Not so much a myth as improperly stated.
You can't be denied access to a place that is open to the public because of an assistive item, like a service dog or a cane or wheelchair. The proprietor is also not permitted to force you to divulge private medical information about yourself as a condition of entry or usage. Similarly, a police officer or guard cannot demand you disclose why you need a cane. You can be asked if the item is needed because of a disability, just not what the disability is. Mind you, when a person violates this law by denying you access, it's a civil matter, not a criminal one where you can call 911 and have them arrested. You'd have to sue them for denying you access or demanding medical information as a condition of entry. You can also inform the employee's superiors (if there are any) of their behavior.
That's as far as it goes. People asking you why you have a cane merely for curiosity falls outside the scope of these legal protections. It's rude, especially if they don't know you, but not illegal.
You can't be denied access to a place that is open to the public because of an assistive item, like a service dog or a cane or wheelchair. The proprietor is also not permitted to force you to divulge private medical information about yourself as a condition of entry or usage. Similarly, a police officer or guard cannot demand you disclose why you need a cane. You can be asked if the item is needed because of a disability, just not what the disability is. Mind you, when a person violates this law by denying you access, it's a civil matter, not a criminal one where you can call 911 and have them arrested. You'd have to sue them for denying you access or demanding medical information as a condition of entry. You can also inform the employee's superiors (if there are any) of their behavior.
That's as far as it goes. People asking you why you have a cane merely for curiosity falls outside the scope of these legal protections. It's rude, especially if they don't know you, but not illegal.
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