Through community education, outreach, and activism, we promote cultural and social acceptance of people with disabilities by increasing awareness, visibility, and empathy.
For an America as diverse as its dreams, we must build communities where all can participate and belong.
Americans with disabilities deserve full access, rights, and accommodations to live, work, learn, and play without barriers or stigma.
When we remove obstacles and embrace disabilities, we move closer to an equitable society that benefits from the talents of all.
American Disability Rights Inc. (AmDisRights) advocates for the rights and benefits of Americans with disabilities, promoting cultural and social acceptance.
We focus specifically on upholding disabled individuals’ right to use prescribed service dogs and emotional support animals, which provide critical mobility, medical alert, and therapeutic assistance. AmDisRights educates the public on service animal access rights under the law, aiming to increase awareness that these highly trained dogs are not just pets but crucial disability aids. We campaign against policies restricting service animal access or discriminating based on disability.
More broadly, AmDisRights pursues advocacy for disability rights and inclusion in healthcare, education, employment, housing, and transportation. They promote accommodations and universal design so disabled individuals can fully participate in society with independence and dignity.
Overall, AmDisRights strives to shape attitudes to be more inclusive, give voice to disability perspectives, and advance equal treatment and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.
Service dog registrations have no legal significance under the ADA. They misleadingly imply registration is required or proves legitimacy. Disability advocates warn these unofficial credentials enable abuse, with untrained pets often passed off as service dogs. This jeopardizes public acceptance of trained service dogs that disabled individuals rely on. The ADA grants access rights based on the dog’s training alone, not registration.
The legal fight over the bird has inspired him to run for office. But other emu owners say the birds shouldn’t be kept as pets.
The Supreme Court may decide whether a police dog’s actions during a traffic stop violated the Fourth Amendment. The dog jumped up and put his paws on the suspect’s car door and window while sniffing for drugs. This led to a search that found methamphetamine, but the suspect appealed his conviction, arguing it was an unconstitutional search. The Idaho Supreme Court agreed, but police contend the dog was just doing his job detecting odors. The case raises questions about reasonable search and seizure and police K-9 procedures.
Therapy animals are volunteer pets who provide therapeutic benefits through animal-assisted activities in community settings like hospitals, schools, and disaster areas. Certification evaluates their training and temperament suitability. Unlike service dogs who assist one person, therapy animals’ goal is to improve wellbeing for many through socialization and emotional support. With their handlers, therapy pets identify populations to serve, like hospitalized patients, troubled youth, and PTSD survivors. These special responder teams provide biochemical and psychological benefits, decreasing pain, isolation, anxiety, and depression by utilizing the scientifically proven healing power of the human-animal bond.
Stylebook provides guidance on using neutral, accurate language when writing about disabilities. It emphasizes “people-first” phrasing like “people with disabilities” rather than defining people by conditions. The manual advises avoiding negative terms, stereotypes, and emotional descriptions. Specifics on disabilities should only be included when clearly relevant. The goal is to respect disabled individuals and avoid stigma.
Violators of Texas’ new law, which will take effect September 1, 2023 could face up to a $1,000 fine and 30 hours of community service.
Criminal law and civil law are two distinct branches of law that govern different types of legal disputes and provide different remedies.
The recent changes to the ACAA implemented by the FAA regarding ESAs on domestic commercial flights reflect the evolving landscape of air travel. By refining the definition of service animals and treating ESAs as pets, the FAA aims to enhance safety and reduce abuse while maintaining accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
Justice Department Celebrates Anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision Today marks the 24th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C., in which the Court ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits the unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities. The Justice Department has enforced the ADA’s integration mandate in states across the country, securing remedies for people with disabilities who are not receiving services in the most integrated setting, including where they live, where they work, and where they go to school. As we commemorate this anniversary of the Olmstead decision, we highlight the department’s recent Olmstead work in two key areas: securing community-based crisis services to prevent needless hospitalization and criminal justice involvement and securing community-based services that enable children with disabilities to live with their families and go to school with non-disabled peers. The anniversary blog post can be read here. To find out more about the ADA, visit ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free
Are people abusing civil rights laws by calling their pets emotional support animals? The topic of emotional support animals (ESAs) and potential abuse of laws surrounding them is a subject of debate and varying opinions. While some people may indeed abuse the system by falsely claiming their pets as emotional support animals, it is important to note that there are legitimate cases where individuals genuinely benefit from the companionship and emotional support provided by their animals. ESAs are prescribed by mental health professionals to individuals who have diagnosed mental or emotional disabilities and require the presence of an animal to alleviate symptoms or provide support. However, the guidelines and regulations governing ESAs can vary between jurisdictions, and there have been instances where individuals have exploited these laws for personal convenience or to bypass housing or travel restrictions. In response to potential abuse, some jurisdictions have implemented stricter regulations to ensure that only individuals with legitimate needs can obtain the benefits
It is important to approach the topic of disabilities with sensitivity and respect for individuals’ privacy. In most cases, disabilities are not always visible or apparent. Many disabilities are invisible, meaning they are not immediately noticeable based on physical appearance alone. Therefore, it is not appropriate to make assumptions or judge someone’s disability status solely by their outward appearance. It is important to remember that disabilities can come in various forms, including physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health disabilities. Some individuals may use mobility aids like wheelchairs or canes, while others may use assistive devices or have accommodations that are not immediately noticeable. To ensure inclusivity and respect for individuals with disabilities, it is best to avoid making assumptions about someone’s disability status. Instead, focus on treating everyone with kindness, empathy, and respect, regardless of whether or not they have a visible disability.