'We Categorically Refuse' Denial of Entry to Assistance Dogs for the Disabled

2024.07.01. The Fair Economy — Rep. Kim Ye-ji, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, announced on the 1st that she has proposed a partial amendment to the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act that guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to mobility and to be accompanied by guide dogs.

The amendment stipulates that entry of assistance dogs for the disabled may not be denied under any circumstances at public places and elsewhere. It deletes the phrase "without justifiable grounds" from Article 40, Paragraph 3 of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, which currently states that entry of an assistance dog "shall not be denied without justifiable grounds."

The amendment also requires the state and local governments to establish and implement necessary policies, including public service advertisements, to raise awareness about assistance dogs for the disabled.

Rep. Kim Ye-ji stressed, "Under the current law, entry of a person with a disability accompanied by an assistance dog may not be denied without justifiable grounds at public transportation, public places, lodging facilities, restaurants and the like, and a fine is imposed if such entry is denied. Even so, cases of assistance dogs being denied entry still occur frequently. This seriously infringes on the right of people with disabilities to mobility and to safely engage in activities. A stronger provision is needed to ensure that entry of assistance dogs for the disabled cannot be denied."

She went on to explain the purpose of the bill, saying, "Guaranteeing the right of mobility for people with disabilities and their assistance dogs also requires state-led efforts to raise public awareness, so the amendment includes a provision mandating public awareness campaigns about assistance dogs for the disabled."

She concluded, "Through this legislative revision, I hope society will come to see assistance dogs for the disabled as grateful companions who are 'one body' with the person they assist, and I hope the day will come when allowing assistance dogs into public places is taken as a matter of course rather than something requiring 'understanding.' I will do my utmost to ensure this amendment passes and takes effect during the 22nd National Assembly."