People with guide dogs being discriminated against, CNIB says

The CNIB Foundation is stepping up its efforts in calling for an end to discrimination against Canadians who depend on guide dogs for mobility, safety and increased independence.

In a news release Tuesday, the CNIB stated that in all of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories, legislation prohibits discriminating against a person with a disability who is working with a guide dog.

Discrimination includes denial of access to any premises to which the public would normally have access, the CNIB says.

“The rights of people living with sight loss are covered under the Service Animal Act,” the release noted. “If refused service or denied access, guide dog handlers in Newfoundland and Labrador should contact the Human Rights Commission.

“If found guilty, the person who violates the (Service Animal Act) may receive a fine of up to $500, or face imprisonment for no more than 30 days.”

John Rafferty, CNIB’S president and CEO, said that despite it being illegal to deny access or refuse service, it happens every day – especially in taxis, restaurants, hotels and stores.

“Today, we’re asking businesses to open their doors to Canadians with guide dogs,” he said. “Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s the law.”

While legislation varies from province to province, in all provinces it contravenes the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms to deny a blind person accompanied by a guide dog access to a federally owned or regulated place or service.

Anne Malone, who depends on her guide dog Cheryl, said that in April 2013 she was refused taxi service by three cab drivers in one night, all of whom worked for the same cab company.

After filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, Malone was awarded $5,000, and the cab company was ordered to provide sensitivity training for all of its drivers.

“Since 1992, it has been illegal to discriminate against blind individuals who are accompanied by a guide dog – or deny them access or service,” Malone said. “Yet nearly 30 years later, it’s still happening.”

September is Guide Dog Awareness Month. The CNIB Foundation is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the rights and legal responsibilities of business owners across Canada and educate the public on the rights of guide dog teams, as well as best practices for when interacting with guide dog teams.