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Frankfurt declares city friendly to assistance dogs to promote inclusivity
As part of Frankfurt’s efforts to promote inclusivity, the city declared itself an assistance dog-friendly municipality in November.
Headed by Lord Mayor of Frankfurt Peter Feldmann, the city administration stressed the importance of allowing assistance dogs to enter all municipal facilities, pointing out that assistance dogs are medical aids.
The dogs improve quality of life and independence of disabled people, with Frankfurt noting that a blanket ban on dogs in municipal buildings would be discriminatory against people who rely on assistance dogs.
Head of social affairs in Frankfurt Elke Voitl stressed “it should go without saying that everyone can participate and take advantage of the many things our city has to offer” and added that the city administration is doing its best to remove existing obstacles to participation.
Her colleague in charge of social affairs Bastian Bergerhoff pointed out that Frankfurt is ahead of federal laws as far as inclusion goes.
Nanine Delmas, head of Frankfurt’s youth and welfare, noted that her office is focused on making sure that city employees treat everyone respectfully and added that municipal buildings are important contact points for many different people.
City authorities expressed hope that the private sector will show understanding and follow in Frankfurt’s footsteps to help people with assistance dogs to access services.
(Photo credit: Holger Menzel / Frankfurt)
