[Njagdu] Blind Man With Guide Dog Denied Uber Ride, Stands Up For Rights

[Ginger Kutsch]

Blind Man With Guide Dog Denied Uber Ride, Stands Up For Rights

BY:  Emily Luxen

Aug 8, 2016

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A Nashville man is fighting back after an Uber driver
refused to provide a ride to him and his service dog, and now the issue is
headed to court. 

 

James Boehm has been blind since 2010 and relies on his guide dog "Shep," a
6-year-old German Shepherd, to help him get around independently.

 

After taking Shep to the Barfield Animal Hospital in Murfreesboro to see a
veterinarian on April 28, Boehm requested an Uber ride home.  He said the
driver, Rolonda Douglas, arrived and refused to let him and his dog in the
car.  He tried to explain the guide dog was allowed in the car and would
quietly sit in the back seat.  However, the driver took off.  Another woman
at the hospital witnessed the incident and was able to provide Boehm with a
ride home.

 

"It was the first time that had happened to me," said Boehm, who often uses
ride sharing services to get around town.  "I was speechless, somewhat
angry, and frustrated."

 

Boehm filed a complaint against Uber and an incident report with the
Rutherford County Sheriff's office.

 

"Shep is a tool I use to get around," said Boehm.  "You can't discriminate
against someone who uses a guide dog or a service animal."

 

Boehm said the Americans with Disabilities Act allows disabled individuals
to be accompanied by a service dog.  Tennessee statute also states violating
the civil rights of a disabled person with a service dog is punishable by up
to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $50.

 

A spokesperson for Uber said all driver-partners are expected to accommodate
riders with service animals and comply with all accessibility laws.  The
company provides drivers with information and resources on accommodating
riders with disabilities.

 

Boehm said he wants to bring attention to the issue to help educate others
on the law. "I think awareness and bringing things out to the forefront
makes a big difference," said Boehm.

 

A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. at the Rutherford County
Judicial Building.  Boehm said he is expecting a big crowd of disability
advocates to be there to show their concerns.

 

http://www.newschannel5.com/news/blind-man-with-guide-dog-denied-uber-ride-s
tands-up-for-rights

 

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