Post by Banker on Apr 24, 2012 14:25:47 GMT 7
Central Coast motel being investigated after refusing man with guide dog
A Central coast motel in under investigation by Wyong Council for refusing to admit a sight-impaired man and his family because of his guide dog.
Jason Merkley of Chatswood has lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission over the incident, but preferred not to name the motel involved.
Wyong Council is investigating, but also would not name the motel.
Mr Merkley, his wife Jenny and their 14-month-old daughter Josephine, had planned a Central Coast Easter getaway but were amazed to be turned away from the motel, despite having paid for the room in advance.
“I had Whiskey harnessed before we got out of the car, but when we tried to enter the motel office to register, staff blocked the door,” Mr Merkley said.
“The law entitles me to enter any public venue with my guide dog, without prior notice, but when I tried to show the manager a card outlining the law, he refused to read it.”
Mr Merkley said it was after 10pm when they arrived and his daughter was distressed.
“My baby was crying and they wouldn’t even let us in to change her nappy or feed her.
“I pleaded with the manager for at least five minutes. At first I was calm, but I admit I became upset and raised my voice.
“I was also very embarrassed to become disoriented and walked into a pot plant. I am frustrated and very, very angry.”
With no accommodation available, the family returned to Sydney, after reporting the incident to police.
“I did eventually receive a call from the police telling me they were inviting me back on behalf of the owner, but by then we were on the F3 and on the way home.”
Mr Merkley said he was further frustrated by the initial reluctance of Wyong Council to become involved.
“They tried to tell me it wasn’t a council matter - it took several phone calls for me to convince them.”
The Law
A harnessed guide dog is legally allowed to accompany its owner into the public areas of all venues under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 198, NSW Companion Animal Act 1998 and The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Human rights claim lodged
MR Merkley has lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
``This is about a family being treated this way,’’ he said.
Mr Merkley said all he was asking for was an apology and for the motel manager to take guide dog training.
He has the option of pursuing compensation at a state level under Australian Disability Law.
Council is investigating
WYONG Council has confirmed that rangers are investigating Mr Merkley’s complaint but would not comment further.
A spokesman reminded the community that people who were assisted by an animal were entitled to enter buildings and places open to the public, and to use public transport, with their animal.
He said the Companion Animals Act made this quite clear and created offences for those who did not comply.
Fundraiser
THE Central Coast Fundraising Support Group will hold its annual International Guide Dog Day fundraiser tomorrow between 8.30am and 3pm at the Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford.
Guide dog users will be on hand to talk to shoppers.
express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/central-coast-motel-being-investigated-after-refusing-a-blind-man-because-of-his-guide-dog/
A Central coast motel in under investigation by Wyong Council for refusing to admit a sight-impaired man and his family because of his guide dog.
Jason Merkley of Chatswood has lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission over the incident, but preferred not to name the motel involved.
Wyong Council is investigating, but also would not name the motel.
Mr Merkley, his wife Jenny and their 14-month-old daughter Josephine, had planned a Central Coast Easter getaway but were amazed to be turned away from the motel, despite having paid for the room in advance.
“I had Whiskey harnessed before we got out of the car, but when we tried to enter the motel office to register, staff blocked the door,” Mr Merkley said.
“The law entitles me to enter any public venue with my guide dog, without prior notice, but when I tried to show the manager a card outlining the law, he refused to read it.”
Mr Merkley said it was after 10pm when they arrived and his daughter was distressed.
“My baby was crying and they wouldn’t even let us in to change her nappy or feed her.
“I pleaded with the manager for at least five minutes. At first I was calm, but I admit I became upset and raised my voice.
“I was also very embarrassed to become disoriented and walked into a pot plant. I am frustrated and very, very angry.”
With no accommodation available, the family returned to Sydney, after reporting the incident to police.
“I did eventually receive a call from the police telling me they were inviting me back on behalf of the owner, but by then we were on the F3 and on the way home.”
Mr Merkley said he was further frustrated by the initial reluctance of Wyong Council to become involved.
“They tried to tell me it wasn’t a council matter - it took several phone calls for me to convince them.”
The Law
A harnessed guide dog is legally allowed to accompany its owner into the public areas of all venues under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 198, NSW Companion Animal Act 1998 and The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Human rights claim lodged
MR Merkley has lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
``This is about a family being treated this way,’’ he said.
Mr Merkley said all he was asking for was an apology and for the motel manager to take guide dog training.
He has the option of pursuing compensation at a state level under Australian Disability Law.
Council is investigating
WYONG Council has confirmed that rangers are investigating Mr Merkley’s complaint but would not comment further.
A spokesman reminded the community that people who were assisted by an animal were entitled to enter buildings and places open to the public, and to use public transport, with their animal.
He said the Companion Animals Act made this quite clear and created offences for those who did not comply.
Fundraiser
THE Central Coast Fundraising Support Group will hold its annual International Guide Dog Day fundraiser tomorrow between 8.30am and 3pm at the Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford.
Guide dog users will be on hand to talk to shoppers.
express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/central-coast-motel-being-investigated-after-refusing-a-blind-man-because-of-his-guide-dog/
