My Guide dog and I were refused again today by Uber It is incredibly tiring and frustrating to constantly have to explain my legal rights. Despite my best efforts to explain these rights, the driver vehemently opposed his obligation to take me.
I have now lost count of how often this happens. But the frequency is such, that I generally feel a level of trepidation every time I order a ride; will they refuse? Will this result in a confrontation? If they refuse, how soon can I get another ride and will I be late for work/my appointment?
The refusal today....I'll admit, it hit a raw nerve. My emotion, my vulnerability, my frustration, were on display and I am left processing a situation that shouldn't be so negative and so impactful.I started my day full of gratitude and ready to enjoy my many freedoms.And instead of being able to take a simple ride, I have spent the day processing sadness, disappointment and raw emotion.
My day stopped.I spoke to people close to me and had to go gently and ground myself. It shouldn't be like this.People with Guide Dogs are being discriminated against, almost daily, by rideshare companies. The legislation is not being honoured or enforced by Uber.The conversations relating to the refusal gives rise to harassment and discrimination and I will not resign myself to such treatment.
So I write this post to make the drivers and #Uber accountable, because 'if not me, then who? And if not now, then when?'It's time for action Uber.I know I'm not alone in this experience of discrimination and I send my support to all people, but especially people who are blind or living with vision impairment and are being discriminated against because of their Guide Dog.
And big thanks to Guthrie, I'm forever grateful for his presence in my life.
