NAD Files Complaint Against PETCO <\/p>\n
A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf <\/p>\n
Release Date: January 16, 2008 <\/p>\n
Contact: Anita B. Farb <\/p>\n
Director, Communications and Operations <\/p>\n
National Association of the Deaf <\/p>\n
Email: http:\/\/www.nad.org\/contactus<\/p>\n
NAD Files Complaint Against PETCO <\/p>\n
Silver Spring, MD – The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed
\na complaint on November 27, 2007 with the U.S. Department of Justice
\nagainst PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. (PETCO). The complaint alleges
\nthat PETCO refused to provide qualified sign language interpreter
\nservices for four deaf couples who registered for PETCO\u0019s dog
\ntraining class in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in violation of Title
\nIII of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The couples
\nprovided and paid for interpreter services to ensure effective
\ncommunication and meaningful access to PETCO\u0019s dog training class. <\/p>\n
\u001cIt\u0019s important for businesses, like PETCO, that offer education or
\ntraining classes, to ensure that their programs are accessible,\u001d said
\nBobbie Beth Scoggins, NAD President. \u001cIn this case, providing
\nqualified interpreter services was necessary.\u001d <\/p>\n
The dog training class consisted of six one-hour sessions. The four
\ncouples had requested that PETCO provide sign language interpreter
\nservices to ensure effective communication and meaningful access to
\nthe instruction. In response to the accessibility request, an
\nattorney for PETCO informed the four couples that they would be given
\na Parenting Guide with \u001cdetailed instruction and photos which parallel
\nthe oral instruction provided by [PETCO\u0019s] Canine Education
\nInstructors.\u001d One individual, frustrated by PETCO\u0019s response said,
\n\u001cQuestions unique to each individual\u0019s relationship with their animal
\nare best addressed by a real, live professional rather than digging
\nthrough a manual trying to find this information. Otherwise, why have
\ncanine education classes at all\u0014why not just tell all of your
\ncustomers to refer to the Parenting Guide?\u001d <\/p>\n
The NAD requested that the U.S. Department of Justice investigate
\nthis complaint and order PETCO to cease its discriminatory practices
\nand reimburse the deaf couples for the interpreter services they
\nprovided and paid for to ensure effective communication and
\nmeaningful access to PETCO\u0019s dog training class. <\/p>\n
About the NAD <\/p>\n
Established in 1880, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
\nsafeguards the civil, human, and language rights of deaf and hard of
\nhearing Americans, including recognition and usage of American Sign
\nLanguage. As a federation of national, state, and local affiliates,
\nand individual members, the work of the NAD encompasses a broad range
\nof advocacy issues including, but not limited to early intervention,
\neducation, emergency access, employment, health care, mental health,
\ntechnology, telecommunications, and transportation \u0013 toward creation
\nof a barrier-free, respectful, and welcoming environment that is
\nmutually benefits all involved. Visit http:\/\/www.nad.org
\n to learn more about the NAD.<\/p>\n
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NAD Files Complaint Against PETCO A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf Release Date: January 16, 2008 Contact: Anita B. Farb Director, Communications and Operations National Association of the Deaf Email: http:\/\/www.nad.org\/contactus NAD Files Complaint Against PETCO…<\/p>\n