Call for 'significant' change after woman 'not permitted inside' hospital with guide dog for visit

23-year-old Dublin-based Guide Dog owner Sarah McGowan pictured with her guide dog Mossy

A Dublin-based guide dog owner has called for “significant policy and societal change” after being told she was “not permitted inside” a hospital with her guide dog.

23-year-old Sarah McGowan was denied entry to a hospital when attempting to visit her grandmother.

Sarah’s experience highlights the “lack of education and training of ground staff on accessibility rights” witnessed by many members of the community each day.

In the last twelve months, 83% of guide dog and assistance dog owners have had a negative experience when trying to access and participate in services and amenities, despite being legally entitled to do so, according to a recent survey by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

While a third of owners were allowed access after explaining their legal rights, 25% of respondents said they were forced to leave after being refused outright.

Some of the sectors that cause the most difficulty include retail, hospitality, transport, public amenities, and other medical facilities.

Martin Gordon, who has been a guide dog owner for over 20 years and works as a barrister with the gardaí, said he does not know what it is like to go outside without the fear of explaining why his guide dog is allowed to enter a premises.

“I would not wish for anyone to know how the lived experience of discrimination feels. It is humiliating, degrading, utterly unacceptable, and unjustifiable,”

“Discrimination can have a detrimental effect on a person’s confidence and independence,” he said.

Other people who reported incidents in the survey said:

• “I was told to sit outside but once I told them my legal right I was admitted. I am glad I was alone and didn't have my child with me because this could have ended very differently. I was quite embarrassed.” 
• “I always feel discouraged when things like that happen, so I end up just not going back to the places or just going without my guide dog as it is not worth the hassle of feeling unwelcome or unsafe.” 
• “On some occasions, I am too angry and humiliated to fight for my rights. As a mother, I need to prioritise my child’s needs, both physical and emotional, over mine, sometimes I need to just walk away. I feel I have to explain my presence in society, to be forced to hope that I am accepted as an equal in my community.

Irish equality legislation gives guide dog and assistance dog owners the right to access businesses and services without discrimination, including all forms of public transport, hospitality accommodation and establishments providing food.

Guide dog owners who experience ongoing discrimination and exclusion are being denied their rights to access and participate in society under both Irish equality legislation, the Equal Status Acts, 2000-2018, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Irish Guide Dogs chief Tim O’Mahony said incidents of this nature are becoming the norm, adding that business operators must ensure their staff are aware of the rights of those reliant on guide dog and assistance dog to prevent further incidents of this nature.

“We are also calling for authorities to investigate reported incidents and to prosecute/fine where appropriate so that service providers comply with legislation.

“We get huge support from the general public, who are more than welcoming to our clients and are indeed fascinated by the phenomenal impact our dogs have. We’re asking now for continued support to ensure that welcome extends across all areas of life,” Mr O’Mahony added.