Handler Advocacy
These free resources can be used in the event of discrimination to help support you. We have provided advocacy resources in a range of formats so you can choose what will best support you. We encourage you to practice reading, showing, or playing these resources to find what works best for you.
You can access this page from anywhere on our site by pressing the red button in the bottom right corner.
Please document instances of discrimination using the button at the bottom of the page.
Introduction
Hello, I am an assistance dog handler, and my dog is an essential aid that helps me overcome my disability.
Under the Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs are auxiliary aids. As a disabled person, I have the right to be accompanied by my assistance dog in most public places, including this service as a reasonable adjustment. However, I am aware of exemptions, such as sterile areas, where access for assistance dogs may be restricted for health and safety reasons.
It is unlawful to discriminate against a disabled person because of their auxiliary aid. Refusing me entry due to my assistance dog is discrimination.
I kindly request that you respect my rights and make the necessary adjustments to allow us both access to your service.
More information about assistance dogs, my rights, and your responsibilities is available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Requesting documentation
I appreciate your willingness to understand. I want to clarify that there is no legal requirement for me to provide registration papers or identification for my assistance dog.
Under the Equality Act 2010, my right to be accompanied by my assistance dog is protected, and requesting documentation can be considered discrimination.
Not all disabilities are visible and a person's need for an assistance dog is a private medical matter.
I kindly ask that you respect these rights and focus on making your service accessible for all, including those with assistance dogs.
If you would like further information, I can provide resources to help you better understand these rights.
Requesting a manger
I kindly request to speak to a manager to address this matter further. Thank you.
Follow up
I want to let you know that in response to this discrimination, I will be reaching out to the Equality Advisory and Support Service.
They are an organisation that supports and mediates in cases of discrimination like this. It's important for me to stand up for my rights as an assistance dog handler, and they can support me with addressing this matter.
Assistance Dogs are Essential Aids: Under the Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs are auxiliary aids that help individuals overcome challenges and enhance independence. Service providers must make reasonable adjustments to accomodate assistance dogs, ensuring equal access for all.
No need for registration or identification: It is not a legal requirement for assistance dog handlers to provide registration papers or identification. Asking for such documents can be discriminatory.
Discrimination is unlawful: Refusing entry due to an assistance dog is discrimination. It's essential to respect the rights of assistance dog handlers.
Support and Mediation: In cases of discrimination, assistance dog handlers can seek support from the Equality Advisory and Support Service.
Introduction:
Requesting documentation:
Requesting a manger:
Follow up:
Please invite service providers to scan the QR code to learn more about assistance dogs.
Document
ADvocate is working hard to document instances of discrimination. This will help evidence and track discrimination faced by assistance dog handlers, demonstrating the need for further education of service providers and continued funding for projects like ADvocate.
Please support us by documenting any instances of discrimination you experience.