This Taxi Driver Refused my Guide Dog in Sweden

#BritishBlindGirl #LucyEdwards #HowDoesABlindGirl

[lofiiowa]

That's so disappointing, but I'm grateful you document these moments. We're here to support people by trying change things like this, hopefully that change will come sooner rather than later

[theoldpea]

I'm so sorry! Refusing a guide dog is like refusing someones crutches. It just doesn't make any sense. Hope you were able to get a refund!

[HanaTheRussell]

Hugs. I’m so sorry that happened. I have taken regular Uber with my PET dog in my town dozens of times and I’ve only been refused once. Not even a service dog. So I feel so bad for you and Molly with actual service animals who get refused. People in the city seem to be so much more picky with their cars.

[Poisonpoisson]

You're a strong person, Lucy and you have encouraged me to be stronger, thank you

[zool]

Never let a horrible person make you feel vulnerable. After refusing to take a guide dog i wouldn't even want to argue with him. Just wait for another taxi. I hope you and your companion made it to your destination without further issues

[mx.rain_yt]

As a Swedish citizen, I am genuinely appalled, that is absolutely atrocious.
I will do everything in my power to make sure that our government does something about this.

Also, you're in Sweden? That is so cool! I would love to say hi if I ever were to see you, I hope you're having an amazing trip and I'm really sorry about the way you were treated.

Edit: I looked it up on the Swedish Uber website, and what the driver says is completely false.
The website says this (translated from Swedish):

"State and federal law prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, including those who use service animals. Partners who use the Uber app agree to comply with applicable laws and Uber policies that stipulate that partners may not deny or otherwise discriminate against passengers with disabilities."

If I were you, I would report the driver.

[amyk]

By sharing this video, hopefully you are able to shed light on this issue and inspire a change in countries like Sweden. Very sorry you had to experience this but you're so amazing for using it to share a strong message. He didn't understand the importance of Molly but don't let this event take away the joy you can have from the rest of your trip ☺️

[systemMalfunction]

I'm extremely sorry this happened to you Lucy 😢. Much love and hugs from us.

[abdullahak]

Oh no that's horrible ...accessibility and accommodations are so important! Still a lot of people need to understand that...

[logeatspotatochips]

I am truely sorry for you Lucy, the part when you said that Molly was a part of you hurt me so much- It is clearly not fair and we all stand for you, this is not right

[nernguan]

Hold on now, this is false. It clearly says here in the rules for Uber in Sweden on their website that the driver isn't allowed to refuse a service dog due to allergies, fear for animals or religious aspects.
You've been lied to.

Have fun in stockholm

[Scarletlight]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Sweden is so stupid like this. Even if it is a guide dog, you have to call the taxi company beforehand and book a "pet-friendly" cab. I face the same issue every time I need to use a taxi or even mobility assistance and it's so goddamn frustrating.

[delmicortave]

I feel sad and disappointed sorry Lucy. I want to give you a hug and be strong

[lindajohnson]

So sorry Lucy you had to experience that treatment totally disgraceful. I can’t remember the last time I got a taxi with my gd just because of the ignorance and total humiliation by these drivers it’s the 21st century this should not be happening.

[joshuabahr]

I am so so sorry! I live here in Stockholm and most of the people here are kind and considerate so it infuriates to here this one person refusing to allow you into the uber. Sweden (and especially Stockholm) is such a beautiful place so I hope this does not ruin your trip! Have a wonderful stay and I hope I get to meet you and just say hello!

[Whynotcreate]

That's so awful Lucy! I'm sorry you had to go through that, I know you'll stay strong!!🙂

[toddwhite]

I am very sorry you had to go through this and good for you for making a video on this to make people aware of what can happen.

I do hope you were able to get to where you needed.

I am vision impaired as well and what you do with these videos puts a smile on my face as you’re giving us a voice 🙂

[marianpizeno]

This is nuts. I'm so sorry you went through that. No one should ever go through that.

[davepangolin]

happens all over the western world with our "NEW" type of taxi driver ....

[nikkigallagher]

Was discussing this with a taxi driver a few weeks ago. He drives a blind lady with her guide dog around regularly & was horrified to learn she’d been refused access into Ubers and other taxis (so he gave her his number and insisted that she call him when she needed a lift). As he pointed out to me “A guide dog isn’t a pet, it’s a highly trained mobility aid, and just as essential to this lady as my mums wheelchair is to her.” He drives her places about twice a week and says he forgets her dog is even in the taxi 99% of the time because it’s so calm