Blind people say ride share drivers discriminate, refuse to take guide dogs

As ride-sharing becomes increasingly popular, more and more blind passengers are finding it difficult to hail a ride because of discrimination and a lack of understanding from drivers. Blind people across the world are coming forward to share their stories of being refused rides because they travel with a guide dog.

These incidents are not only distressing and humiliating for the individuals concerned but are also against the law. In many countries, it is illegal to refuse service to a person with a guide dog. However, despite this, many Uber and Lyft drivers continue to refuse to take passengers with guide dogs, claiming allergies or personal preferences as excuses.

In addition to the discrimination, there is also a lack of knowledge and understanding. Drivers often believe that they will be held liable if a guide dog causes damage to their vehicle. This is simply not true. Guide dogs are trained to be well-behaved and will not damage the driver’s car.

The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind states that “denying service to people with guide dogs is not only illegal, it’s inhumane”. Raising awareness of this issue is essential to ensure that blind passengers can continue to travel independently and with dignity.

This article is particularly relevant in today’s society because as we rely more on ride-sharing services, it is our responsibility to ensure that these services are inclusive and accessible for everyone. Discrimination against individuals with disabilities is unacceptable, and companies must take steps to educate drivers and provide inclusive services that meet the needs of all passengers, regardless of their abilities.