I became blind overnight. I now have a guide dog but I have had some very negative experiences.
These include being denied access to a café, pharmacy and dairy. Two drivers working for my local taxi company have recently refused to transport me with my dog.
I would like to see additional funding for disability services to enable them to offer more training for disabled people so they can have a higher degree of independence. I believe awareness campaigns should be launched so those who offer services to the public cannot refuse to allow access for guide dogs and assistance dogs.
An accessibility act would ensure that education and training in the rights of disabled people is compulsory for all sectors of the service industry and wider society.
This is my access story, it is one of many. I'm sharing it because I want a law that puts accessibility at the heart of an inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.
What's your story?