‘Refused service again with my guide dog, I’m done speaking out’

As a guide dog handler of 25 and a half years, I’ve had hundreds of experiences of being refused service – but online threats and increasing hostility towards disabled people mean I’m giving up on asking publicly for equality and respect.

The last straw came about a week ago. I was already reeling from a number of refusals by restaurants and shops when, once again, I was refused entry because I have a guide dog.

I visited the restaurant, which I have chosen not to name, but was told I couldn’t enter as people could have allergies. This, by the way, is unlawful.

They later changed their reason – saying they simply had no space.

It’s difficult to describe how this feels.

I don’t think you can understand it unless you know what it is like to face daily discrimination.

I compare the feeling to December 2022 when I was briefly robbed of my smartphone near the BBC building in central London.

Unlike street robberies, refusals are rarely violent or physical, but the feeling of being slugged in the gut is identical.

I argue refusals feel worse – because at least I can understand the motivation of robbers.