[Wasagdu] survey results

[Becky Frankeberger]

Sorry again from the other flavor.
Becky 


The American Council of the Blind (ACB), in partnership with Guide Dog
Users, Inc. (GDUI) and the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS),
conducted a national survey to better understand the denial of taxi and
hired vehicle passengers who travel with dog guides.  The findings reaffirm
the need for action and outreach to national and local transportation
governing bodies, as well as to community and civic leaders.  

 

Key take-aways include:

.        Belief that discrimination for dog guide users is pervasive was
confirmed;

.        While not isolated to one singular region in the country,
prevalence was significantly higher in urban areas; 

.        While outreach to transportation industry is still needed on rights
of dog guide users, additional remedies such as cultural sensitivity
training and myth-busting rise as key pathways for maximizing elimination of
discrimination;

.        Additional outreach to passengers informing them of their rights
and means to make complaints is necessary. 

 

Data at a Glance: 

.        Total respondents = 620 

.        90% of respondents use a taxi or hired vehicle at least once a
month.

.        47% use a taxi or hired vehicle 3 or more times a month.

.        68% have been denied access with a guide dog at least once, with
17% reporting denial 50% or higher.

.        Of those denied access, 82% occurs at time of pick-up.

.        Key reasons given of incidence include allergies/fear of dogs
(60%), religious/cultural beliefs (43%), lack of knowledge on access law
(39%).

.        45% of respondents denied access have never filed a complaint.

 

Moving Forward:

.        Collaboration is needed among both advocacy consumer groups and dog
guide training institutions and their graduates in order to develop a
successful campaign strategy to end discrimination.

.        Federal, state and local governments should be made aware of the
systemic and social barriers obstructing equal access and be moved to
action.

.        Community outreach is greatly needed, targeting key messengers and
influencers capable of working to overcome social barriers.

.        Passengers should be empowered to speak up and methods to wage
complaints should be more easily accessed.

 

ACB looks forward to working with our respective committees and affiliates
along with partner organizations in order to strategize next steps for such
action. For questions pertaining to this study, contact Anthony Stephens,
ACB Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs, at astephens at acb.org or
(202) 467-5081.

 

Sincerely,

 

Anthony Stephens

Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs 

American Council of the Blind

1703 N. Beauregard St., Suite 420

Alexandria, VA 22311

(T) 202-467-5081

(F) 703-465-5085

astephens at acb.org

Learn more about us at www.acb.org

Follow us on Twitter at @acbnational

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanCounciloftheBlindOfficial

 

 

 


Becky Frankeberger
Butterfly Knitting
-  Ponchos
-  Afghans
-  Shawls
-  Custom Knitting
360-426-8389
becky at butterflyKnitting.com

www.butterflyknitting.com