Catherine Broughton with her hearing dog Beni.

Charity launches campaign to raise more awareness

Around 70 per cent of hearing dog owners have been refused access to services on the UK high street, according to a recent survey.

The figures have been released by the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, as it launches a new campaign to make business owners more aware of their legal obligations.

Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers must not treat people with disabilities less favourably because of their disability, or because they have a guide dog or assistance dog with them.

Despite this, the survey found 63 per cent of respondents had been denied access to a restaurant, 54 per cent to a shop, 30 per cent to a cafe and 23 per cent from a taxi.

About 40 per cent of survey participants said they had been refused access on two or three occasions.

The most common reasons given, according to the charity, were a 'no dogs' policy, hygiene concerns and religious and cultural beliefs.

Hearing dog owner Catherine Broughton, aged 74, has been denied access to businesses on a number of occasions.

She said: "Being denied access with Beni brings a mixture of emotions - from shock, disbelief and panic, through to humiliation and helplessness. It is imperative that the quality of life of disabled people with assistance dogs is protected through inclusion and accessibility.

"Occasionally, when I have been turned away from a business, I have been forced to appeal to a higher level of management. This usually brings forth a belated apology, but sadly, there are still some places that I cannot bring myself to revisit."

Hearing Dogs wants to raise awareness among businesses of their legal obligation to allow people with assistance dogs onto their premises.

Chief executive Michele Jennings, said: "Hundreds of deaf people in the UK rely on their hearing dog to help them every day, and it’s upsetting and degrading when they are turned away from a business.
        
"Not only do hearing dogs carry out a wide range of practical tasks, but they also provide a deaf person with the support and confidence needed to live an independent life."

Image courtesy of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People