ARKANSAS

Arkansas Act 484 of 1973, Chapter 29, Sections 82-2901 through 82-2907

Arkansas statutory law guarantees a blind person the legal right to
equal opportunity in the areas of housing, employment and the use of
public accommodations and public carriers.  It further guarantees the
right of a blind person to be accompanied by a specially trained dog
guide in the enjoyment of these rights and privileges.  The dog guide
user cannot be charged an extra fee because of the dog's presence, but
the dog guide user is liable for any damage the dog might cause to the
premises.

The right to employment which the statute insures, covers jobs in state
government or in political subdivisions of Arkansas, including schools
and in fields of academic activity receiving state funding.  The only
employment circumstances not covered are those where a physical
disability makes it impossible to meet the job requirements.  (*82-2901)

The right to "equal accommodations" extends to all housing, except for
private single-family dwellings, a portion of which are made available
for rent.  The landlord is not required to modify the accommodations or
to assume a higher standard of care. (*82-2901, *82-2903, *82-2904)

Public accommodations, for the purpose of the Act, include hotels,
places of resort and recreation, public buildings, restaurants, and all
other places to which the public is invited.  (*82-2901, *82-2903, *82-
2904)

Violation: Any person, firm, corporation or agent thereof who violates
the above is guilty of a misdemeanor.  (*82-2906)