The Department of Justice will be holding a hearing in San Francisco on Monday, January 10, 2011, to seek public comment on proposed changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Department of Justice is in a position to make decisions that will have far-reaching consequences for years to come.

If you are interested in making public comments or submitting your comments about the proposed changes, please visit the following URLs. Please note that there is a different URL for each topic the DOJ is seeking commentary about.

1. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities and Public Accommodations:

http://www.ada.gov/anprm2010/web%20anprm_2010.htm

2. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Movie Captioning and Video Description:

http://www.ada.gov/anprm2010/movie_captions_anprm_2010.htm

3. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services; Accessibility of Next Generation 9-1-1:

http://www.ada.gov/anprm2010/nextgen_9-1-1%20anprm_2010.htm

4. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by State and Local Governments and Places of Public Accommodation; Equipment and Furniture:

http://www.ada.gov/anprm2010/equipment_anprm_2010.htm

To schedule your public testimony, email Scott Shea at scott.shea@crt.usdoj.gov.

One of the biggest dangers guide dog users face while traveling with their guide dogs is attacks or interference from aggressive dogs.

In an attempt to help increase awareness of this problem and the importance of responsible dog ownership for the pet-owning public, The Seeing Eye has launched a survey across the U.S. and Canada that will take an in-depth look at dog attacks and interference. The data collected from the survey will be essential in strengthening cases with law enforcement and animal control officers, as well as with legislators who can help shape future laws to protect guide dog teams.

The survey is open to all guide dog handlers in the United States and
Canada, and a summary of results can be shared upon request. The survey will take from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on your answers. You may access the survey at the following link:

http://alturl.com/a5kcg

For those who can’t take the survey online, call The Seeing Eye’s main number at 800-539-4425 and ask for extension 1520. Leave your name and phone number, and a volunteer will return your call to conduct the survey by telephone.

All those who respond by Friday, January 7, 2011, will be entered in a
raffle to win a $100 gift card.