Making Inclusive Holidays a Reality: The Story of Bianca and Porter

🌟Assistance dogs are not pets; they are highly trained and play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities.

💔Some establishments still discriminate against individuals with disabilities and their assistance dogs, leading to exclusion and a lack of accessibility.

🚫The Federal Disability Discrimination Act protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and their assistance dogs, ensuring they can access public places.

✈️Access to inclusive holidays is a fundamental right for individuals with disabilities and their families, allowing them to experience the joy of travel and create lasting memories.

🌍Changing attitudes and raising awareness about the rights of individuals with disabilities and their assistance dogs is crucial to creating a more inclusive society.

What is the role of assistance dogs?

—Assistance dogs are highly trained animals that provide support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate their daily lives and participate in their communities.

Why was Porter initially denied accommodation at the resort?

—The resort refused accommodation for Porter and his assistance dog, misclassifying the dog as a pet instead of recognizing it as a registered assistance animal protected under the Federal Disability Discrimination Act.

What rights do individuals with disabilities and their assistance dogs have?

—Under the Federal Disability Discrimination Act, individuals with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their registered assistance dogs in public places, ensuring equal access and inclusion.

How can we ensure inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities?

—By changing attitudes, raising awareness, and educating society about the rights of individuals with disabilities and their assistance dogs, we can create a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

What positive outcome did Bianca's advocacy lead to?

—Bianca's advocacy led to the resort reconsidering its policy and inviting Porter, his family, and his assistance dog for a complimentary three-night stay, showcasing the power of advocacy in creating change.

00:00Bianca fought for the right to bring her son with disabilities and his assistance dog on a family holiday.

02:18Porter's assistance dog, Pierre, has had a profound impact on their lives, providing comfort and support.

04:00The resort initially refused accommodation, misclassifying the assistance dog as a pet.

06:00Sophie Sculps, a federal member, acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about the rights of individuals with disabilities and their assistance dogs.

09:50The resort offers an apology and invites Porter, his family, and his assistance dog for a complimentary three-night stay.