"Despite what many believe, there is little to no change within the treatment of those with a disability, specifically those with a service dog, in New York. After living in New York for over a year and a half, treatment towards Rotkovich’s team (handler and service dog) has not gotten better despite countless complaints and attempts to incite change. When we think of crime, we think of murder, robbery, or sexual harassment. But the spectrum of crime bleeds far, and is often neglected when it comes to discrimination. Commercial services, accessibility, medical care, or public services are some of the few things Rotkovich lives without because of her need for a service dog. Regardless of “reasoning”, she has a right to everything anyone else does.
Through photographic film, Rotkovich has captured witnesses; those who have seen injustice and done nothing about it, or physical objects that can’t do anything about it. Combined with law and narration, the writing that accompanies her images describes a few of the encounters she has been in because of her service dog, Leo. Through Rotkovich’s conceptual eye, she has incorporated a series of images relative to her experiences. Without Leo there is no her, but without Leo there is service."
- Hope Nichols (BFA Photography)
