ALEADING campaigner for the blind hit out at taxi drivers who refused to take a passenger because she had a guide dog.

Jill Allen-King, secretary of of the National Federation for the Blind’s Southend branch, spoke after the member was refused taxis twice.

A taxi company has now introduced new training for drivers to ensure blind and partially-sighted people get the help they need.

Mrs Allen-King, from Westcliff, said: “Our member is having cancer treatment, so is feeling vulnerable. She gets a taxi after doing shopping at but two Radio Cars’ drivers refused to take her with her dog.

“Some people seem to think it’s only drivers who are licensed to carry disabled people who can take guide dogs, but all taxi drivers must take them.”

Mrs Allen-king, 74, added: “Although Southend Council is dealing with the matter, I remind all taxi drivers it is illegal to refuse a blind person with a guide dog, unless the driver has a medical certificate to say they are exempt.

They must produce the medical certificate at the time.

“The majority of taxi drivers are very kind and helpful. I ask the fewwho refuse a guide dog to think, before taking on a service to the public, that you should not practice discrimination against the blind.

“With bus services few and far between, blind people have to depend on taxis for transport.

Mike Assenheim, Independent Southend councillor responsible for regulatory services, said: “It is within the taxi licence conditions that drivers accept passengers with guide dogs, unless they have an exemption on medical grounds.

“This was not the case in these instances, which is obviously disappointing. However, I believe this is a very rare occurrence and that the issue has been dealt with both swiftly and amicably between the company and passenger.”

Radio Cars is introducing extra training for its drivers after the incidents. A spokesman said: “This situation has brought to light the fact training within the trade as a whole is lacking towards disability awareness, and we intend to work closer with the authorities to ensure drivers working on our company are fully appraised on how customers with guide dogs should be treated.”

 

 

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help blind and partially-sighted people get out and about.

The Guide Dogs charity is looking for people in Southend and Basildon to spend a few hours a week assisting blind or partiallysighted people get back into the community.

Spokesman Andrew Eldridge said: “My Guide volunteers will make a very real difference.

“Losing your sight is an extremely difficult experience that leaves many people feeling isolated and alone.

“This is an opportunity to have a real and positive impact, helping somebody rebuild their life and get out and about again.”

The scheme matches blind and partially-sighted people with a volunteer for three to six months. Volunteers will spend a few hours a week, guiding their partner on trips to activities the pair will agree at the start of the relationship.

Journeys could be to the shops, a cafe or any other activity the blind or partially sighted person wants to take part in.

Almost anyone can become a My Guide volunteer, as long as they are over 18 and able to commit to a minimum of two hours per week. They will also need to agree to a Criminal Records Bureau check.

To find out more, call Jennifer Oddy on 0845 3727429 or email jennifer.

oddy@guidedogs.org.uk