SUPPORTING GUIDE DOGS’ OPEN DOORS CAMPAIGN

I pledged my support to all people living with vision impairment through Guide Dogs’ Open Doors campaign.

At an event hosted by the charity Guide Dogs UK, I met guide dog owners, such as Scott (pictured), to learn more about their experiences of being illegally turned away because they had their guide dog with them.

Recent research conducted by Guide Dogs found that 81% of guide dog owners have been refused access to a restaurant, shop, or taxi at some point because they were with their dog. And of these people, almost three in four (73%) said they experienced an access refusal at least once in the past 12 months. These refusals have a significant negative impact on the confidence, independence and wellbeing of guide dog users.

Guide Dogs’ launched their Open Doors campaign aims to raise awareness of the rights assistance dog owners have, and the need for better enforcement and clearer laws.

Guide dog owners have the right to live their lives the way they want and feel confident, independent, and supported. They have the right to access business and services with their guide dogs. The law is clear, and yet guide dog owners continue to experience access refusals, which are almost always illegal.