New Westminster wants to make efforts to roll out the welcome mat to guide dogs.
Coun. Ruby Campbell presented council with a motion asking the city to place guide dog welcome decals at the entrance of all municipal buildings, as a way of raising awareness that guide dogs are legally allowed anywhere the public has access. Her motion also recommended that city staff be provided with guide dog etiquette information from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
In addition, the City of New Westminster will promote the placement of guide dog welcome decals at the entrance to businesses and organizations.
Campbell said September was Guide Dog Awareness Month, which aims to educate people on proper guide dog etiquette, the rights of guide dog handlers, and the legislation that protects them and to champion equal access for guide dog handlers.
“Human rights legislation prohibits discrimination against a person with a disability who is working with a guide dog,” she said. “Despite the legislation, people partnered with guide dogs continue to encounter discrimination when they are denied access to public places, services such as stores, restaurants, hotels and taxis. Unfortunately, many of the barriers guide dog handlers face are from the lack of awareness.”
Campbell said she joined Canadian National Institute for the Blind staff, as well as some city staff and Coun. Tasha Henderson, on walks around parts of New West and heard about some of the barriers being faced. She said CNIB representatives will be attending a future council meeting to share some of those challenges.
“In the meantime, I know the City of New Westminster strives for all facilities to be inclusive and welcoming, so I hope my council colleagues support this motion today,” she said at the Nov. 4 meeting.
Council unanimously supported Campbell’s motion about guide dog access awareness.
