MS Originals

Guide Dogs Apparently Still Rejected From Many S’pore Shops, Charity Appeals For Inclusivity

Singapore Guide Dogs Still Get Turned Away By Shops, Eateries & Private Hire Cars

With the help of guide dogs, some visually impaired individuals can get around freely and have a semblance of true independence.

However, perhaps due to their rarity, these precious canines remain a misunderstood bunch by many in Singapore.

According to Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS), service dogs and their handlers continue to face rejections from F&B outlets and shops today.

Source

That’s not to mention the 50% rejection rate from private hire vehicles (PHVs) which greatly disrupts a blind person’s social independence.

On Wednesday (2 Jun), GDS penned a Facebook post hoping to raise awareness and address discrimination faced by persons with disability.

Source

Guide dogs allegedly rejected by half of PHV drivers

In the post, GDS expressed disappointment over the fact that many guide dogs still get rejected at F&B outlets despite regulations allowing them at these premises.

By law, service dogs accompanying visually impaired persons can enter shops, eateries, and use public transport in Singapore.

Source

 

However, according to GDS, one of the biggest challenges facing their clients today is rejection by PHV drivers.

50% of the time, PHV drivers allegedly turn away blind persons and their guide dogs, making it difficult for them to go about their schedules.

GDS attributes this possibly to people’s lack of awareness regarding service dogs, and advocates for more kindness towards those with visual impairment.

Source

Service dogs confer dignity & independence on handlers

The ability to get around freely and independently allows visually impaired persons to lead a life with dignity.

With the help of a Seeing Eye dog, these individuals can enjoy the independence usually robbed by their physical disability.

To that end, while taking curious glances is understandable, we should respect and appreciate the service of guide dogs.

Here’s a video to get a better idea of what it’s like walking around with a guide dog in Singapore.

Singaporeans, we can do better

It takes stringent tests and years of training to groom a guide dog. Therefore, they are known to be well-behaved around strangers and even in chaotic environments.

More importantly, they provide a service essential for those with disabilities to lead a quality life.

Let’s work towards a Singapore where guide dogs are not only protected by law, but by everyone in the community.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at hello@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Guide Dogs Singapore LTD on Facebook.

Qi Lu

Qi Lu has all of 3 states: huh? how come? U sure anot? When not asking questions, she's probably learning herself a new language.

Recent Posts

Pilot treats passengers to pizzas after emergency landing causes hours-long delay in the US

He made sure all the passengers were served before taking a slice for himself.

22 Nov 2024, 6:32 pm

Woman in China grows ‘trident’ flesh on fingernail, apparently due to improper & frequent manicures

The doctor recommended a 2-week gap between manicures to allow nails to recover.

22 Nov 2024, 6:08 pm

Loyal pet dog in China tracks owner’s scent for 16km to reunite with her in hospital

The dog stayed with its owner until she was discharged.

22 Nov 2024, 6:04 pm

Newborn piglet falls off truck in Thailand, still had umbilical cord attached

Following the incident, netizens felt compelled to reconsider pork consumption.

22 Nov 2024, 5:25 pm

Dog guards 81-year-old owner’s body after she falls into pond & dies in Thailand

The dog, Taohu, was inseparable from its owner, who raised it from puppyhood.

22 Nov 2024, 5:09 pm