WHAT IS A SERVICE ANIMAL?
As stated by the U.S. Department of Justice, under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a service animal that has been individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. The service animal must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals.
POLICY
New England Disabled Sports is an on-leash, service animal-friendly location. Please note that all service animals must be leashed while on New England Disabled Sports and its’ mountain hosts property and programs. The service animal must be under the control of the handler at all times. While we welcome you and your service animal, your service animals’ direct participation in programming with you may not be safe in all situations. If you plan to bring your service animal with you to a NEDS program, you must notify the NEDS staff at least 48 hours in advance. If the service animal must be left at the NEDS offices, a kennel needs to be provided. The service animal must be able to be left for the duration of the lesson time and remain under control while the handler is away. Service dogs should be vaccinated in accordance with state and local laws. It is the responsibility of the handler to feed and toilet the service animal. If behavior is disruptive, the service dog can be excluded, depending on situation, for: biting, aggressive behavior, uncontrolled barking, jumping on other people, and running away from handler.
Please note that these safety requirements are based on potential risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.
NEDS staff, volunteers, or interns do not provide care for or supervision of a service animal. Businesses, public programs, and transportation providers may exclude a service dog when the animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to health or safety of others.
Service animals are only permitted to be left at NEDS while a student-athlete is participating in a NEDS lesson.