Steve McCabe MP (Birmingham Selly Oak) is supporting the charity, Guide Dogs campaign to tackle discrimination against guide dog owners who have faced refusal from shops, taxis and restaurants to name just a few.
On Wednesday, 19 June, more than a hundred guide dog owners from across the country converged on Westminster Hall in Parliament to share their experiences of being turned away by businesses because of their dog. Steve spoke to guide dog owners about the lasting impact of these refusals.
It is against the law to refuse access to a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog except in the most exceptional circumstances. Despite this, a new Guide Dogs survey found that three out of four (76%) assistance dog owners had been turned away because of their dog.
Taxis and minicabs were the worst offenders – experienced by 73% of those reporting refusals in the last twelve months. Refusals at restaurants (54%), newsagents (42%) and high street shops (36%) were also common.
Guide Dogs are calling for all taxi and minicab drivers to be required to take disability equality training so they are aware of the rights of disabled passengers. Guide Dogs also supports changes to equality legislation to make action against businesses who refuse access easier.
Steve McCabe MP said:
“Discrimination against assistance dog owners must end, I was shocked to hear that three out of four guide dog owners had experienced being turned away by businesses because of their dog despite the law prohibiting it. Refusals damage assistance dog owners confidence and wellbeing, more can and should be done to prevent this.
“I am proud to support Guide Dogs’ Access All Areas campaign for mandatory disability equality training for taxi drivers to improve understanding of the needs and rights of disabled passengers as well as holding businesses to account for refusals”
Chris Theobald, Public Affairs Manager at Guide Dogs, said:
“The law is very clear that assistance dog owners have the same rights as anyone else to shop, take a taxi or visit their local restaurant.
“Despite this, our survey shows assistance dog owners face refusals on a regular basis. When you rely on their guide dog to get around, businesses that refuse to allow your dog in are effectively slamming the door in your face.
“Businesses have a responsibility to make sure all their staff welcome assistance dog owners. That’s why we are calling for disability equality training as standard in sectors where refusals are common. We also support an overhaul of equality legislation so that businesses that refuse access face the full consequences of the law.”
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