Legally blind woman refused 23 Uber rides in six weeks due to guide dog discrimination

A Victorian woman who requires the assistance of a guide dog says repeated refusals from rideshare drivers have effectively left her housebound. Key points: Kathryn Beaton and her dog guide Romeo have been refused Uber trips 23 times in six weeks Uber says it will work to improve its service for passengers such as Dr Beaton Blind Citizens Australia says rideshare and taxi drivers discriminating against people with service animals appears to be an escalating issue Kathryn Beaton is legally blind and lives with complex regional pain syndrome and pelvic instability, which means she can experience "indescribable pain" if she is left waiting in the cold. Uber's service animal policy makes it clear that drivers are required to comply with "all applicable laws" and "accept riders with assistance animals". Uber Australia and New Zealand director of driver and marketplace Emma Foley says that "one service animal refusal is one too many". Executive director of people and engagement Ayten Erkul said any refusal of service involving assistance animals was "a serious matter".