Blind advocacy groups and service-animal users urge parity with federal law in personal testimony

Representatives of Fundación Luz Para Tus Ojos and the National Federation of the Blind spoke in support of C-1409, describing frequent access denials and stressing that updates are needed so people who use assistance animals do not have to argue for federal rights in front of guards or staff.

Miguel A. Hernández Sánchez, who identified himself as the president of Fundación Luz Para Tus Ojos and a person who is blind, told the commission he ‘‘quedé ciego’’ two years ago and regained mobility through his service dog; he recounted confrontations with hospital and security staff. ‘‘Tener que tener esa lucha… y esa petición irracional por nuestros derechos… nos hace la vida más difícil,’’ he said, urging lawmakers to provide ‘‘herramientas legales’’ and robust training for staff.

Jessica Guardiola Marrero, legal advisor, emphasized that federal regulations prohibit requiring documentation and spoke about the need for enforced, documented training: ‘‘Que cuando Mikey o la persona usuaria de animal de servicio llegue a un hospital, no tenga que estar debatiendo con el guardia de seguridad, porque tiene derecho a entrar al hospital con su perro de servicio.’’ Advocates also volunteered to assist agencies on public-education campaigns and training.