One in three guide dog handlers get discriminated in cafes, restaurants
The visually-impaired get questioned or denied access to cafes and restaurants because of their disability or their guide dogs, a study found.
The research, done by Guide Dogs Victoria, also found that Victorian Guide Dog handlers experience the highest levels of unfair treatment, followed by those in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes said the statistics were a result of a lack of knowledge and awareness among Victorians when it comes to access rights of Guide Dogs and trainee dogs.
“Guide dogs and guide dogs in training are legally permitted to accompany their handlers just about anywhere (except inside a hospital operating theatre and certain areas of zoos).”
“While most Victorians are generous in providing open access to people accompanied by their Guide Dogs, not everyone is fully aware of their legal obligations.”
More than 56% of the surveyed 531 respondents have been discriminated against by other people because of their vision impairment or mobility aid nationally.
A third, or 33% of Guide Dog handlers have been denied access or questioned when attempting to use a taxi, 34% in a café or restaurant, and 24% in a shopping centre or supermarket.
