Jet Setting July

This month, we explore multiple means of travel and our rights when out in our communities. From walking with canes and dogs to traveling in automobiles, planes, trains, buses, and more, please join us as we get ready to jet set this July.

• July 2: White Canes and Guide Dogs in Maryland and Beyond
• July 9: Rideshares in Maryland: Rights and Tips
• July 16: Air Transportation Rights
• July 23: Paratransit in Maryland
• July 30: Public Transit in Maryland 

This week, we share information about the rights of white cane and guide dog users in Maryland and across America. We also share downloadable one-page reference sheets to help you protect your rights as you jet-set this July!

Rights of White Cane Users in Maryland

Users of white canes have the right to use their canes in public places based on federal civil rights laws and state laws. Additionally, both Maryland and many other states have specific White Cane Laws that confer additional rights. Maryland also has additional orientation and mobility (O&M) protections for K-12 students. These include both certification of O&M instructors and minimum assessment requirements.

Find out more in these Bridges Resource Library entries:

• White Cane User Rights: Sets forth federal and state rights of White Cane users (with references to the relevant laws)
• White Cane User Rights in Maryland Reference Sheet
• History of the White Cane and White Cane Safety Day/White Cane Awareness Day

Rights of Guide Dog Users in Maryland

Under both federal and state law, guide dogs fall into the broader category of “service animals.” Unfortunately, for several years, some individuals have attempted to call their pets “service animals” in order to avail themselves of rights associated with service animals. As a result, users of service animals (including guide dogs) may face questions about their service animals. Under the law, an animal is a service animal if:

1. It is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability AND
2. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.

Find out more about your rights and asserting your rights in these Bridges Resource Library entries:

• Guide Dog User Rights in Public Places
• Guide Dog User Rights in Maryland Reference Sheet

Printable Rights Reference Sheets

Please feel free to download these PDF versions of our Bridges Reference sheets:

• White Cane User Rights in Maryland Reference Sheet
• Guide Dog User Rights in Maryland Reference Sheet

Reach Out to Us at the Free Bridges Helpdesk anytime!

Please check out the Bridges Technical Assistance Center Resource Library today!

Contact us

Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Bridges Technical Assistance Center’s Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:

• Our Accessible web form
• Email: Helpdesk@IMAGEmd.org
• Text or Leave a Voice mail message: (410) 357-1546
• Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page or Facebook Messenger

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.