Bridgwater MP backs campaign to stop businesses from turning away guide dogs
Sir Ashley Fox, Member of Parliament for Bridgwater joined Guide Dog’s exhibition stand at Conservative party conference to learn more about the devastating impact of guide dog owners being illegally turned away from businesses and services.
The charity’s latest survey found that a shocking 88% of guide dog owners have been refused entry or asked to leave a business or other venue because they were with their guide dog.
Thousands of people with sight loss rely on guide dogs to live independently. Yet people are being stopped from going about their daily lives, being turned away from cafés, restaurants, shops and even when going to medical appointments.
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Minicab and taxis continue to be one of the most common sources of rejections; 58% said that a minicab or taxi driver or company had refused to take them with their guide dog.
The charity is calling for all taxi and minicab staff to take part in training as part of the licensing process so they understand the role of guide and other assistance dogs, and the legal rights of their owners.
At the conference, Sir Ashley Fox spoke to guide dog owner Paul about his experience of access refusals.
Sir Ashley Fox MP, who is supporting Guide Dogs’ Open Doors campaign, said: “I was surprised and saddened to learn that blind people are being refused service by businesses simply because they are accompanied by their guide dog. We need to change attitudes by both training and enforcement measures. This campaign has my full support”
Eleanor Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Guide Dogs said: “Guide dogs are not a pet, they’re essential for many people to travel and live independently. But too many guide dog owners continue to face frustrating and often upsetting discrimination when trying to get out and about.
“We’re calling for better enforcement and education to prevent access refusals from happening in the first place. The high level of refusals in minicabs and taxis demonstrates the clear need for all minicab and taxi drivers to have high-quality disability equality training to prevent these refusals from happening in the first place.”
For further information contact Guide Dogs at publicaffairs@guidedogs.org.uk