A blind woman is calling for all taxi drivers to undergo mandatory training to improve their understanding of passenger assistance, particularly for those with guide dogs.
Jill Allen-King, from Westcliff-on-Sea, is a lifelong advocate for the rights of disabled people and has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by those who rely on guide dogs for mobility.
Despite the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, Ms. Allen-King has been repeatedly denied taxi rides due to her guide dog.
"It's incredibly disheartening to be refused a lift simply because I have a guide dog," she said. "It's not just about the inconvenience; it's about feeling excluded and isolated."
Southend Labour councillors have joined Ms Allen-King's campaign, urging the local council to make passenger assistance training a mandatory requirement for all new taxi drivers.
The training would cover topics such as the proper handling of guide dogs and the legal obligations of taxi drivers under the Equality Act.
A study conducted by the Guide Dogs charity revealed that nearly 60% of guide dog owners have been refused access by taxi drivers, while 22% have been charged extra for their guide dogs.
Ms. Allen-King, who has been blind since the age of 24, has a long history of campaigning for improved accessibility for disabled people.
She was instrumental in the introduction of textured pavements at road crossings and was awarded an OBE for her services to disabled people.
"Waiting for a taxi with a guide dog can be a very depressing experience, especially in bad weather," she explained. "I've had to wait for hours at times, only to have drivers drive off when they see my dog."
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