Hong Kong issues guidelines to make guide dogs more accepted, pointing to discrimination
- Equal Opportunities Commission hopes suggestions will ensure guide dog users do not face discrimination taking transport or going to restaurants
- Official statistics show there were about 47,600 visually impaired people in Hong Kong in 2020
Visually impaired people using guide dogs should be treated like regular patrons in restaurants and taxis, Hong Kong’s equality authority has said in new rules issued to foster public acceptance of the animals.
The Equal Opportunities Commission on Thursday released “Guide Dogs: A Practical Guide”, which offers tips for protecting the rights of guide dog users in various settings, including on transport, in restaurants, hotels and property management spaces, as well as in the workplace.
The recommendations asked service providers to allow guide dogs and their users to enter facilities, premises and transport vehicles, post notices or stickers to clearly indicate the allowance of their entry, provide reasonable accommodation for them and avoid imposing extra fees on them.
It also suggested operators develop measures to handle conflicts between guide dog users and others who are allergic to the animals and offer comprehensive training to staff to raise awareness of the issue.
“Some people don’t understand the use of guide dogs, and they also don’t know how to handle some situations. Therefore, this guide is helpful,” said Ferrick Chu Chung-man, executive director of operations at the commission.
Official statistics showed that there were about 47,600 visually impaired people in Hong Kong in 2020.
