Park Restriction George F Thompson

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VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION SERVICE CENTER 2400 River Road Eugene, OR 97404 (541) 345-5 DATE December 1, 2008 TO Whom It May Concern FROM Susan Harrison, MSW. CSWA HCHV Outreach Social Workt 2400 River Rd, Eugene OR 97 (541) 345-5195 office /(541 RE Mr. George F. Thompson 1457-1/2 Water Street, Springfield, OR 97477 The intent of Lhis letter Is to verify Mr. Thompson's'dreg, Samantha, is 'a Service Animal. The fi!deral civil rights law; the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title f1l, 2 CFR Sec. 36.104 defines a Service Animal as any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability (the disability may not be visible). By law, a Service , Anirnal is not considered a pet. Most Service Animals are dogs; they can be any breed or size and are not legally required to wear special equipment or tags. The ADA does not require proof or 'certification' of the service dog's training. Service Animals are trained to do specific tasks for the benefit of people with physical or mental impairments. In Oregon, animals in training are subject to the same rules as Service Animals. Again, there is no mandatory certification required. Federal (e.g.. 28 CFR See. 36.302) and state laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their trained Services Animals in taxis, buses, trains. stores, restaurants, doctors' offices, schools, parks, hotels and other public places. Federal laws which protect individuals with disabilities include the ADA; the Fair Housing Amendments Act (1988) See. 5104 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973): The Air Carrier Access Act (1986); and. other regulations. NOTE: If federal, state,- or local laws conflict, the law that provides greater protection for the individual with the disability will prevail. For example, if state laws grants access only by services dogs that do guide work and the service dog in question performs work other than guide Z: work, federal law will apply. The person with the disability must be permitted access with the Service Animal, The person who is accompanied by the Service Animal is responsible for its stewardship (behavior, care, and well-being), must obey animal welfare laws (such as leash, cruelty. or other similar regulations) and is liable for any dainage done by the Service Animal. For more information about the ADA, contact the U.S. Department of Justice. ADA information Line 800/514-0301 or 800/514 -0383 (17DD)