Blind Woman Wins Human-Rights Settlement

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION- Blind Woman Wins Human-Rights Settlement

A settlement has been reached in a human-rights complaint made by a blind woman with a guide dog against MacLean's Mini Bus of Marion Bridge and its representatives.

Linda Arsenault of Sydney Mines first signed a formal complaint to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in December 1999, alleging that the company discriminated against her because of her disability.

She alleged that, when she tried to book a ticket and alerted the company that she had a guide dog, the company at first refused her service, then required that she pay fare for both herself and her dog.

In the end, Ms. Arsenault sought a ride from another bus company. The settlement requires MacLean's Mini Bus to pay her $80 and submit a letter of apology to her.

Under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, it is against the law for an individual or organization to limit access to services to those who have a disability or a perceived disability.