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Joint content series aims to end taxi and rideshare discrimination against Seeing Eye Dogs and their handlers
Vision Australia and Safe Transport Victoria have released a three-part content series aimed at dispelling common misconceptions that are associated with Seeing Eye Dogs, while educating taxi and rideshare drivers on their function and legislated rights.
In the series, Seeing Eye Dog handlers share their experiences with using taxis or rideshares and the impact ongoing driver refusals have on their everyday lives.
Across Australia, Seeing Eye Dogs and other accredited assistance animals are legally entitled to travel in taxi and rideshare vehicles.
Vision Australia director of government relations, advocacy and the NDIS Chris Edwards said there are some weeks where he and his Seeing Eye Dog, Eva, will be denied up to 50% of their rides.
“More often than not, Eva and I will be turned away by drivers without an explanation. Sometimes they suggest that Eva may be aggressive or dirty, which is why they don’t let us in,” Chris said.
“Whatever the reason, it becomes disheartening trying to repeatedly explain that not only are Eva and other Seeing Eye Dogs highly trained, including how to calmy travel in a vehicle, they are legally entitled to do so.
“Taxi and rideshare refusals are one of the most widespread and harmful forms of discrimination that people who are blind or have low vision experience in Australia today.
“This discrimination increases people’s isolation, reduces their ability to participate in their community, and has a damaging effect on their mental health.”
However, despite these negative experiences, Chris has also had some positive conversations with drivers which has encouraged him, along with Vision Australia, to produce these educational videos to address common concerns.
“Our hope is that drivers understand that Seeing Eye Dogs and other assistance animals are service animals, not pets, meaning they are allowed almost everywhere, including in their vehicles,” Chris said.
“When travelling in a taxi or rideshare vehicle, Eva sits calmly at my feet and drivers won’t even know she’s there outside of when we get in and out of the vehicle.
“It’s imperative that all taxi and rideshare companies share these facts with drivers, so we are able to move around with the same independence and freedom as everyone else.”
You can learn more about the driver education campaign on the Safe Transport Victoria website.
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Further enquiries:
Stephanie Steinhoff-Pino
0449 254 655
[email protected]