BBC London Documentary Reveals The Extent Of Discrimination Faced By Disabled People

A documentary on BBC London reveals the extent of discrimination faced by disabled people. Using hidden cameras a woman in a wheelchair documents the inaccessibility of venues (lack of ramps, high tables and broken lifts), while a guide dog owner is refused carriage by 5 out of 20 taxis.

The equalities Act 2010 makes it an offence to refuse to convey an assistance dog, when accompanied by a disabled person meaning that 5 out of 20 companies are in flagrant breech of the law.

As a registered blind guide dog owner I am depressed (but not surprised) by the findings of the documentary. It is, to put it mildly extremely upsetting to be discriminated against. It makes one feel like a second-class citizen which, in the 21st century is wholly unacceptable. Hopefully the drivers concerned (together with the companies) will lose their licenses. It is only through stringent enforcement (coupled with education) that discrimination can be eliminated.

For the documentary please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-29917990#afterFlash