Wednesday, February 7, 2018
The Justice Department reached an agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the VFW Post and Auxiliary 2976 ("VFW 2976") in Claremore, Oklahoma to resolve a complaint under Title III of the ADA.
The Department's investigation found that the lounge operated by VFW 2976 had a policy that permitted the use of service dogs only for individuals who are blind and use guide dogs, or who are deaf or hard of hearing. The lounge specifically prohibited individuals with other disabilities such as those who have post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or mobility disabilities from entering the lounge with a service dog.
The settlement agreement requires VFW 2976 to adopt and implement a service dog policy consistent with the ADA, provide training on the service dog policy to employees and managers; and post the service dog policy in the lounge and on the website and in its advertising. VFW 2976 cooperated with the Department throughout the investigation.
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this agreement can call the toll-free
ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at https://www.ada.gov.
Article Credit: U.S. Department of Justice