Refusal of assistance dogs unconstitutional
There are weekly complaints of assistance dogs not being allowed into public places such as restaurants.
The Tshwane metro has made significant strides in promoting accessibility and inclusivity by allowing guide dogs in municipal buildings and public transport.
They have enabled this by modifying Tshwane public buildings to accommodate assistance dogs. There are also designated relief areas, accessible entry points, and adequate space to navigate.
The Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said assistance dogs are crucial for many individuals with disability, as they provide essential support that enhances mobility, safety, and overall independence.
He said currently, there are laws in place at both local and national levels to ensure that public spaces and buildings are accessible to individuals with assistance dogs.
Mashigo also stated that the primary legislation governing the use of assistance dogs in public spaces is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Under the ADA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to be accompanied by their assistance dogs to all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. This includes but is not limited to, restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parks, and public transportation,” said Mashigo.
However, despite this progress, some blind individuals are still facing discrimination and exclusion in certain public spaces, including restaurants.
According to Pieter van Niekerk, spokesperson for South African Guide-Dogs for the Blind, the corporate sector and the public are totally uninformed about the function of a guide, service or autism support dog.
He said this, unfortunately, results in denial of access for people with assistance dogs to public and private facilities, as they don’t know how to distinguish between an “assistance dog” and a pet.
Image; Supplied
Van Niekerk said assistance dogs are a vital part of a person’s daily life if they have a disability.
“This is recognised and protected by South Africa’s Constitution, equality laws, and international human rights agreements. These laws ensure that people with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their assistance dogs in all public spaces,” he said.
He stated that it is for this very reason that they created their own access education programme, and are happy to partner with corporates, government and public entities to make this part of their policies and educational information.
While the organisation has seen significant progress in accessibility, they are still receiving weekly complaints of assistance dogs not being allowed in some restaurants.
“We have dealt with several cases where our people have been denied entry in restaurants and we are now dealing with a recent one that happened in Brooklyn,” he said.
Van Niekerk said, this is a clear violation of the rights of blind individuals and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and stigma.
He advised people to file their complaints to them rather than posting about it on social media and causing a stir.
Image: Supplied
He urged restaurants and all public spaces to understand the importance of guide dogs and welcome them with open arms.
“We have been working tirelessly to promote awareness and education about guide dogs and their role in assisting individuals with visual impairments,” he said.
They have also been engaging with multiple businesses to ensure that they learn about assistance dogs and welcome guide dog handlers.
Van Niekerk said while there is still work to be done, the progress made in Tshwane is a step in the right direction towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society.
“We appreciate the efforts made by the Tshwane metro in promoting accessibility and inclusivity,” Van Niekerk said.
“By working together, we can ensure that all public spaces are welcoming to guide dog handlers and individuals with visual impairments,” he said.
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