The Stonewall Inn Hosts LGBTQ+ Nightlife Community Service Animal And Disability Access Training, 7/18

Stonewall Inn has teamed up with Disability Rights New York, the Guide Dog Foundation and America's Vet Dogs to host an LBGTQ Nightlife Community Service Animal and Disability Access Training at the historic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. The legendary New York City bar recently had an incident where a doorman refuse entry to a visually impaired patron and their guide dog. It became immediately apparent that further training was necessary as the guide dog handler attempted to explain that the establishment it was in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but was still denied. After apologizing the venue immediately took the incident as a call to action and set up an accessibility training session for not only The Stonewall Inn staff, but for other establishments in the area as well.

"The lack of knowledge many businesses have about ADA laws and in particular, guide and service dogs, was brought to our attention when members of our own staff made an error in judgement. We wanted to make sure other LGBTQ bars and business were educated and also wanted to bring attention to the concerns of accessibility that disabled members of the LGBTQ community face in attending events, bars and in general feeling welcomed and a part of our community" stated Stacy Lentz Co-owner of the Stonewall Inn.

"Since 1969, the Stonewall Inn has been an iconic place where civil rights have always been at the forefront of their mission," said Tim Clune, DRNY Executive Director. "DRNY is happy to be part of their efforts to provide education which will continue to advance the rights of all people. The Stonewall Inn is leading by example and we suggest that other businesses should follow accordingly. DRNY will always be a resource in New York State that will advocate for the rights of people with disabilities."

Representatives from the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs, the organization where the denied patron received thier guide dog, will be a part of this training.

"The Guide Dog Foundation is proud of our graduate Lynn Zelvin for standing up for their federally protected access rights, and we also commend the staff at The Stonewall Inn for responding quickly and positively to ensure that their space as well as other local establishments are welcoming to people with disabilities," says Grete Eide, Chief Canine Care Officer for the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs.

Sample topics to be covered will be:

• What are the rights and ADA laws that apply to bars and businesses in New York?

• What are your legal obligations regarding service dogs and disability access.

• How do you know it's a service dog? What can you ask and not ask?

• How can we create a welcoming environment for disabled customers?

• Professional etiquette tips for serving our disabled patrons.