having to FACE the discrimination themselves to give them a wake up call. I'll also say, most conventions I've gone to are supremely inaccessible. Waiting 20 minutes for someone to just let me use the elevator because they didn't wanna use the escalators isn't fair when able-bodied people pour in leaving no room for me or other wheelchair users. I've sat waiting next to another wheelchair user before and she said that it's normal for her. The disability accommodation rooms are often floors away and between rooms and hard to spot when they should always be right by the registration. And schools and universities aren't often accessible either.

[@isabellefaguy7351]

Non-disabled people don't know much about disability and surely not about more "subtle" stuff such as ambulatory wheelchair users... To them, you're either disabled or non-disabled... I face that so often because some days I can speak and others I can't and people won't believe me. Too subtle for their all or nothing minds.

[@aphroditeheart]

@@isabellefaguy7351 being able to walk sometimes is not subtle. Being stuck in position as two cosplayers have to lift you is not subtle. Disability is disability. If they can understand turrets, adhd, autism, heart conditions, cancer, diabetes, and so many other issues, they should understand "hey my joints don't work just like your grandmother who says she has arthritis" We see disability every single day and in many family members. Concussions, arthritis, glasses, canes, ace bandages, sports injuries. They're so common and limit movement or ability without corrective gear and yet you claim able bodied people can't tell the difference between disabilities. Do not make excuses for them because the disabled community does not deserve that wishy-washy nonsense.

[@Vesper_Eveningstar]

This is the kind of thing we need taught in school! Laws, and human rights. Not just Math and History. Most of what we learn in school we never use!

[@johnstrthr012271]

I agree with you 💯💯

[@bunny_0288]

The only thing I can think of is that you start filming these interactions with people. I know that's terrible, but if they are going to scream at you, it's only right that you record it so you have the option of pursuing legal action or showing the owner of the establishment. And as someone with anxiety, that gives me a stomach ache, but I truly believe companies getting sued or even just threatened with lawsuits is the only way for this type of discrimination to stop. Money is what makes the world go round. If all else fails, blast them on social media with the video. I know that sounds awful, but I don't see any other way.

[@washambiswimp714]

I don't know the laws everywhere but many states are a two party consent to recording and recording someone without their express permission is a criminal offense. I have no idea what the laws in Canada or other nations are but that's something to be careful and know the law before you do something like that

[@bunny_0288]

@@washambiswimp714 I don't know the exact laws either, but I thought if it was in public, filming is fair game, but definitely check local laws to make sure.

[@juliek5094]

@@washambiswimp714 If you are being discriminated against and federal laws are being broken you have every right to record the illegal interaction. Even on private property. If that property runs a business that allows for public access you are protected to record evidence of criminal discrimination even if that business owner or employee ask you to stop recording. They are the ones breaking the law.

[@tarynriver]

@@washambiswimp714 wouldn’t it be fine 1 cause they’re breaking the law and discriminating against her but 2 if she blurred their face

[@sarahkwast1250]

I believe the simplist solution is to take the responsibility of education on service dog laws and accomodations off of the shoulders of the disabled persons who use them. That responsibility needs to be on the shoulders of employers! ALL business owners in EVERY field need to include service dog law and accommodation in their training classes.

[@bladeofSteele]

I wish. I'm just about to start my final year of college with a business major, and laws like these haven't so much as been mentioned in ANY class. As a hopeful future owner of a business that accommodates everybody, I need to know this stuff. I spend tens of thousands on education, but I have to research these things on my own time!

[@sarahkwast1250]

@@bladeofSteele Maybe you could bring the subject up with your professors. It may not get the information to everyone, but it could mean at least one more class full of future business owners who know service dog law.

[@julil.werner7543]

Agreed!

[@bladeofSteele]

@@sarahkwast1250 I'll be honest, I try and add to the education of my peers in my classes when I can. It's probably cringey to be that student, but I feel deeply that it's my responsibility to share helpful topics or corrections for their good and their future employees/customers. Of course, I only do so when it's appropriate timing and topic.

[@sarahkwast1250]

@@bladeofSteele I don't know how your classes are structured, but my classes often had an "any questions?" moment at the end of the lesson. That is honestly all I was thinking of when I made the suggestion. I thought that could be a good opportunity to ask about service dog laws, without disrupting the lesson itself. I would never, personally, ask anyone to interrupt a class with an off topic question. If you can find a way to ask, that seems right to you, then you will open the professor's eyes to a possible gap in the information being passed on. Maybe even staying back and mentioning the issue to the professor after class would work. I am not trying to pressure you in any way. I am just giving you possible ways to bring the subject up, if you choose to do so.

[@isabellefaguy7351]

I can't believe other disabled people have been mean to you. I'm not a service dog user, nor blind. I'm autistic and I have to be accompanied (by a human) in several places. This is also a legal right where I live and since covid started, I've had to fight for that right a lot and also have been told the "we'll make an exeption...". So I can only imagine what it is for you to be fighting for your right for 15 years. :-(

[@marinapowell8903]

I’m autistic too and it was a bit of a shock as to how close to home this video hit. While our experience and reality is different, the pain and dehumanisation we feel is the same. I’m so sorry you had to go though what you went through, that must’ve been awful.

[@GeeklingNo1]

Covid has really made it acceptable to take away basic accommodations for disability under the idea that all disabled people are at risk. I can’t stand up for long periods of time and when I went to the mall not only was the wheelchair rental closed but they had removed ALL THE SEATING so I literally had to sit on the floor while my family had fun shopping.

[@tina4292]

My husband has a traumatic brain injury and struggles with decision making, memory and many more things and I have had to stand up for his rights so many times when going to Drs offices during the pandemic. I get told "we'll make an exception" and it's so frustrating. I also on top of that am a service dog handler and so two disabled people going into a place together trying to fight for our rights... its awful.

[@bridgetcooney5085]

@@tina4292 thank you for being strong. Strong for yourself, and strong for your husband. I can't imagine. But I know a little something because my brother is going through brain cancer, glioblastoma to be specific, and after several brain surgeries, he relies heavily on our mother to get through doctor's appointments. He just can't take in all the info, or even always accurately relay his symptoms and experience, she keeps track of everything. And it's been a real struggle for them with covid restrictions.

[@GemzaStar09]

I too have had this issue through Covid when a lot of stores had a 1 person only rule. I can't go out the house by myself or I have anxiety attacks. Got told by one store that my friend (whom was nice enough to come help me with my shopping) looked like just a friend instead of a carer that day. After a good few minutes of explaining to them my disabilities they decided to let me and my friend in, but they didn't look happy to do so. Also had a different incident with a different store who told me i'd have to wait until 2 customers left at the same time for me and my friend to be allowed to enter as they had a rule on how many people were allowed in the store at once, we were stood at the side for a good 10 mins while other people were allowed to enter one by one, we literally had to wait for 2 people to leave at the same time.

[@christinaauer1563]

I’d like to know what these companies are in order to make sure I NEVER support them. This is INFURIATING

[@Jgepson]

Just what I was going to say! Molly, so sorry this happens to you. I wonder if it would help if you called out the companies. Better training is needed for these places for sure.

[@isabelgannon]

Unfortunately, there are more companies that treat us like this than ones that are accessible. Speaking from my own experience, i praise the bare minimum because it’s so unusual to be treated well.

[@BellaWittrup_Music]

When I was 13, I was in a restaurant, and there was this blind woman getting yelled at by the manager. I was getting super upset that no one was doing anything. My family was telling me to leave it, and that no one was going to listen to a 13 year old girl. Eventually, after about four minutes of being told I was going to be useless and having to listen to the yelling of a woman just fighting for her rights, I had enough. I got up and walked over to the man and started defending the girl, telling him that it wasn’t a dog he was forbidding to be in the restaurant, it was the woman. I believe my exact words were “You stand here yelling at this woman because of her dog, but the animal isn’t costing you anything. You’re yelling at this woman because you believe she’s less of a person than you are.” And the manager was speechless. After I stood there for about thirty seconds staring at him to prove to him I wasn’t backing down, he turned around and left the woman alone. Then, after long enough to prove her point, the blind woman and her sister that was there with her left the restaurant. All I got was a grateful smile from the sister, but it was worth it to me. I still wish there was more I could’ve done, and I can only wonder where she is now.

[@Janni214]

I think it's more powerful when a kid stands up like that. I think that has to be so embarrassing to that person that a kid had to put them in their place. A kid knows what's right and wrong, but they don't. Good on you!

[@QueenFiend]

I'm so sorry. I used to have a friend who would lie about her dogs being service dogs and had fake identification and everything.... We aren't friends anymore. That's always bothered me so much. Why don't people understand this? I'm not blind but I can imagine the trauma it would cause to have your trained service attacked by a fake one.

[@layla4294]

I am so sorry that people with service animals have to deal with this It is terrible and should never happen! Sending love and hope this stops soon ❤ and all forms of discrimination needs to be stop!

[@juliarunn5009]

I work in the service industry, and I never received any training to help those with disabilities. It’s ridiculous. Having a disability myself and doing research in other disabilities has helped me, but the service industry NEEDS training on how to accommodate those with disabilities. That would probably solve a lot of issues, some of those stories Molly had brought me to tears 🥺😞

[@snakesrule7067]

It probably won’t completely stop but hopefully the number of times it happens goes down. Sending my wishes that it gets better! ❤️

[@Lsaldana92]

What is worst is when people who abuse the rules. I have seen people openly not follow the rules about service animals and bring in pets. I work in service and often we are are not allowed to ask questions about the service animal. Places I work will not allow us to ask questions until the animal shows us it is not a service animal. The fact that Molly has this type of discrimination with a service dog in a harness is disgusting.

[@skyler3785]

@@Lsaldana92 If you live in America you’re legally allowed to ask two questions. Is that a service dog for disability? And what task does it do??? I’m not sure where you live so the law might be different but those are the laws direct from the American disability act.

[@Lsaldana92]

@@skyler3785 try big box stores were they tell you not to ask unless they show us not a service animal.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Hey Molly. Fellow service dog user here who is a world traveller and goes everywhere with my mobility tool. Thank you for this video. I think what you said is incredibly well said. While it's not comforting to hear, I also experience almost constant issues of discrimination with my guide dog. From Ubers, to hotels, to even planes I've had every possible permutation of discrimination and access denial imaginable. I think the best we can do at the moment is to keep talking, let people know we exist and why this is important. We keep trying to advocate change through governmental policy and laws, we educate police and those who are meant to protect our rights, and most importantly we share our experiences with the world because while I don't think we can ever eradicate discrimination having others who you may not know come to your defence can make all the difference

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Hey Ciara it’s me Jordan usually you would find me at your videos but I have found you and I am on your side because I think it’s disgusting and I will fight against us to think it is right to deny someone with a guide dog access to mobility access to services and access to please just a date to serve I am on your side my friend for a blind person and all

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

You can come over to my child the plywood and give your opinions when ever you want sky is your day my friend and stay safe

[@maskedsim8664]

I wish you'd get with 'what would you do' and make an episode out of this.

[@ljcl1859]

I was thinking the same.

[@gabriellegeorge2648]

They did an episode with a customer being denied service because of his service dog: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJimdnR9mdyZma8 There's a different from a long time ago that's not on their official channel but I found a re-upload: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp2Tp2R7n7Gdm80 I agree they should do another episode around this topic, though, since this type of discrimination is still prevalent. Many people are uneducated about the rights of disabled people and use the same lines that the WWYD actors used. I'd like an episode with a driver from a taxi or ride-sharing service discriminating against a customer because of their service dog.

[@rawritsataco]

I almost cried seeing Molly need confirmation from a sighted person like her experience wasn't enough for this storytime.

[@SkyArrow24]

I've had a few friends and seen coworkers talk about getting their pets certified as "service dogs" just so they didnt have to pay to have their dog at their apartment or to have a pet where it wasnt usually allowed and I've had to tell them how wrong it is to do that and how much it hurts people that need to have service dogs. Fortunately I haven't seen any time that a service dog user has been denied from something personally, but I do know that it does happen. I've shown those friends your videos about service dogs and I will for sure be sharing this one as much as I can. This needs to be talked about and needs to be changed. NO ONE should be treated this way

[@sgreen11379]

fake service dog make it harder for the rest

[@shinadevon4464]

I am heartbroken to hear that you have faced so much discrimination in service. I worked in the same restaurant for seven years and we had SO many service dogs come through and no one ever blinked. We were trained to just show them to any table. And every time without fail the dog knew exactly what to do. It’s just crazy because it’s literally that easy.

[@aranavenger]

I'm glad that at least some places do the right thing. Now we just have to get all places to do the right thing.

[@kyaevus4850]

I think, that in the US specifically, as thats where I am, we need to educate. Educate, educate, educate. Make service animal training for employees mandatory. Let them know their rights, and ours!! Spreading the word anyway you can, by talking, dueting, sharing, retweeting, quoteing. The same way we reduce any other kind of discrimination. Education and listening.

[@Weasleykins]

I have a Non-verbal learning disability and have been yelled at for having a disability at a passport office. I was scared and so thankful that my Mum was with me. So I do understand to some decree what you felt in that moment when you were discriminated against.

[@montanasandoval8836]

As a Latina woman who has faced discrimination and judgment everyday of my life I pledge to stand up for any visually impaired/blind people who face this because of their vital mobility aid. Anyone who has experienced this or live in fear of this I feel immense empathy for you all. Stay strong and we will make a better world TOGETHER!!!

[@tjeanvlogs9894]

Can you do the same for all service dog teams?

[@titanbuck7]

Those who discriminate against Latina women...have no taste. They are absolutely some of the most amazing ppl I have had the chance to know. And fun, too.

[@alexmorrisonwx3345]

This brings me to tears and I don't even have a service dog. Discrimination is discrimination and it's devastating to see. "Our struggles are different, but our hurt is the same" truly says it all.

[@classycashew]

If I had been in that bar I would’ve started flipping tables over and raising hell. My dad has RP and has dealt with all of the same hurt and to see how it has affected him as a person..he’s lost all faith in humanity because of how he’s been treated. Thank you for all you do, thank you for your voice.

[@halli2196]

It’s so hard to hear that this is going on in the world…thank you for educating me and everyone who usually would never hear about these issues. I’ve never witnessed anyone face this type of discrimination before, but if I do, I will stand up for them and hopefully other able bodied people who have seen your video will feel inspired to do the same.

[@friends7891]

im getting my first service dog in august and this honestly terrifies me.

[@SugaMoo]

I hope all goes well!

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

Sending you love

[@calliopeblue2303]

We wish you luck

[@cleosworld9096]

Oh sweety good luck

[@lilmeowmeow6784]

Best of luck to you and your journey. Know your rights. And know the laws. I have them saved on my phone.

[@11111bvr91893]

Oh Molly, as a POC, and a member of the LGBTQ plus community, and a blind member of the disability community, along with other disabilities as well. I say, I stand with Guy dog users. #IAmWithThem.

[@rainyraelyn9649]

I have an ESA animal and I'd be literally lost without her. I could not get through my ptsd nor my sleep paralysis without her help. She is my rock and having her as an Esa saved my life. I hate when people miss use them but I don't and don't and for those who don't it is simple sad.

[@MsJESSicaALLison]

Watching this breaks my heart! Reminds me of two years ago being in Nashville on Broadway in my wheelchair and multiple bars denying me and my group to come in because of the wheelchair and “not enough room for me” but let groups in right behind me. Felt so awful, but found a bar willing to do whatever they could to make accommodations!

[@23cecilia]

I work in a grocery store in the US and the amount of times I see people try to bring in their dogs that are clearly not service dogs is unbelievable. I think that’s what causes the problem for actual service dogs users. Business and locations that don’t allow service dogs in should be reported and blasted all over so it doesn’t continue. Service dogs are clearly identifiable from pet dogs. They behave differently when working and a person with half a brain can tell the difference.

[@arwynnnnn]

I see people in stores with service animals and people give them LOOKS when their animal is near them and it’s so annoying and you can tell they are irritated by them thinking it’s a pet 😐

[@layla4294]

I have young siblings and we see service animals when we go out and they always want to stare and talk to them and pet them but I have told them that it's not okay.

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

I love when people are irritated by MY disability... I promise my disability impacts my life more than it does yours, ma'am.

[@juliarunn5009]

@@MollyBurkeOfficial seriously though!! Like, I’m sorry I have to ask you to accommodate me but I’m the one that has to live with it??? Ppl getting irritated with accommodations get on my NERVES 😠. Thank you so much for speaking up for the disabled community!

[@harveyabel1354]

Just idiots displaying their lack of education.

[@FukaiKokoro]

I’ve seen so many people with fake service dogs. Barking, acting out and misbehaving. Like obviously not a service animal. It’s a huge problem because it dose a huge disservice to actual service animals.

[@angelalee7012]

What about engaging with review apps such as Yelp for an expansion of the "Features"-style filter for venues to include an "Accessibility" group of labels. Yelp already has "Wheelchair accessible" as a filter, but it would be excellent if they expanded it to include options such as "Low Stimulus" etc. Granted, there's no point in a filter for "Service Dogs Accepted," because DUH, that's the law, but it would then feed into incorporating accessibility options into the review templates (eg: reviews could then be given a toggle where people can tick whether the above filters are actually accurate and whether or not the business was accommodating as legally required). It would have a three-fold effect: one, businesses are motivated to achieve good reviews, the additional filters might spark curiosity in the businesses to investigate what they are and what they mean (so they can go and get educated), and disabled folk can report good and bad experiences, filter out, mark and avoid places that refuse to do their bare legal minimum (not everyone wants to fight, and sometimes you just want a meal without an argument).

[@KatlynJShute]

Let’s get a merch line that says, “there is no hierarchy of discrimination”’and “pain is pain we need to stop comparing and start repairing”’and other similar sayings. Money raised could be used for some sort of discrimination panel that brings together all sufferers of all forms of discrimination to help educate one another on various discrimination people have experienced and ways we can advocate for our fellow humans when we see discrimination happening. Spreading awareness and education about various forms of discrimination could hopefully reduce and educate fellow humans about discrimination they may have previously misunderstood or seen as unimportant. One thing I have noticed with issues is the more you spread awareness and educate others the more people are willing to make an effort to understand and come together in solidarity. All forms of discrimination are not okay, all of it is dehumanizing even if you have never felt that form of discrimination, no discrimination is worse than another. Wrong is wrong and we need to stop prioritizing one form over the other. All of it is wrong. We are all humans and together we can make a difference.

[@Tesis]

“It’s not discrimination olympics” also can look cool on a T-shirt

[@KatlynJShute]

@@Tesis yes! We could have people submit designs and then everyone votes on the different one and the 5 post popular designs are the ones created. Kinda like the thing she does with raising money for the guide dog training school and when they get to the certain amount we get to name a guide dog

[@kellywallace436]

Molly, I think more in-depth stories about specific incidences of discrimination that you have faced would be very eye opening and helpful. That being said I don’t want you to do anything that is too painful to do. I really had no idea that you have had such horrible experiences and it just hurts my heart. No one should have to go through such things. You have made me much more aware and for that I thank you.

[@harmoniaaydeegonzalez7020]

I think it is fair to say that someone needs to bring a lawsuit to one of these big companies to have an example made out of them. Especially the taxi services that are constantly denying guide dog users to individuals who sometimes have NO other option. I don't know if that is something you have considered but sue the shit out of uber for example.. and maybe they will finally properly handle themselves and be an example to other taxi services to not due the same.

[@emmarosestrong]

The problem with that is lawsuits are incredibly expensive, and the vast majority of disabled people wouldn't have the disposable income for that due to job discrimination, garbage disability assistance laws, and medical bills.

[@oliviacalderone1119]

The only realistic way for this to happen would be A- if they all got together and formed a mass action lawsuit, B- an individual, molly for example, managed to find a lawyer willing to do it pro Bono, or C- the lawyer thought there was a big enough payout and a good enough chance of winning, that they were willing to do it for a piece of the settlement and take the risk of no payoff

[@rachelmorgannn]

There was one against Uber/Lyft (I don’t remember which). The company changed its rules. They made all their drivers “agree” to accepting service dogs. If you don’t accept, you can’t drive with them….but there is no way for them to enforce it, especially since it’s the drivers word against the disabled individual. And it falls on the disabled individual to reach out and make the claim.

[@brandifaith3410]

I completely agree! Unfortunately, most disabled people don’t have the income for a good enough lawyer to do this. But if Molly were to sue Uber, then they could make it so that every driver knows they absolutely have to accept guide dogs, and if they get calls about them not allowing guide dogs, then they will be fired. Or to sue some of these restaurants or that stupid hotel chain!! A hotel should definitely know the law that guide dogs are allowed, but on top of that the fact that a security guard forced his way into the room of a sleeping blind woman and proceeded to yell at her until she left, a lawyer should have a field day with that! I can only imagine how terrified molly was! She had no idea if he’s a security guard or not, she can’t see his uniform, she probably thought someone was coming to kill her. I so wish these place would be sued or that people could at least call the police on them and make sure they’re fined.

[@rachelmorgannn]

@@brandifaith3410 Uber/Lyft already was sued. It’s I’m both of their new hire paperwork that all drivers must accept service dogs or face legal action and/or lose their jobs. But there is no enforcement. It puts it on the disabled person to have to make a complaint and find evidence of this. I personally don’t pull out my camera every time someone fights me on service dog laws because I am just trying to live my life and access something. Not to mention the added stress of filing the complaint and the time that takes.

[@sovris3688]

"YoUR Not ALouD On tHe BuS, GuiDe DoGS CaNT Be BLack." What's black.

[@GemzaStar09]

I have a German shepherd assistance dog in the UK, I was told he can't be an assistance dog as only Labradors and golden retrievers are assistance dogs.

[@sovris3688]

@@GemzaStar09 Thats messed up. I've seen in general that Shepherds size, ability, mental faculty, and work mind really suit them for certain types of Service work.

[@Palitato]

@@GemzaStar09 I've seen everything from labs to a great dane, to a pitbull as service dogs. Pitbull and Dane were both balance assistance dogs. The pittie was SOOO cute, as soon as his handler stopped walking, he would brace his front feet apart and just lock into a super stable stance to be ready to catch the handler's weight if he needed to. He was such a good boy.

[@walk_with_me_23]

"That dog is an extension of my own self. That dog is my eyes." 😢 I am so sorry you have to deal with such awfulness. A very very important issue you have spoken about. Thank you so much for putting this video together. Sending love from Australia 💕

[@dees3179]

Perhaps the key place to focus is older school students, so that when they enter the workplace they know the local law on service animals and the whole issue immediately bypasses power crazed managers. It’s harder to get at people once they are in the workplace. But in school they are a captive audience and you hit far more of them.

[@NeverEndingParadise]

This! Exactly! I’m a early childhood teacher and I know for a fact that we talk to the children about these types of things, at least in my classroom we would, but then it doesn’t get addressed later and then we all wonder why no one understands what to do when they see our service dogs in public We need more of these types of talks with older aged students for sure

[@cadence99]

As someone who has worked at multiple hotels accessibility for service animals is one of the FIRST things you learn. It breaks my heart that you face such atrocious discrimination on a regular basis.

[@SebastianSeanCrow]

8:18 this is one reason why intersectionality is so important. That and many people are a part of varying marginalized communities so they have multiple struggles at once.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

Shared. My granddaughter-in-law has a service dog for emotional anxiety reasons, and he is so well trained. You are very correct; when they are working in their harness or vest, people must not approach and try to pet or 'baby talk' to the 'cute doggie.' Talk to the person, as you would any other person, and pretty much ignore the animal.

[@conniepowell1596]

Such an important issue! I can’t imagine how frustrating and disheartening it must be to still faced with such discrimination and unfair treatment. Service dogs are not the same as pets! They are a necessity and the key to freedom and independence for a lot of people. As always, thank you Molly for speaking so eloquently and educating us all 🥰🙌🏻

[@alizarehman1790]

I think the most important thing to remember is that people should not be putting these fake harnesses or vests on the pet dogs and saying well okay there a service dog but in reality it’s a way of saying to people I need my dog because I’m depressed and you’re not giving a real service dog the opportunity to assist that person

[@AliceSylph]

I live on a small remote island and I've dealt with huge discrimination because of my assistance dog. I've literally been shouted out of a shop, and when I tried to tell them we were allowed to be there, all I got was "I don't care". I have panic disorder and c-ptsd so conflict is a massive trigger for me. I'm too scared to travel anywhere because of it. I'm sick of it and I've only had my assistance dog for over a year on my tiny island. I have an owner trained medical alert and response assistance dog, she's a small white fluffy dog. The amount of times I've been discriminated against because she doesn't 'look like an assistance dog', she's not a guide dog, I don't 'look disabled' or 'look blind' (what does that even mean?!). I've been refused access to basic services because I don't have 'registration, certification, id', which legally doesn't even exist in the UK. It's horrible. (Not saying people with guide dogs don't face discrimination, they 100% do. People with other types of assistance dogs face it, plus the tiny about of education people do have is only about guide dogs. It is exactly the same as asking someone using a wheelchair proof of their condition and need to use that wheelchair, certification of that wheelchair's suitability and manufacturer, and refusing them access because their wheels may leave a mark on the floor. It's clearly not OK to do this to a wheelchair user using their auxiliary aid, it's not OK to do this to someone using an assistance dog as their auxiliary aid either.

[@sarahelmore83]

(My father is not a service dog user, but has been disabled & w/ an amputation, and a prosthetic & wheelchair/crutch user my entire life, & so I grew up fighting a lot of the other ableist discrimination). It’s so important that we support one another against ableist discrimination. Call people out when/if you witness the discrimination that Molly talks about. If you see an adult screwing with a service animal in a way that very obviously is about making sure their owner doesn’t know, call them out. We have to stand together.

[@lightpinkmommy]

I had something like that happen the other day they said "next time can I ask you to leave her outside?" I said no its 100% against the law to do so

[@kyliestamey2646]

I understand it would be insanely emotionally difficult, but it would be so incredible if you did actually sue these establishments. It’s sad, but money talks. So many people of the disability community don’t have the finances to legally fight for themselves so if you can, it would be so powerful.

[@KCnightshade]

Sharing your stories, nameing the places and people who discriminated against you may be the best way to raise awareness. By sharing the names of these places and names of the individuals who discriminated against you, we can come together to raise awareness to make sure these facilities and individuals don't discriminate against anyone else. You have a beautiful heart and spirit, I'm so sorry you continue to live through these discriminations and individuals decide that they are the law and try to take your rights away.

[@hez_am_i2448]

I was always so confused hearing you talk about this. Australia (particularly perth) is basically covered with 'no animals except guide dogs and assistance animals' basically everywhere. Even my work (standard backend office of a government department) has one which I found weird because I just assumed EVERYONE knew that was the law. But I did a google and nope, heaps of stories about ppl being refused access including at supermarkets like Coles which pissed me off. I worked at Coles as my after school job, at least at my store everyone knew guide dogs could be in the store. We all knew we basically had to ignore the dog (and I did have to occasionally remind other customers of this, including kids who would stalk the dog around) but for all of us it was a sign to check in with that customer, did they need a hand? Unless it was peak weekend time when there were no spare staff we were more than happy to have a staff member go round and shop with them if they were not sure what they wanted (I've once described a whole shelf of tuna and it's prices/sizes/flavours), some customers were happy to just give us a list then sit in our Cafe area. I'm so angry that's not a universal experience

[@S0ph13_Kei]

I have autism, and I can agree that I had people who look at me funny when I tell them that. When I’m in public places, sometimes when I stim, I had people give me weird looks. People need to stop discriminating against people with disabilities!

[@ingridford7042]

I am crying. This happened to me in the airport out of the country and I DID have someone to fight with me and I still was shaking with anger. disbelief, disappointment, frustration. To do it alone is even more terrifying.

[@kelseyhanna16]

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” -Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you for speaking on this. As someone who has done a lot of research on service dogs, this video has further empowered me to speak up should I ever witness discrimination like this.

[@Katelynhm]

It’s an outgoing battle unfortunately but if we keep educating people will hopefully learn that we have access with our working dogs. Ive only been denied twice in 8 years with my service dog Dario.

[@Kwd123]

So many people are in disbelief when I tell them about the discrimination I face with my dog. I had someone threaten to kill my dog, I was just walking on the sidewalk with my headphones in, not paying attention to anything, he was on a bike and slowed down and doubled back screaming at the top of his lungs he was going to kill my dog. There were so many people around and not a single one stood up for me or checked on me after he finally rode away. Everyone just scurried away from the situation looking over their shoulders. Thank you molly for emphasizing that the discrimination is not against the dog, it’s against me the disabled person who needs a mobility aid. Also I’m Canadian, thank you for helping to create the law.

[@liesvandenplas8066]

I know you're feeling, Molly. This is my life as a service dog handler too. Every place I go with my service dog I fear for the discrimination, the fights, things getting physical and so on. I am always on edge when going to a new place or even stores where I know the staff knows me and my dog and won't give me issues, but other people might or that random security guard that was drafted to at the store that day that might not know me or might not like dogs or doesn't know the laws. There's so many unknowns! And it can honestly be scary. I am not one to easily back down as I know my rights, but it's exhausting having to fight every time! If my service dog were any other medical aid, I know I wouldn't have issues like now. Back when the only aid I visibly used to the public was my wheelchair I had far less issues, but now with my service dog, my disability suddenly doesn't seem to matter to so many people anymore! Like I can't just turn my disability off because you don't want a dog inside that actually behaves better than 80% of kids in stores! It's something the public really needs to work on!

[@cherissemiranda3187]

Question for you: if we are ever out in public and see a blind person having to advocate hard for themselves is there a way that us sighted people can help? Would coming and standing with the blind person be helpful? To advocate for them. BC has gotten so tough on restaurants allowing dogs, even on patios. The bc liquor board threatens to pull licenses over allowing dogs on patios but they are creating a much more difficult time for real service dog users. They’ve created this culture of fear for establishments that has a massively damaging effect on service dog users. The disability community does not deserve it.

[@autist1689]

im sighted, but another solid thing you can do in the case of any form of discrimination really. Is leave. and make it very clear the reason you are doing so is their treatment of disabled people and stick an honest review up about how disgusted you were by the discrimination you witnessed. when places don't care about basic rights find another establishment who deserves your custom.

[@laurensbromberg]

As someone who is violently allergic to dogs . . . I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THEY DID THIS! I'm super allergic to 99% of dogs (cats, horses, etc.). But there have been times I was sat next to a service animal (i.e. on a plane where moving can be difficult). I always thought as long as I don't start literally having an asthma attack/ severe breathing issue, it was my responsibility to just deal with it since I can survive discomfort but a person with a service animal needs that animal to get around. I don't know. I always assumed that if I said anything (provided I wasn't literally gasping for air), I'd be told to make it work because a service animal is an extension of the person who has it. The fact you've gone through this more than ONCE is shocking to me.

[@ChickenOfAwesome]

You can absolutely ask politely to switch seats - just don't make it the service dog handler's problem. "I'm very allergic to dogs - is there an empty seat elsewhere that you could put me in just to be on the safe side? Or could I switch seats with someone?" If you aren't demanding the dog is thrown off the plane or screaming at anyone, it will probably be the most polite request cabin crew has heard.

[@laurensbromberg]

@@ChickenOfAwesome yeah. I used to be really scared of an asthma attack but now I realize it’s pretty unlikely unless the dog is a GIANT fluff ball. Like life isn’t difficult enough you have to go out of your way (against the law) to make it harder on someone. I can’t even imagine. But should I ever witness something like what Molly was saying then I’ll ask if the person wants me to step in on their behalf (I’d still feel weird just jumping in to someone else’s conversation without asking)

[@kajiraangel166]

As a fellow service dog handler, I deeply resonate with everything you bring up in this video. Fortunately, I haven't faced many access issues but when I have I feel so emotional about it. My dog does cardiac alert, blood sugar alert and mobility tasks including balance / counterbalance if I'm walking or other kinds of assistance of I'm in my wheelchair. (such as picking up items, pressing the handicapped door buttons, etc) I could technically live without him, but I wouldn't be able to go most places, I'd be stuck at home way too often and I would end up hospitalized far more often. Having him with me has almost completely ended my episodes of syncope in public. I am so much safer because he's by my side monitoring me and ensuring I move safely. I have gotten to the point where I don't notice the effects of my blood sugar dropping anymore, until I pass out because it's in the 40's. Fortunately, my dog alerts me at approximately 70'ish. Same with my cardiac issues. I've had them since I was a pre-teen, I don't notice anymore when my heart rate upwards of 150bpm when I'm sitting watching a movie and my breathing starts increasing... right up until I pass out because I don't have enough blood return to the brain. My dog picks up on the raised HR and breathing issues and alerts me long before I pass out so that I can take measures to encourage blood return from pooling in my lower extremities and get it back up to my brain. When people discriminate against us I take it very personally. That is someone telling me that I am lesser than everyone else allowed to shop or eat in that location purely because I require a working dog to remain safe and healthy in public. It is demeaning and hurtful on so many levels. And while I do have family members who will stand beside me, I truly wish that strangers would as well. However, it must also be said that part of the problem is from entitled people bringing pets and ESA's into non-pet-friendly locations. Either just because they think they're above the law, or because they're faking a service dog, either way many of those animals are not trained at all or have no concept of what is required of a service animals public access... whatever. It's damaging to legitimate service animals because now other people and business owners are getting the wrong idea that actual service animals are allowed to act that way, which is entirely untrue. All I want is for everyone to just ignore my dog and pretend he doesn't exist and let him do his job.... and we will just go about our business and you'll hardly know he is there. He'll be quiet, mind his manners, never have an "accident" indoors, he won't sniff people, he won't greet people, he will not sniff food or merchandise in stores and he will just stay focused on me and do the job he was trained to do. ❤

[@sammyyyroses4249]

What gets me is when people remain obstinate after they've been educated and communicated with. So you didn't know the law you should have already known? Well, okay--but then to disregard it after it's been explained...That is the terrible part. It makes total sense to feel defeated. We need to talk more about disability discrimination alongside all these discussions about race.

[@ashleysmith9729]

I think in those moments tensions are to high to educate/learn. They wont be receptive to it.

[@MariaDias-fh5uo]

Excellent discussion. I don't understand how people can be so stupid. Why? Little people, little brains, little hearts.

[@LionessHiker]

I was visiting a friend in a nursing home. I was told by the Director of Nursing and an administrator that my service dog was not allowed. I informed her of the two questions she is allowed to ask. Is your dog a service dog? What service does your dog provide you? Instead I was asked to provide a copy of the letter from my eye doctor, my dogs rabies license (on his collar) and his service registration papers. I am fuming. I called the police who told them it was a civil matter that I would have to pursue in court.

[@TheFtm22]

I find it incredible that there is so much of this going on. I can't imagine seeing someone being mistreated and standing by without stepping in. I can tell you that our local farmer's market does not allow dogs UNLESS they are service dogs. So one morning I saw someone walking through the market with a service dog (vested and harnessed) and because I am sighted I could see the stupid looks people had on their faces. I heard someone as I passed by saying "I can't believe that person brought a dog to the market". I said to that person "that is a service dog and it is welcome anywhere". Stupid person said "well, they don't look disabled to me". I said "they don't have to look disabled - if you don't like it, go somewhere else" I know that service dog user (not sure they were blind specifically) didn't hear any of this. It is my hope you actually have people speaking out sometimes and you don't know about it. If I had been in the bar, I would have stood up for you, I promise!

[@TaraVision8]

I worked at the KZbin summit where you were a keynote speaker a couple years ago and I remember even at an event where you were a welcomed speaker a security guard tried to stop you from entering the auditorium with your dog and assistant. I remember your mother coming over asking for help and I went over and yelled at the guard even though I could’ve lost my job for doing that. I was just so angry that they were not even aware that the keynote speaker was blind and that she is allowed to use whatever assistance she needs. In the end the guard had a quick realization of his mistake but I wish it was something that never had to happen for you. Everyone in the room should’ve known how to accommodate for someone with a guide dog especially since you were literally a guest speaker. It still makes me mad and you were actually the one effected by it. So I’m sorry you had to go through that in a space where you should’ve been completely at ease and for every other time this sort of thing happens. It’s completely unacceptable.

[@TaraVision8]

I also remember one of the event staff above me actually pet your service dog when you first came in too, again don’t understand how no one thought to brief everyone on how to approach a service animal especially when they knew you were coming!

[@Normaschthewanderer]

You are a treat.

[@emilyclaire297]

REPORT THEM TO BBB! That’s so insane & im so sorry that you were treated that way 😭

[@samdungan539]

Thank you so much for addressing this topic. Even as someone who has a service dog, I've never thought to explain the discrimination by comparing it to other discrimination. I agree that is is absolutely unacceptable what happens and I'm sorry for the things that you, and every other service dog handler has had to go through

[@nonbeenary_hi9064]

Molly, I wish I could have been in that bar! Someone SHOULD HAVE STOOD UP FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!! You are worth to be stood up for! You are loved!!!