Page 11 - IAV Digital Magazine #468

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
Blind Woman Asked to Remove Guide Dog From Bus For Being Black
By Stephanie
When Megan Taylor suffered a major head injury at 15 years old, she was left with some pretty hor- rific medical issues as a result. Hearing loss, impaired balance, frequent fainting episodes, vertigo and 'episodic blind- ness' became a part of her every- day life.
"I can temporarily lose my sight without warning at any time, which is truly ter- rifying," Megan told The Liverpool Echo. "Even when I can see I become so dizzy and disori- ented when walk- ing that I bump into obstacles and trip over things."
Megan, who is
now 22-years old, was con- fronted by a stranger who had decided that Rowley should not be allowed on public trans- port.
"Why is there a f***ing dog on the bus? Get it off!" the unnamed woman screamed.
When Megan tried to explain
that Rowley was her assistance dog, the woman went on to call Megan a liar and argued that "guide dogs are yellow, not black."
Megan went on to try to explain to the woman that guide dogs can be any color and don't even have to be labradors. But the woman didn't
want to hear it and continued to abuse Megan.
"She told me I was wrong. I decided at this point there was nothing I could say to educate this woman and that it wasn't worth my time. I instead chose to ignore her while she continued to talk nonsense."
Megan relies on
Rowley to feel safe and confi- dent, especially when she is out in public places.
Unfortunately, this has not been the first bad experience Megan has had using public transportation.
"I don't think I've ever had a stress-free trip on public transport, that's why I'm so
nervous when using it now," she told The Liverpool Echo.
Megan went on to say that on previous occa- sions she has been spat at, stepped over, pushed out of the way and accused of being drunk.
But in spite of all she has been through, Megan still has a remarkable way of looking at things.
"I try to stay posi- tive and not let incidents such as what happened get me down because I am not ashamed of my disability. Despite having so many negative experi- ences, I know that these people are the minority. Most people are good and kind."
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine