Assistance dogs receive a warm welcome from VisitScotland
National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are working alongside VisitScotland and the Scottish Government providing insight regarding the needs of hearing dogs and other assistance dog users in the hospitality environment.
Scotland’s national tourism organisation, VisitScotland whose main aim is to maximise the economic benefits of tourism to Scotland recognises the potential of accessible tourism for disabled people. They will be displaying ‘door stickers’ at the 110 visitor centres in Scotland to show that they warmly welcome assistance dogs and their owners.
Phil Biggs, Access and Inclusion Manager at Hearing Dogs, is current chair of the ‘access group’ for Assistance Dogs (UK) a coalition of assistance dog organisations who are responsible for designing the stickers. Assistance Dogs (UK) aims to raise awareness amongst the general public and promote behavioural and legislative changes to ensure the freedom, independence and rights of its clients.
“Each year, we are notified of a steady stream of cases where people with assistance dogs are refused access to hotels and guesthouses. We also get reports that people are often turned away from restaurants or dining rooms with their canine helpers.
“We are delighted that VisitScotland are going to be displaying the stickers at their visitor centres as it not only means that they welcome all assistance dog users but that they are aware of their lawful duty to do so under the Equality Act 2010,” says Phil.
There are about 6500 assistance dogs working in the UK, any self catering, B&B, guesthouse or hotel that caters for their needs can open up long-lasting relationships, as many owners prefer to return somewhere where they know they’re going to get a warm welcome. There’s also no need to worry on grounds of hygiene as guidance from The Royal Environment Health Institute of Scotland says assistance dogs are unlikely to be a risk to hygiene and should be allowed access to food shops and restaurants.
The door stickers are available to hospitality providers in Scotland free of charge via Assistance Dogs (UK) at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, The Grange, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9NS. Tel: 01844 348100, e-mail: info@hearingdogs.org.uk
