HBAnahi
Newbie
Some backstory, I approached the Alliance of Oregon group back in July as a newcomer to the Allaince, asking about group schedules via Gmail, and spoke with their very helpful new player representative, Keegan. Our conversation was fairly brief, as I was informed that the Alliance chapters in Oregon have a strict no-animals policy, and that this extends to service animals as well. Since I am someone who requires the help of a service animal, I would be unable to play. When I expressed my dismay, Keegan invited me to open this dialogue in the http://www.alliancelarp.com/forum forum rules sub-heading, so I'm here!
It took me some time to think on it, but I do think I would like to begin this discussion. I understand that there is a rash of fake 'service animals' that have been cropping up, and they do pose a threat to those who need actual service animals and the public at large. Improperly trained animals, especially in this LARP situation where people are using foam weaponry, could be a danger to your players and that is unacceptable. I completely agree on that count, and would like to remind the Alliance at large that, just like an unruly human customer, you can ask any unruly 'service animal' to leave. This often is a clause that those with fake service animals like to ignore or leave out, as they are exploiting a service in order to bring Fluffy in public. I have included a link at the bottom to the US American with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws pertaining to the subject.
I completely understand that the safety of your players is paramount and adding animals into a highly charged event in any case is and can be a huge liability issue. However, I couldn't help but feel the strict no-animals policy is an extremely exclusionary clause for those with disabilities who wish to join your game, especially considering the ADA. Those with real service dogs recognize that they have a very expensive and much-loved medical 'tool', and would be more than happy to abide by any extra rules (like they already do in public every day) to keep their fellow players and their own fuzzball safe. I'm sure you have a few people who would love to join in the costuming festivities that are hindered by the no-animals clause.
In my case, I love to make chainmail and enjoy tavern-keeping RP in online forums. I was hoping to join as a Serpent Wylderkin Artisan, playing as either a blacksmith, jeweler or a tavernkeep; Some profession that kept myself and my dog safely tucked out of the way of the combatants, but still allowed me the pleasure of dressing up and interacting with what seems like an extremely fun and accepting community. I am more than happy to be an NPC. I would not wish to try and bring my highly trained animal into actual (if slightly foamy) combat, but am content to RP on the sidelines.
Acknowledging the liability and the presence of those who would abuse the system, my question is would the Alliance of Oregon be open to creating a subset of rules for those who want to be part of the community, but have service animals?
I offer a rule where service animals must be on-duty anytime there might be any combat in the area. If they must be off-duty to relieve themselves (which my animal does), the owner must find a place far away from any of the designated combat zones to allow the dog to be off-vest.
Perhaps since the players have to sign a waiver, those with service animals must also include a letter from either their prescribing doctor or the training facility where they acquired their animal? Several airline services are adopting this policy for the safety of their passengers, and I completely agree with it.
There could also be the option of certain areas where those with service dogs aren't allowed for the safety of others and themselves. Those with service animals would either have to apply or create their own thing, allowing for more 'town folk' options. Costuming rules could be made for the animals as well, so long as the dog's vest/kerchief/etc. is on and visible to show the animal is working. These items vary from service dog to service dog.
I have also included links to the ADA.gov website, that properly illustrates what public facilities can do when a dog is misbehaving, as well as the duties that the handler of such a dog MUST abide by. The FAQ from the .gov website also includes the question about Emotional Support Animals and Therapy dogs, which does not fall under a service animal category and thus does not qualify for the ADA rulings, which is IMPORTANT. Several people have attempted to pass untrained ESA's as service animals to force their way into public areas, and that is not what I am asking Alliance of Oregon to allow.
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
I hope this opens a well-informed discussion amongst the players and their leaders, and look forward to continuing the conversation. Thank you.
It took me some time to think on it, but I do think I would like to begin this discussion. I understand that there is a rash of fake 'service animals' that have been cropping up, and they do pose a threat to those who need actual service animals and the public at large. Improperly trained animals, especially in this LARP situation where people are using foam weaponry, could be a danger to your players and that is unacceptable. I completely agree on that count, and would like to remind the Alliance at large that, just like an unruly human customer, you can ask any unruly 'service animal' to leave. This often is a clause that those with fake service animals like to ignore or leave out, as they are exploiting a service in order to bring Fluffy in public. I have included a link at the bottom to the US American with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws pertaining to the subject.
I completely understand that the safety of your players is paramount and adding animals into a highly charged event in any case is and can be a huge liability issue. However, I couldn't help but feel the strict no-animals policy is an extremely exclusionary clause for those with disabilities who wish to join your game, especially considering the ADA. Those with real service dogs recognize that they have a very expensive and much-loved medical 'tool', and would be more than happy to abide by any extra rules (like they already do in public every day) to keep their fellow players and their own fuzzball safe. I'm sure you have a few people who would love to join in the costuming festivities that are hindered by the no-animals clause.
In my case, I love to make chainmail and enjoy tavern-keeping RP in online forums. I was hoping to join as a Serpent Wylderkin Artisan, playing as either a blacksmith, jeweler or a tavernkeep; Some profession that kept myself and my dog safely tucked out of the way of the combatants, but still allowed me the pleasure of dressing up and interacting with what seems like an extremely fun and accepting community. I am more than happy to be an NPC. I would not wish to try and bring my highly trained animal into actual (if slightly foamy) combat, but am content to RP on the sidelines.
Acknowledging the liability and the presence of those who would abuse the system, my question is would the Alliance of Oregon be open to creating a subset of rules for those who want to be part of the community, but have service animals?
I offer a rule where service animals must be on-duty anytime there might be any combat in the area. If they must be off-duty to relieve themselves (which my animal does), the owner must find a place far away from any of the designated combat zones to allow the dog to be off-vest.
Perhaps since the players have to sign a waiver, those with service animals must also include a letter from either their prescribing doctor or the training facility where they acquired their animal? Several airline services are adopting this policy for the safety of their passengers, and I completely agree with it.
There could also be the option of certain areas where those with service dogs aren't allowed for the safety of others and themselves. Those with service animals would either have to apply or create their own thing, allowing for more 'town folk' options. Costuming rules could be made for the animals as well, so long as the dog's vest/kerchief/etc. is on and visible to show the animal is working. These items vary from service dog to service dog.
I have also included links to the ADA.gov website, that properly illustrates what public facilities can do when a dog is misbehaving, as well as the duties that the handler of such a dog MUST abide by. The FAQ from the .gov website also includes the question about Emotional Support Animals and Therapy dogs, which does not fall under a service animal category and thus does not qualify for the ADA rulings, which is IMPORTANT. Several people have attempted to pass untrained ESA's as service animals to force their way into public areas, and that is not what I am asking Alliance of Oregon to allow.
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
I hope this opens a well-informed discussion amongst the players and their leaders, and look forward to continuing the conversation. Thank you.
