By: Melissa Allman, Sr. Specialist, Advocacy & Government Relations
We couldn’t let the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act go by without taking another deep dive into The Seeing Eye archives.
On July 26, 1978, 12 years to the day before the ADA was signed into law, Morris Frank wrote a letter of thanks to William Patterson, the CEO of United Airlines. William Patterson was a longtime ally of The Seeing Eye, and Morris Frank thanked him for always allowing him to fly United with his Seeing Eye dogs and for helping to pave the way for people who are blind to have equal access to other airlines and modes of public transportation with their Seeing Eye dogs.
When Morris Frank wrote this letter, he could not have known that both the Air Carrier Access Act and the ADA would be passed in 1986 and 1990 respectively. Life would have been easier for Morris Frank and early guide dog handlers if these laws had been in place, but Morris Frank was known for his determination and for thinking outside the box. He didn’t need laws to be a pioneer.
When advocacy becomes discouraging, let’s remember that we do have laws to protect us because people like Morris Frank and his allies pushed the envelope, educated people who didn’t even know what Seeing Eye dogs were, and laid a foundation for us.
Let’s honor Morris Frank’s legacy by advocating for our rights when giving up would be easier and by channeling our frustration with injustice into meaningful education. We can use Disability Independence Day as an opportunity to build momentum in small ways. Let’s hold space for stories about access barriers and denials, but also share stories with us about triumphs or times where your education efforts paid off.
Do you want to learn about your rights as a guide dog handler, or do you want to educate someone else about this topic? Check out our Seeing Eye Advocacy App, a resource full of guide dog laws and educational materials for the US and Canada.
