[Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Statement on Delta's New Service Animal Policy

Tue Jan 23 23:31:19 UTC 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Federation of the Blind Statement on Delta's New Service Animal Policy

Baltimore, Maryland: (January 23, 2018): The National Federation of 
the Blind stated the following with regard to the new service and 
support animal policy announced by Delta Air Lines on January 19:

We are deeply concerned that Delta Air Lines has taken this action 
without consulting the National Federation of the Blind, our division 
the National Association of Guide Dog Users, or any other 
democratically elected representative of blind Americans. Blind 
people have safely and successfully used guide dogs for decades, but 
this policy fails to make a clear or practical distinction among 
guide dogs, other "service and support animals" (as Delta puts it), 
and pets. Onerous restrictions on guide dog handlers do not resolve 
anything and violate the principle of equal access for passengers 
with disabilities. Furthermore, we believe that elements of Delta's 
policy, as currently articulated, violate the Air Carrier Access Act.

We are particularly troubled by the requirement that guide dog users 
submit paperwork to Delta forty-eight hours before flying. Travelers 
without guide dogs are not required to plan their travel forty-eight 
hours in advance. Furthermore, guide dog users will no longer be able 
to fly Delta in family, medical, or other emergencies. We believe 
that this forty-eight hour requirement is both unnecessary and unlawful.

We are asking for an urgent meeting with Delta and stand ready to 
work with it and other airlines to craft fair and reasonable policies 
to address the concerns of air carriers, their personnel, and their 
passengers, without imposing undue, unsupported, and unlawful 
hardships on guide dog users.

###

About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in 
Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind 
Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, 
and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. 
The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides 
information and support to families with blind children, older 
Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes 
and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into 
reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at 
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=10066&qid=2124537>www.nfb.org.

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org

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