I have an assistance dog who wears a working coat because I have several complex disabilities including FND, Epilepsy, Severe Asthma, and complex mental health needs that my amazing assistance dog picks up on and supports me with on a daily basis. My assistance dog has been working her magic for the last four years; however, we have experienced a lot of confrontation in the public domain from: shops, shopping centres, cafes and restaurants to hotels, and even public transport can prove challenging in different areas. This is a daily battle I have to fight which no disabled person should face, it is our legal right as part of the Equality Act 2010 not to be discriminated against without reasonable adjustment. For some people with disabilities, we require assistance dogs or maybe therapy animals to help us with our conditions. There are very few exceptions where assistant dogs can legally be refused such as taxi drivers may request medical exemption certificates from their GP but the taxi/private hire company should still arrange an alternative taxi. 

Security staff and in-store staff can often be rude and unwelcoming when visiting their shops/premises and repeatedly shout often with no pleasantries, 'you can't bring your dog in here' or 'sorry no dogs allowed in here'. This can often be very embarrassing particularly when you are often in the company of friends and just want to enjoy your day. It brings both unwanted attention and anxiety not just to me and Lola, but anyone I am with too. The discomfort and embarrassment that arises despite having full documentation, as customers, general public and staff often perceive incidents to be rule-breaking where security have been called to de-escalate. Often management allow us to pass when they realise a) we’ve visited before, b) documents have been checked c) generally they recognise the coat and give all-clear to security but not before, the embarrassment and disruption has already occurred. Sometimes, this can leave me feeling so disheartened, they have lost my custom and chosen to leave due to their discriminatory attitudes.

However, there are also further more severe situations whereby we have been completely refused entry without reasonable explanation despite expressing rights and clear signage suggesting they welcome assistance dogs. Despite the law, it remains difficult to visit venues where owners, staff members or even customers have cultural or ethical beliefs which may conflict with their legislative requirement to allow the assistance dogs/therapy animals into their buildings.

We cannot attempt to change this overnight but we CAN challenge their attitudes with new guidance into how businesses and associated staff should treat people with disabilities by extending existing legislation.
I hope you may understand my frustration and understand my desire to campaign to challenge discrimination and raise greater awareness of the legal rights of Assistance Dogs across the UK, thanks to the Equality Act 2010.

It is ok to Stop � Ask and Request for More Information but remember we deserve the same respect as everyone. We are no different and should not be treated differently because of a disability, visiting with a assistance dog which makes our daily lives possible so please refrain from discrimination and intimidation through inappropriate behaviour and attitudes.