On 9 May 2024, the EOC held a press conference to release the Guide Dogs: A Practical Guide. The publication aims to promote the understanding and acceptance of guide dog users and their guide dogs across various sectors.

The Guide not only covers the definition and identification methods of guide dogs, but also showcases positive and negative encounters of guide dog users. In addition, the Guide provides practical tips for stakeholders in different sectors, including transport, restaurants and hotels, managers of premises and employers, with a view to protecting the rights of guide dog users in various public domains.

EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau said, “As a statutory body tasked with implementing the Disability Discrimination Ordinance and other anti-discrimination ordinances, the EOC is very concerned about the wellbeing of people with disabilities. As various guide dog users have expressed, they encountered discrimination and unfriendly treatment when using guide dogs. There is also a lack of understanding among service providers regarding the rights of people with disabilities in using guide dogs. As such, the EOC has developed the Guide to assist different sectors in providing appropriate accommodation for guide dog users, and enhance public awareness and acceptance of guide dog users and guide dogs. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the organisations and people that had provided assistance and valuable input to the Guide.”

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Ferrick CHU Chung-man, the Executive Director (Operations) of the EOC, said, “Although many service providers offer support to guide dog users, there are still some who discriminate against or treat guide dog users disrespectfully. Examples of such behaviour include taxi drivers refusing service or charging extra fees, and restaurants refusing entry of guide dogs. While there is no express provision in the Disability Discrimination Ordinance to prohibit discrimination against people with guide dogs, it is potentially unlawful under the ordinance to discriminate against blind people or PWDs with guide dogs by refusing them access to public premises, or refusing to provide them with goods, services and facilities.”

The EOC has already uploaded the Guide onto the EOC website for stakeholders in various public domains and members of the public to download.

• Read the press release
• Read the Guide