While working with a guide dog has drastically improved my mobility and independence, there’s a significant downside that often goes unacknowledged: the constant anxiety surrounding transportation. This is a feeling shared by many guide and service dog users, and for some, it’s a major deterrent to even acquiring or retraining with a dog.
The Source of the Anxiety
Have you ever felt anxious booking a cab, rideshare, or even getting into a friend’s car? Many haven’t, but for those of us with guide dogs, this anxiety is a near-constant companion. While hailing a taxi can be somewhat less stressful, the dread associated with rideshares is often overwhelming.
The root of this anxiety lies in the unfortunate reality that many rideshare drivers don’t believe they’re obligated to transport service or guide dogs and their handlers. They wrongly perceive it as their right to refuse us service. Despite numerous lawsuits against rideshare companies, this discriminatory practice persists, creating a significant barrier for those who rely on these services.
The Illusion of Legal Protection
While laws exist to protect our right to access public transportation with our guide dogs, the reality is often far from ideal. These laws, whether at the provincial, state, or national level, frequently lack effective enforcement. In my own jurisdiction, for example, three separate pieces of legislation are designed to protect guide and service dog users. However, two of these are practically unenforceable. Even when legal recourse exists, the process is often so complex and resource-intensive that many victims of discrimination don’t even attempt to pursue it. Police often lack the training or understanding to properly enforce these laws.
The Bleak Reality
The result is a disheartening situation. Guide and service dog users are left to constantly fight for their rights, often facing humiliation and feeling like a burden. We’re left stranded, feeling unsafe and apprehensive about what will happen next. This needs to change. People with disabilities shouldn’t be treated as second-class citizens by either our governments or the individuals providing essential public services. Why must we constantly defend rights that are already legally guaranteed? Why must we fight for the enforcement of laws that are already in place? The ignorance and unwillingness to uphold these laws are the real obstacles, and they create a significant and unnecessary burden for those who rely on guide and service dogs for their independence.
Unapologetically Blind 