Jaci Armstrong's Struggle for Accessible Transportation
Jaci Armstrong, a legally blind woman, relies on her guide dog, Bess, to navigate Sydney with her two-year-old daughter. While the law grants Bess access to any public space and vehicle that Ms. Armstrong does, she often faces discrimination from rideshare and taxi drivers.
Ms. Armstrong, who has been handling guide dogs for 20 years, has experienced numerous instances of drivers refusing service to her and Bess. These encounters have left her frustrated, angry, and even in tears. She often builds "buffer" time into her plans, knowing that her trip will not be as simple as others.
New regulations in NSW aim to combat this discrimination by imposing a fine of up to $3,300 on anyone who refuses passengers like Ms. Armstrong and Bess access to rideshare or taxi services. The previous penalty of $300, introduced in 2017, has not been effective in eliminating this issue.
Tamara Searant from Guide Dogs NSW highlights the global nature of this discrimination and its impact on the social isolation of people with visual impairments. She emphasizes the importance of accessible transportation for participation in the community.
Ms. Armstrong hopes that the increased penalty will have a significant impact on the taxi and rideshare industry, ensuring that guide dog handlers like her can access transportation without facing discrimination.