Edward has met with representatives from Guide Dogs at Conservative Party Conference to get an update on their hugely important work, in Leicestershire and nationally, and to hear more about their ‘Open Doors’ campaign which seeks to raise awareness of the rights of assistance dog owners to access businesses and services.
Edward commented: “Guide Dogs is hugely respected charity, and its work is truly life-changing for blind and partially sighted people. As well as getting an update on its work, I was particularly interested to hear about their campaign to increase awareness of the legal rights of assistance dog owners to access businesses and services. Sadly a Guide Dogs survey found that, despite their legal rights, 81% of guide dog owners reported having had an access refusal. We need to continue raising awareness of these rights, and as a society more broadly, always considering the needs of blind and partially sighted people.”
