Red Vest Accessible

The Red Vest designation recognizes places that are welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities and are committed to public access rights for legitimate Service Dog teams. NEADS breeds, raises, trains, and matches World Class Service Dogs with people with physical disabilities. Just as we are adamant about the quality of training of our dogs and Service Dog teams, including the requirement that all our teams pass a strict public access test, so are we advocates for making it easier for our teams to get out in the world. The Red Vest designation recognizes public venues that:

• offer a welcoming, accessible facility for those with a disability;
• are committed to public access rights for legitimate Service Dog teams; and
• demonstrate a thorough knowledge of ADA regulations.

The NEADS Red Vest Accessible Training Program

In-Person Staff Training: NEADS has responded to a growing number of requests from organizations seeking guidance on Service Dog access by developing its Red Vest Accessible (RVA) program. Through this presentation, staff will understand appropriate Service Dog behavior; the rights and responsibilities of Service Dog teams; and the rights and responsibilities of the business as it relates to Service Dog team access. At the conclusion, the business will receive Red Vest Accessible decals for their locations. We will also make available informational cards for distribution to any guest who is accessing the business with a Service Dog or Service Dog in Training.

NEADS launched the RVA pilot program just prior to the pandemic. Both Polar Park and Fenway Park received the RVA designation at that time. Since the program officially launched in 2024, NEADS has provided in-person Red Vest Accessible training to over 400 employees at Boston-area locations including TD Garden, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Public Library, Boston Duck Tours, Goodnow Library, UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, and Tanglewood.

Bringing Red Vest Accessible Training to Your Organization

Organizations interested in becoming Red Vest Accessible can arrange for NEADS staff to meet with their staff and address questions and concerns regarding Service Dog and Service Dog in Training public access. The presentation typically lasts one hour, including time for Q&A. No class size minimum or maximum requirements. We make every effort to bring a Service Dog or Service Dog in Training for the presentation.

For information about how the Red Vest Accessible program can benefit your organization, contact us here.