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Our 2025 Mission
Help Us End Ride Refusals for People with Low Vision or Blindness
International Guide Dog Day (IGDD) is an important opportunity to raise awareness about both the challenges and important issues faced by Guide Dog handlers.
Ride refusals by rideshare and taxi drivers due to the presence of a Guide Dog continue to be a barrier for people with low vision or blindness, preventing them from accessing essential services and leading independent lives.
The Problem
Discrimination Against Guide Dog Handlers
Despite Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act making it unlawful for any business to discriminate against a person because of their disability—nearly 50% of Guide Dog handlers have experienced issues with a rideshare or taxi service in the past two years. Even more concerning, over one-third of these handlers had their ride cancelled simply because they were accompanied by their Guide Dog.
This repeated discrimination shows that more needs to be done to ensure equal access to rideshare and taxi services for people with low vision or blindness.
Breaking Barriers
The Impact of Discrimination
Guide Dogs do far more than provide mobility assistance. They give their handlers the freedom to live with greater independence, social participation, and well-being. But this independence is threatened when people with low vision or blindness are denied the same access to services that others take for granted.
Client Story
Meet Chris
Brisbane local and Guide Dog handler, Chris Littlewood, has been refused service by rideshare drivers multiple times since 2018—all because he was accompanied by his Guide Dog.
In one alarming incident, Chris was forced to explain his legal rights to a driver, only to be met with hostility and nearly run over.
“It’s not a nice feeling being refused a service that you know is your legal right to access,” says Chris.
“I’ve had very unpleasant experiences right here in Brisbane and I know several other Guide Dog handlers who avoid rideshares altogether.”
The consequences are real. Missed appointments. Cancelled plans. Postponed essentials like grocery shopping or work meetings.
No one should be denied access because of their Guide Dog.
Our Campaign
Stronger Protections for Guide Dog Handlers
Guide Dogs Queensland is campaigning for stronger enforcement of discrimination laws and a review of the Australian Disability Discrimination Act to better protect Guide Dog handlers from ride refusals. Everyone deserves the right to travel freely and independently.
This International Guide Dog Day, join us in advocating for equal access. Together, we can end ride refusals and create a more inclusive, accessible community for all.
Our Goal
Together, We Can Make a Difference
- Demand stronger enforcement of discrimination laws against rideshare and taxi companies.
- Guide Dogs is calling for reforms to the Disability Discrimination Act as recommended by the Disability Royal Commission.
- Call on rideshare companies to take responsibility for their drivers and ensure equal access to their services for people with disabilities.
Report Your Incidents
If you or someone you know has experienced a ride refusal, it’s important to speak up. We are working alongside the Guide, Hearing, and Assistance Dogs (GHAD) Team to support our clients. You can report any incidents of discrimination to the GHAD Team via email at ghad@qld.gov.au or phone at 07 3097 7203.
Resources
Guide, Hearing, and Assistance Dogs
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As a handler, you have the right to access almost all public places with their certified dogs.
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Information on travelling with a guide, hearing or assistance dog within Australia and overseas.
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Resources from GHAD, including frequently asked questions.
We Want to Hear From You
Share Your Experiences
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