ADA National Network Learning Session: Who Let the Dogs (and Miniature Horses) In? Service Animals in Health Care Facilities

According to the Bureau of Global Public Affairs within the U.S. Department of State, approximately 500,000 service dogs assist people with disabilities across the country. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals must be given access to places their human handlers go, including health care facilities. As service animals become more common, health care professionals are more likely to come in contact with them in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other medical settings.

During this webinar, we will address the definition of a service animal, places a service animal can and cannot visit with his/her handler, the questions that can be asked of the person with a disability, and how to interact with a service animal. We will also review a sample service animal policy for health care facilities.

As a health care provider, this webinar will help you understand the ADA, service animals, and the implantation of procedures that will enhance your ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Learning objectives:

• Define service animals under the ADA.
• List the questions that can be asked about a service animal.
• Identify places that a service animal can and cannot visit with his/her handler.
• Understand how to interact appropriately with the service animal and its handler.
• Recognize the importance of having a service animal policy.

Presenters:

Claire Stanley is the Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind. Claire has been involved in the field of disability advocacy for over a decade. In a former role as a Public Policy Analyst at the National Disability Rights Network, she advocated for policies that impacted people with disabilities, and also collaborated with other disability organizations. Claire has years of experience accessing healthcare with a service animal. Her current dog is a lab named Tulane.