I am concerned about the lack of consideration given to blind people who use guide dogs. More and more I am hearing stories of blind people being refused service from cab drivers, hotels and some restaurants.

Recently, I noticed this while visiting the train station in Old Greenwich. A group of blind people was going to show support for a new entrepreneur who is blind, and a cab driver refused to drive anyone with a dog. I was shocked. However, I'm told this happens quite frequently to folks who use service dogs.
State and federal laws clearly state that service animals can go anywhere people can go; although, I have to wonder how often these laws are enforced. After all, if you are visually impaired, how can you report a cab driver who refuses you services? How much red tape are you willing to muddle through to make a point?

I don't wish to sound unsympathetic to anyone's fears or religious views about coming in contact with dogs. However, service animals are very well trained, clean, take little space and nobody should contact the dog except its owner.

Why would cab companies hire individuals who not only refuse to serve the public, but also cost the cab money in lost revenue and potential lawsuits?
Although I have some usable sight, the time may come when I need the help of a guide dog. Do I have further discrimination to look forward to?

No matter how someone feels about service dogs, they have the legal right to accompany their owners wherever they go.

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