so confident, they may simply walk away from the situation feeling uncomfortable or humiliated.” Thankfully, Ms Waitzer said she’s had mainly positive experiences when it comes to hospitality service, and most people go out of their way to make her and Pepper feel welcome. “I do believe the few negative experiences I’ve had are mainly due to the law not being fully understood by those working in the industry, particularly if they’ve just started,” she said. As part of the Say Welcome! campaign, THA members will receive information packs over the coming months. Included will be a poster for display in staff rooms, featuring the law and penalties that apply if discrimination is found to have occurred, along with a sticker that can be displayed in venues, with the words “Say YES to Guide Dogs. It’s an offence to say no.” Steve Old, CEO of the THA, said he welcomes the partnership with Guide Dogs Tasmania and wants to help spread the word to THA members. “Most people working in the hospitality industry understand the law and do the right thing, however we don’t want to see anyone discriminated against because of their disability,” he said. “Hotels, restaurants and cafes are for everyone to enjoy, so we’re pleased to get on board and ensure our members understand the law and what they can do to make accessing these venues an enjoyable experience for everyone.” One venue that openly supports Guide Dogs and pups in training is the iconic Henry Jones Art Hotel. “At The Henry Jones Art Hotel we strive to ensure that all guests and visitors feel welcome to enjoy our art and heritage regardless of their specific needs or circumstances,” Greg Ball, spokesperson for Henry Jones said. “Collaborating with Guide Dogs Tasmania is a terrific opportunity for us to ensure that we are able to anticipate and cater for the needs of all people who are aided by guide dogs or any other mobility device.” Guide Dogs Tasmania is owned and operated by VisAbility Ltd. To find out more about Guide Dogs Tasmania visit https://guidedogstas.com.au/ For more information contact Guide Dogs Tasmania’s Communications and Marketing Coordinator. Contact: Zoe Polacik Phone: 0466 793 602 Email: Zoe.Polacik@guidedogstas.com.au
Guide Dogs and Tasmanian Hospitality Association work together to end discrimination With one in three Guide Dog handlers experiencing discrimination when it comes to accessing restaurants and cafes, Guide Dogs Tasmania is partnering with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) to spread the word that Guide Dogs can go anywhere. In the lead up to International Guide Dog Day on 25 April, Guide Dogs Tasmania will launch its Say Welcome! campaign, which will see the charity working with the THA over the next 12 months to ensure those working in the hospitality industry understand the law surrounding Guide Dog access rights. “For people living with blindness or vision impairment, a Guide Dog helps them to navigate their way around safely and enjoy a varied social life,” Guide Dogs Tasmania spokesperson, Kate Grady, said. “To be refused entry or even questioned can cause humiliation and anxiety, with many Guide Dog handlers changing their daily routines as a result. Some also think twice about taking their Guide Dog out with them to certain places, which defeats the purpose of having a Guide Dog. “We hope that by working with the THA, we can stop any instances of discrimination occurring in the future, so Guide Dog handlers can continue enjoying restaurants, cafes and other public places, just like anyone else.” Under The Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs Act 1967, it is an offence to refuse a person with a Guide Dog entry into a public place. Despite this, Sara Waitzer of Hobart has had several instances where she’s been questioned or refused entry to cafes and restaurants, because of her Guide Dog Pepper. “Being questioned or refused entry to a restaurant or cafe is almost like being told you’re wearing the wrong pair of shoes. You’re not doing anything wrong but you’re made to feel as though you are.” Just recently, Ms Waitzer was finalising a restaurant booking over the phone. When she mentioned her Guide Dog would be with her, she was told that this would not be possible. “It’s quite confronting to be told that Pepper, who provides me with independence, safety and mobility, was not welcome, and therefore I was not welcome,” Ms Waitzer said. Ms Waitzer said there have also been times when she’s entered a café with her Pepper, only to have staff rush up and tell her she couldn’t enter with her Guide Dog. “This is usually resolved when I explain that it is against the law to refuse access to someone with a Guide Dog, but it can be embarrassing and unsettling at the time. For someone who is not
April 2018 www.tha.asn.au
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