My assistance dog is the reason I can do my work and travel.
I had an accident years ago and use a wheelchair and an assistance dog.
When I started travelling with an assistance dog, it became even more difficult.
Ed Eames, president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, a nonprofit advocacy organization, said, "We hate to see people missing out on this incredible aide because they can't afford to take care of an assistance dog".
Her assistance dog, Gaynor, helps Siobhan keep her balance and navigate crowds when she leaves her Santa Monica, Calif., home.
This is as devastating to assistance dog users as telling a paralysed person they are not welcome with their wheelchair.
Fortunately, there are programs aimed at helping to defray the costs of caring for an assistance dog.
Somehow people feel that I am the one creating the problems, because I need to travel with my wheelchair and assistance dog.
Online, blind people and other assistance dog users have shared hundreds of stories of being refused service or access because they are accompanied by their working dog.
Would your child benefit from an assistance dog at school?
The scheme will also include those who need the help of another person because of sensory issues, or use an assistance dog.
