VIDEO: 7-Eleven to include guide dog training after Saskatoon incident

At 7-Eleven stores across Canada, employee training will now include guide dog training after an incident in Saskatoon.
 
Mike Simmonds was asked to leave one of the convenience stores in 2013 because his guide dog, Graham, was by his side.
 
Since then, the blind comedian has been talking with the company about ways to raise awareness.
 
“They’ve gone very far in extending an honest effort in bringing awareness to the general public,” Simmonds said.
 
Training videos featuring Simmonds and his dog are now online and 7-Eleven has partnered with the Canadian Association of Guide and Assistance Dogs for the month of April.
 
“Graham allows me to get out into the world to places I used to go when I had sight,” Simmonds said.  
 
“He makes sure I don’t bump into benches, people or fall off curbs.”
 
According to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, refusing services to a person with a service animal is prohibited.
 
But this is not the first time Simmonds has faced discrimination because of his guide dog. He reached a settlement with Comfort Cabs last month after a driver refused him service.
 
Wednesday is International Guide Dog Awareness Day, and Simmonds said with more service dogs on the streets than ever before, it’s time to start spreading information.
 
“Guide dogs are out there, they are part of our community,” he said.
 
“They’re there to assist people with visual impairments and they’re wonderful companions.”

panews@jpbg.ca

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