Barring service dogs breaks ADA’s promise of ‘access, dignity and inclusion’
What feels like a lifetime ago, I was in a Humvee rollover during my time in the military. It was an event that, at the time, didn’t seem out of the ordinary. Something that had happened before, and something that would happen again.
But that rollover damaged my spine in ways I didn’t immediately recognize. Bulged and fractured discs compressed nerves, slowly atrophying my left side. What I didn’t know then was that I was also born with a neuromuscular disease – Charcot-Marie-Tooth – a progressive condition that affects the peripheral nerves, causing weakness, imbalance, and slowly chipping away at the ability to move freely through the world.
As the years went on, both conditions progressed. Navigating obstacles became harder. Trips, falls, and injuries became more common. Chronic pain became part of daily life. And movement – something most people never think twice about – became a constant challenge, a daily reminder that the world can feel like it’s moving on without you.
On Tuesday, after a long day at work, our dinner plans fell apart. The food we had prepared had gone bad, and with three kids to feed, we made a rare decision to eat out on a Tuesday night. Service dog by my side, we headed into town.
The first restaurant we walked into would not allow us to eat inside. They cited a “no dog” policy. When I tried to explain the protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it was dismissed. After attempting to educate and reason, it became clear it wasn’t being heard, so we left.
At the second restaurant, we were told no dogs were allowed – no exceptions, not even for a service dog – and that we would not be served.
In that moment, I was angry. I was embarrassed that it happened in front of my kids – not once, but twice.
And more than anything, I felt like I wasn’t a whole person … like I didn’t belong in the very country I had served so proudly for 10 years.
Because for many of us living with disabilities, this isn’t rare – it’s reality. It’s the quiet barriers, the misunderstandings, the moments that make you question your place in a world that should have space for you.
But adversity doesn’t just break us – it trains us. It teaches us to stand, even when standing is hard. To speak, even when our voice shakes. To advocate, not just for ourselves, but for everyone who comes after us.
The Americans with Disabilities Act isn’t just a law – it’s a promise. A promise that access, dignity, and inclusion are not optional.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness. It’s about education. It’s about building a community where no family has to question whether they belong.
Because we do.
And when we fight for inclusion, we don’t just change one moment – we change the path forward for everyone.
Daniel Blevins, MSHS, NBC-HWC
Health and Wellness Coach
Adaptive Athlete
Sonoita
From columns to grad profiles, April issue ‘thoughtful and optimistic’
PRT, April 2026, is thoughtful and optimistic. Thank you, Harold Meckler: “The health of the planet, at the very least, used to be right there among the most critical human endeavors.” And Cassina Farley: “I spend my time giving back to the community. I hope I have given back tenfold.” Sonoita-Elgin Chamber of Commerce priorities: “Preservation, “recognition,” “sustainable,” “responsible,” “protects the environment.” And Vince Pinto: “This profusion (of migrant birds) helps all of us to keep our faith that life indeed springs eternal.” The fresh optimism of the PUHS seniors is wonderful. The Earth Day Garden Party fits right in. I can only hope that the South32 people not only buy an ad, but read the newspaper. A final thought, recently read: “Faithful to the small things” (Abraham Verghese).
Doug Morris
Sonoita
Speak up, Eastern Santa Cruz County!
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