'Refused service yet again with my guide dog - I'm done speaking out'

Sean Dilley, a transport correspondent, has been a guide dog user for over 25 years. He has had many experiences where he was denied entry to various places because he was accompanied by his guide dog, Shawn. Recently, he faced a particularly upsetting incident at a restaurant where he was told he could not enter due to his dog. This experience was the last straw for him, as he had already been dealing with several refusals from different restaurants and shops. Sean expressed that it is hard to describe the feelings that come with being denied service. He compared it to being punched in the gut, a feeling that is difficult to understand unless you have experienced discrimination yourself. Sean has been sharing his experiences on social media, but he is now feeling exhausted from the constant battle for equality and respect for disabled individuals. He believes that many people lack empathy and do not understand how it feels to be treated unfairly because of a disability. After trying to explain to the restaurant staff that his guide dog was well-behaved and that it is against the law to refuse access, he was met with hostility from some customers who felt he was ruining their meal. This made him feel very small and insignificant. Sean's journey with guide dogs began in 1998 when he lost his sight completely at the age of 14. He has had four guide dogs throughout his life, and they have provided him with independence and freedom. However, when he is refused service, it feels like that freedom is taken away from him. He recalls a time when he was denied access to Tesco stores in London, which led to an apology from the company and a promise to improve staff training. Despite the support he received, he also faced a lot of negative comments and threats online. Some people have even gone as far as to threaten violence against him and his guide dog. Sean questions why he continues to share his experiences when it often leads to such hostility. He believes it is important to shed light on these issues to help others understand the challenges faced by disabled individuals. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to discriminate against someone with a guide dog. However, Sean points out that while taxis are held to a higher standard, businesses can often get away with refusing service without facing serious consequences. This creates a frustrating situation for disabled individuals who are simply trying to access the same services as everyone else. Sean hopes that by sharing his story, he can raise awareness and encourage others to be more understanding and empathetic towards those with disabilities.