Individuals who are visually impaired and partnered with guide dogs (classified as service animals in the ADA) depend on paratransit services throughout the United States, and we are interested in obtaining information about your guide dog-related experiences with your local paratransit organization. Name: (You may remain anonymous if you wish.) City: State: 1. Have you experienced difficulties when booking a trip with your guide dog? (Circle one)
Yes No
If yes, please explain:
2. Have you experienced either negative attitudes or behavior by paratransit drivers upon arriving to pick you up, or when you board the vehicle? (Circle one) Yes No
If yes, please explain:
3. Have you experienced overcrowded paratransit rides in smaller vehicles such as taxis where you and your guide dog did not have enough room to ride comfortably? (Circle one) Yes No
If yes, please explain:
4. Have you and your guide dog experienced problems with trips in larger paratransit vehicles such as vans with ramps, metal floors or loud sounds? (Circle one) Yes No
If yes, please explain:
5. Does your paratransit provider offer a means of keeping your guide dog from sliding in the vehicle? (Circle one) Yes No If so, please describe:
Please send your responses via e-mail to [email protected], or regular mail (braille or print) to Donna Pomerantz, 1115 Cordova St. #402, Pasadena, CA 91106, no later than Dec. 31, 2007.
I am gathering this information in response to interest shown by Access Services, Inc., the paratransit provider for Los Angeles County. I am a member of ASI's Community Advisory Committee.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this brief survey which we hope will make travel easier for guide dog teams.