Just Jill by Unknown

Just Jill by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Disability
ISBN: 9781908548337
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited 2011
Published: 2011-11-22T00:00:00+00:00


Independence and New Obstacles

I had only been at home for a week with my first guide dog, Topsy, when my first battle regarding access started. I was thrilled to have Topsy and that I would be able to take Jacqueline out on my own, so the first place we went to was the local library. I never imagined that there would be any problem, so we just entered the library, handed in our old books and went to the children’s section so that Jacqueline could pick some new books. We had only been there a couple of minutes when I was approached by a lady who asked whether I would mind waiting outside with my dog and she would help Jacqueline choose her books. I just could not believe what I was hearing. It not only upset me but Jacqueline as well. She started to cry, as she did not want me to leave her and, of course, I had no intention of doing so. As a result, we both went home without our books.

This experience really affected me deeply, and I shall never forget that moment when the lady spoke to me. This was the first time since I had lost my sight that I had gone somewhere on my own with Jacqueline, and I had been refused access with my guide dog. Fortunately, Barbara Bridge, a friend whom I had met in hospital when Jacqueline was born, knew someone that worked for the Council and was responsible for the library service. He said that I would be allowed into the library next time, but when Mick went into the library and mentioned to the staff about my going in there again their response was, “We have got to let her in.” I never did go back to that library and the whole experience made Jacqueline think that every time we went anywhere the same thing would happen again. Unfortunately it often did, and this is why I have campaigned from that day on for better access, not only for my benefit but also for my family as well as all the other guide dog owners and their families. However, I was allowed into my local Palace Theatre, and eventually the Cliffs Pavilion when it was built.



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