Guide Dogs SA.NT launches new access rights campaign on International Guide Dog Day

Guide Dogs and their owners are being refused entry to some restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops, motels and caravan parks and even public transport despite having full legal access rights, according to Guide Dogs SA.NT.

Each year, the organisation receives several complaints from Guide Dog owners, many in a distressed state, after being refused access or heavily questioned about their rights.

To mark International Guide Dog Day (April 24), Guide Dogs SA.NT is launching a new campaign - Guide Dogs Can Go Anywhere - targeting business owners and the community to create a greater understanding and reduce complaints over the next twelve months.

The campaign is being fronted by celebrity chef Simon Bryant and backed by the Restaurant and Catering Association, Australian Hotels Association and Taxi Council of South Australia.

During his days cooking in restaurants, Simon said he tried to make sure all staff were made aware of the legal rights of Guide Dogs but sometimes new waiters would question people with Guide Dogs because they were unaware of the law.

Guide Dogs SA.NT Chief Executive Officer Kate Thiele said the majority of business owners, taxi and bus drivers understand the law and are incredibly welcoming to Guide Dogs.

“The majority go out of their way for people with a vision impairment and their dog by providing additional assistance where required,” said Ms Thiele. “In restaurants and cafes, staff will often find an area with a little more space around the table to comfortably accommodate the dog sitting on the floor alongside the owner.

“However, when incidents occur it’s frustrating and humiliating for a person who is blind or vision impaired to be denied entry or asked to leave premises because they have a Guide Dog.

“It’s a form of disability discrimination, and it’s against the law.”

Bruce Ind from Woodforde was asked to leave his local stationary store after a staff member spotted his dog.

He was told “dogs aren’t allowed in here and directed towards the exit”.

It took some time along with a little embarrassment for Bruce to explain the laws giving him and his dog Keely access rights to the store. It was only after showing the dog’s special medallion, worn by all qualified Guide Dogs, that Bruce was allowed to stay to continue his shopping.

The new campaign aims to not only raise awareness of the legal rights of Guide Dogs but also celebrate the many strong relationships that exist between business owners, Guide Dogs and people with a vision impairment.

On International Guide Dog Day (April 24), Guide Dogs SA.NT will be giving out Access Awards to South Australian businesses and organisations that have gone out of their way to welcome Guide Dogs onto the premises.

For more information visit the Guide Dogs Can Go Anywhere campaign.

Issued by Hughes Public Relations
For further information, please contact Simon Hatcher on 08 8412 4105 or simon@hughespr.com.au