Blind ignorance? Big Society? – 3 Key Points we should all be aware of
My friend Steve Cunningham is blind. He is also one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. Although Steve lost his sight at the age of 12, he is the holder of not just one, but three world records – achieving the record for fastest blind man on land (in a racing car), on water (in a powerboat) and in the air (he was the first blind man to fly a plane around the UK).
So you can imagine just how angry I was last week, when I offered to take Steve out to lunch at a well known hotel in Marlow, only to be told that the restaurant did not accept dogs, not even guide dogs and that we could eat on the terrace (it was raining) or in the bar (which we didn’t want to as we want a meal, not a snack). In the end, we went to Danesfield House nearby who gave us an excellent meal and even offered Steve’s dog, Lynton, a drink (non alcoholic) as well!
Continue reading at Real Business…
Posted: July 20th, 2010 under Martin Leuw.
Comments
Comment from Annon
Time July 30, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Just wanted to spin this in a slightly different light. I understand that there are other factors involved but I have to question this.
What sort of instant assistance (not long term) does this dog provide that a person cannot – not ‘will not’ but ‘cannot’?
I can understand why places where food is eaten or prepared would have a blanket ban on all animals from entering that/those areas. It isn’t nice for dog owners, but not everyone owns a dog.
I have been in a similar situation where a visually impaired person didnt want to ‘rely’ on someone else and felt more independant with their dog, this is, of course, their own choice.
Personally, I know that all guide dogs are trained beyond all others, they are obedient and calm at all times and that they wouldn’t cause a problem. However some people simply do not wish to sit with animals in a restaurant.
Should we remove their choice so that Steve can have his choice?
Although I love dogs I have to firmly sit on the fence on this one. I cannot say that the staff were at fault.
In an ideal society, any one with any sort of disability would be able to rely on the compassion and assistance of their fellow man or dog……anywhere at any time!
Comment from Simon Foulkes
Time July 21, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Well done Martin for bringing this subject up. I also have a friend who is blind and have had experiences similar to those which you recount in your blog. There is really no excuse for any business to be ignorant of disability laws etc, however it seems this is still the rule rather than the exception. Education and awareness are the keys to change so I hope the Real Business blog connects with the right people.