[nfb-talk] Guide Dog Incident

[RyanO]

>From KENS 5 in San Antonio:

Ross Palombo
KENS 5 Eyewitness News

A blind couple claims they were given a hard time at a restaurant - even 
asked to sit outside - all because they had a guide dog.

Amir Refoura says he, his girlfriend and his guide dog were humiliated 
during a recent visit to Ruthie's restaurant, in the 1500 block of Allena, 
all because
he and his girlfriend are blind.

"They were yelling at us," Refoura said. "We were totally embarrassed."

The pair and the dog came in wanting to be served.

"The minute we walk in, the manager says, 'Turn around, go right back 
outside,'" Refoura said. "We say, 'Why?' He says, 'Because you have a dog.'"

"I saw the dog, and I was like, 'I'm not too sure the dog can come inside,'" 
said Zane Valencia, the manager at Ruthie's.

Both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Texas law guarantee the blind 
with guide dogs equal access.

"We have the right to enjoy the establishment, the same as anyone else," 
said Ernie Landy, with Guide Dogs of Texas.

Ruthie's did eventually serve the couple inside, but Valencia says the blind 
couple was so upset by then, the restaurant had to call the police.

"They started cussing at us, 'Y'all (expletive) up! I can't believe y'all 
did that! Y'all are (expletive)!'" Valencia said.

Refoura says the police officer that responded only told him to calm down, 
and says she didn't understand his side - that the law had been broken.

"They're police. They should know their law," Refoura said.

Now, Refoura is threatening legal action.

"You don't treat your customers like that," Refoura said.

San Antonio police did file a report and say this is the only action they 
can take at this time. Now, the case could possibly be prosecuted, but the 
Bexar
County District Attorney's Office won't comment.

In the meantime, the simple rule is that everywhere your eyes can go, 
service dogs are allowed to go as well.

Link to video:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA011407.blind.couple.KENS.230186a9.html


RyanO