Tanya wants same rights

TANYA Boardman wants the same rights as everyone else in the community.

Born with spina bifida, Tanya is unable to walk and needs an assistance dog to help her complete everyday tasks.

It sounds like a simple task, but even pulling up her socks can be tough for Tanya.

Luckily Maggie the Chihuahua can do it for her.

Assistance dogs can be any breed and will wear a special badge on their coat or harness.

By law, Maggie is allowed to accompany Tanya into restaurants, hotels, shops, taxis and sporting facilities.

This is stipulated under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog Act 2009.

But according to Tanya, some Gladstone businesses have refused her and Maggie entry. These include pubs, cafes and shopping centres.

This carries a serious penalty. Privately owned businesses including restaurants, hotels, shops, taxis, theatres and sports facilities can be fined up to $50,000. Individuals in control of a public place or public transport vehicle can be fined up to $10,000.

Tanya's very upset.

"Maggie is an accredited assistance dog," she said.

"I just want people to know that I'm a disabled person who needs Maggie," she said."

Maggie was trained through the Association of Australian Assistance Dogs in Mareeba.

Tanya has an identification card stating this in a lanyard she wears around her neck.

When refused entry, she shows it to prove Maggie's status. "I say, 'Excuse me here's the proof'."

Tanya said McDonalds owners Ron and Sue Hawkins were very understanding of her situation.

Ron said as long as assistance dogs weren't "unruly" they were welcome inside the restaurant.

See the legislation for youself by clicking here.

Learn more about the Association of Australian Assistance Dogs at www.assistancedogs.asn.au/

FACTS

Assistance dogs are taught to do a number of tasks including:

• Turning light switches on and off.
• Opening and closing doors and gates.
• Picking up dropped items
• Helping to remove clothing.
• Summoning assistance if their owner is in distress.

Source: Association of Australian Assistance Dogs