HRMA Monthly Luncheon
January 19, 2021

11:15 AM – 1:00 PM

(Registration closes on Friday, January 15, 2021)

Guest Speaker:

Julie Ballinger, Southwest ADA Center

Summary

The ADA and the Surrounding Hodgepodge Regarding Service Animals

This presentation will cover the following topics and will be accompanied by beneficial Q&A: what an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined service animal is and if comfort animals are protected; the what and when questions can be asked of the service animal handler; where a service animal is allowed to go and under what circumstances a service animal can be excluded; when leashes or tethers must be utilized; if certification and harnesses are required; who is responsible for the animal’s care; if the handler must pay for damages caused by the animal; what pet fees can be imposed under what circumstances; can specific breeds of animals be excluded; and who uses service animals. Included is how the New Mexico Service Animal Act comes into play with the ADA. Helpful publications and resources will be shared.

The Learning Objectives Include:

1. Sort out the confusion concerning customers and their service animals in order to comply with the U.S. Department of Justice’s revised regulations.
2. Learn how the New Mexico Service Animal Act comes into play with the ADA.
3. Create an interactive learning environment where participants can process their ADA related situations regarding customer service animal issues.

About Our Speaker

Julie Ballinger, Southwest ADA Center Affiliate

For over 32 years, Julie Ballinger has worked in the Disability Rights field providing leadership, innovative endeavors, technical assistance, and training. Julie directed a Center for Independent Living (CILs are community-based non-profits that provide empowering services to people with various disabilities and are designed and operated by people with disabilities). She also worked for the University of Arkansas providing technical assistance to CILs  in two federal regions. As a Southwest ADA Center (SWADAC) Affiliate, her work includes free ADA in-depth training, technical assistance, ADA best practice approaches, and disability awareness/issues concerning employment, state/local government obligations, and business/nonprofit requirements. As part of the federally funded ADA National Network, SWADAC provides free training, publications, and technical assistance. To learn more go to www.southwestada.org or contact Julie at juliedballinger@outlook.com / (505)797.8612.