Re: [IRLGuideDogs] Refusal to Carry Guide Dogs in Taxis
- From: "Audrey Tormey" <atormey@xxxxxx>
- To: <irlguidedogs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2006 06:57:47 -0000
Hi Ed,
All fine here! Woody is really wonderful - he's such a sensitive dog, yet on
occasion he amazes me with his ability to guide. Sometimes I think when in
the midst of a "challenging route" if he'll be phased, yet he is getting on
fine. Rosemary and Clint are great too, - we've bumped into one another in
a local pet shop, and both humans and dogs chatted briefly!
Regarding taxis, or rather their drivers in some cases, I feel they could do
with awareness training. I get the impression that some of them don't
realise that our dogs are "working dogs" and not simply canine accessories!
on occasion I've had to remind drivers that my guide dog is literally my
means of getting around safely and efficiently. Not sure if you've been in
a taxi where the driver is unable to read road signs! - well this actually
happened to me not so long ago, sadly there are incidences of illiteracy
among taxi drivers, and it makes a journey difficult for someone who can't
see enough to direct on a "new route" or help out visually with road signs!
All in a day's work! If I didn't laugh to myself I would probably be ...
well better not go there!
Hope the goats are not finding this weather too inclement, and all are doing
well with Zack
Audrey
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Harper" <goat@xxxxxx>
To: <irlguidedogs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, November 18, 2006 3:37 PM
Subject: Re: [IRLGuideDogs] Refusal to Carry Guide Dogs in Taxis
Hi Audrey, Like you I have found a lot of variability with drivers, but
I've had no problems recently. I have had it suggested in Dublin, at
huston station, typically when I was in a hurry to get to a meeting, that a
taxi wouldn't take us because the big "Disabled" taxis were supposed to do
that kind of thing.
Hope all is going well for you and Woodie. Any news of Rosemary?
All The Best
Ed
-----Original Message-----
>From: irlguidedogs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:irlguidedogs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Audrey Tormey
Sent: 17 November 2006 17:03
To: irlguidedogs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [IRLGuideDogs] Refusal to Carry Guide Dogs in Taxis
Hi Sabrina,
Great to get your feedback! - I appreciate you taking time to share it with
me. I find that yes! indeed, its a real mixed bag in terms of the attitudes
of drivers! I feel its also an industry that is in need of awareness
training, - thankfully the regulator himself appears receptive!
Have a great weekend Sabrina,
Regards to you all!
Audrey
----- Original Message -----
>From: "Sabrina McKiernan" <sabmckiernan@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <irlguidedogs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 2:13 PM
Subject: Re: [IRLGuideDogs] Refusal to Carry Guide Dogs in Taxis
Hi Audrey,
I think the disadvantage of travelling in a taxi for anyone is that the
driver insists on chatting to you most of them anyway when you are not in
the mood to talk to them! when I am on my own whether I am using cane or
with my Guide dog I will only use a taxi if I really have to for this reason
because I don't want to be in a conversation with them! In relation to
travelling with Ella I have I have to say had no problems thank god here in
my own town Tralee. there has been an occasion in Heuston where I have had
a problem. The driver refusing to take us. Also recently when I had to take
a taxi from UCC to the bus station I had a driver who at first, was a right
smart so an dso. But by the time the end of my journey had come, he had
relaxed and his nerves were at ease.
Like everything, I guess there are those who shouldn't be in certain jobs!
I think awareness is grate but if it is not getting to the heart of it. I.E.
to the drivers then things need to be looked at more.
I like the idea of using the same firm and there are fantastic taxi drivers
out there who will go out of there way to help someone. and there are
fantastic companies out there who are so aware. but from my experience, it
seems to be at places like airports, bus stations and train stations where
we get the problems.
well Audrey just my thoughts and experiences on the matter!
take care,
Sabrina and Ella
-----Original Message-----
>From: irlguidedogs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:irlguidedogs-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Audrey Tormey
Sent: 16 November 2006 19:11
To: guidedog-egroup
Subject: [IRLGuideDogs] Refusal to Carry Guide Dogs in Taxis
Hi there,
Just interested in feedback in terms of individuals experience re.
travelling in taxis with their guide dogs!
I use public transport a great deal, and taxis regularly too. Recently, I
have come across undesirable practices and attitudes of taxi and cab drivers
towards the reality of me travelling with Woody, and on highlighting that it
is illegal to refuse to carry a GDO and his, her dog, I have heard a whole
array of excuses! At this point I won't go into too much detail, since my
experiences are currently with the Taxi Regulator's Office and being
pursued - suffice to say, I find it intolerant, inexcusable, and totally
discriminatory behaviour. Thankfully, on the other hand, I have drivers who
pick us up too who never question the issue of travel with one's guide dog!
I feel as a group, and certainly as an organisation, all involved with guide
dogs [and assistance dogs of any kind] must promote awareness on a large
scale in order to combat the prejudices that exist sadly in society in 2006!
Any feedback in terms of one's experiences most welcome!
Cheers!
Audrey & Wonderful Woody
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