Can you imagine not ever being able to see the sights of the world ever again, and everything that you actually can see is just an endless world of darkness?
Some visually impaired people may need a form of light in their lives to make the darkness a little more bearable, someone or something to guide them through this path. Just like how animals can bring us comfort when we most need it and are feeling alone, guide dogs can help light the way.
In a society such as Singapore where inclusivity is widely promoted what with campaigns and initiatives such as The Purple Parade held frequently, you’d think that most people would be more understanding towards the needs of the disabled, but there appears to be some that are still unaware.
Blocked From Boarding
Ms Cassandra Chiu, a social advocate who wishes to bring awareness about how guide dogs can help visually impaired people greatly, posted an experience of hers on her Facebook page Esme the Global Guide Dog on 19 June.
She’s known to be one of the first few guide dog owners in Singapore too.
Ms Chiu shared in the post that she was taking the bus along with her daughter and her guide dog Elke, as she wanted to teach her how to get to school on her own.
When they got off at Lucky Plaza to transfer buses, what happened next disheartened Ms Chiu.
Upon seeing Elke, a lady at the bus stop exclaimed loudly that “dog cannot go up the bus”. Ms Chiu’s daughter then explained to her that it was a guide dog for her visually impaired mother, but the lady refused to budge.
According to Ms Chiu, the lady even attempted to block her from getting onto bus 123, causing Ms Chiu to have to push her way through in order to get on the bus.
At this point, I’m not sure if the lady was just afraid of dogs and hated them, or was just being plain discriminatory. In any case, that’s not a nice thing to do at all, to a stranger no less.
Bus Driver Saves The Day
Just when you think you’re starting to lose your faith in humanity after reading that, fret not – there are still understanding and compassionate people around.
After seeing what happened, the bus driver got out of his seat and went around the bus to ask if anyone was willing to give up their seat for Ms Chiu and Elke, then made sure they were seated comfortably before driving off.
Look at how peaceful Elke looks sleeping between Ms Chiu’s legs!
Ms Chiu was very thankful to the nice bus captain, she wrote in her post.
It was a good ending where compassion was shown by others immediately after an unpleasant experience with someone who wasn’t willing to understand at all.
Aww, now that’s heartwarming. Salute to the bus captain!
Guide Dogs Are Allowed On Buses
In case you didn’t know, guide dogs are actually allowed on buses, according to SBS.
It seems like many people are unaware of this fact – honestly, I wasn’t aware as well until I saw the rule on the bus this morning.
So the next time you see a dog on the bus, don’t be so quick to judge and demand for the dog to get off of the bus – they might just be a guide dog, and in that case, it’ll be good if Singaporeans were able to offer up their precious seats for the owner.
Let’s Be More Empathetic
Besides this incident, Ms Chiu had also previously talked about incidents where she had been chased out of shops and eateries, left behind by taxi drivers and even a drink thrown on her because of her disability and usage of a guide dog.
No one should have to go through that because of physical disadvantages.
Hopefully, more and more Singaporeans will be able to gain awareness on guide dogs leading the visually impaired in Singapore and be more kind and empathetic towards them.
You’ll definitely brighten up their day as long as you extend a helping hand.
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