A new video from Tokushima sheds light on the difficulties faced by guide dog users, emphasizing the need for increased public awareness. The video documents the everyday experiences of visually impaired individuals, including instances where they are denied access to public spaces.
The Tokushima Guide Dog Support Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, produced the video. The video features three visually impaired residents of the prefecture who share their personal experiences and the challenges they encounter. A key focus is the denial of entry to restaurants and other establishments due to the presence of their guide dogs.
The association aims to promote a better understanding of guide dogs within the community through this video. The 31-minute video, designed to reach a younger audience, features Kenichi Mukai, Katsuko Tsuruno, and Seiji Fujikawa.
The video showcases efforts to educate elementary school students about guide dogs and highlights the training process at local facilities. It also explores the transition from using a white cane to relying on a guide dog, and the support the users hope to receive from the public.
Mukai discusses the issue of "denial of accompaniment," where guide dog users are refused entry or service. He has been using a guide dog since 2020, when his vision deteriorated due to retinitis pigmentosa. He recounts instances where he was turned away from restaurants he had previously frequented.
The 2002 Law on Assistance Dogs for Persons with Physical Disabilities legally protects the rights of guide dogs, hearing dogs, and mobility service dogs. Assistance dogs are generally permitted in public facilities, transportation, and establishments, including restaurants.
Despite the legal protections, the association reports that every guide dog user in Tokushima Prefecture has experienced denial of entry at some point, indicating a lack of public understanding. A recent survey revealed that a significant percentage of guide dog users were refused entry with their dogs, with restaurants being the most common location.
Common reasons for refusal include a lack of prior experience with guide dogs and concerns about allergies or discomfort among other patrons. Mukai emphasizes the willingness to accommodate concerns, such as having the guide dog wait outside if necessary, and the importance of mutual consideration within society.
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