Blind Persons Rights Act

Blind Persons' Rights Act

​BPRA

​The purpose of the Blind Persons’ Rights Act (BPRA) is to confirm the right of blind persons to be accompanied by and share accommodation with guide dogs and to restrict the use of white canes to blind persons.

Multiple Select

What are the most common tiers associated with the BPRA?

(hint - you can choose more than one)

• Enforcement

• Referral

• Intervention

• There are no tiers for the BPRA

​Definitions

Blind Person​

​A person who, because of blindness, is dependent on a guide dog or white cane

​Guide Dog

​A dog trained for the specific purpose of being a guide dog for a blind person and having the qualifications prescribed by the regulations

​BPRA

​The BPRA gives rights to persons with this specific disability to have that guide dog accompany them in public facilities and live with them in a self contained dwelling unit

Poll

Do you think that blind persons and their guide dogs should be allowed in restaurants?

• Yes and Why?

• No and why?

• Neutral

• I need to learn more about the BPRA

​Police Officers Role in the BPRA

​Consists of responding officer confirming the provisions of the law to a person who is denying entrance to a person with a guide dog

​Police Officers Role in the BPRA - continued

​Officers responding will explain the rights contained in the BPRA to promote understanding and help settle the matter

​Police Officers Role in the BPRA - continued

​Subsequently the blind person and the guide dog would be admitted to the public facility, public service or the accomodation.

Multiple Choice

A blind person is a person who, because of blindness, is dependent on the use of a guide dog or white cane.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The BPRA protects the rights of people with a specific disability to have their guide dogs accommodate them

• True

• False

​ID Cards

​Some blind persons may be issued with ID cards (Government issued) as well as one for their properly trained guide dogs

​Offences under the BPRA

​Discrimination of Accommodation, Service, or Facility, Due to a Guide Dog’s Presence (cannot deny entry to restaurant or service therein solely due to fact that dogs are not allowed) (s 2(1))

​Offences under the BPRA

Denying Occupancy of Self-Contained Accommodation Due to a Guide Dog’s Presence (cannot deny rental of apartment due to no-pets policy) (s 2(2))

​Offences under the BPRA

Use of a White Cane by Someone Other Than Blind Person (only blind person may use cane that is substantially white) (s 3)

​Offences under the BPRA

Failing to Return Identification Issued Under This Act (if attorney general issues a request for return of ID issued under this Act, it must be returned) (s 4(3))

Multiple Choice

The BPRA restricts the use of a cane or walking stick that is mostly white in a public place to a blind person

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

How many offences are contained within the BPRA?

• 4

• 2

• 10

• There are no offences

Fill in the Blanks

The use of a white

in a public place by any person who is not legally blind is prohibited under the BPRA.

Multiple Choice

A blind person and guide dog is allowed access to facilities, services, and accommodation that the public has access to

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Landlord can deny persons with a guide dog, occupancy to a dwelling if they have a no-pet rule in their lease agreement

• True

• False

​Arrest Powers

​No arrest powers under the BPRA

Use of Force

​No specific use-of-force authority given

Limitation Period

None stated, so the general limit of six months applies

Non-Police Agencies Involved

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) could become involved as a resource

​

Any complaint likely handled by office of Ontario Ombudsman

Multiple Choice

Case Study 1 - What offences have been committed, and by whom?

• Blind person has committed an offence under the Food and Safety Quality Act

• There is no offence committed

• The blind person for not having a white can

• The maitre'd for refusing the blind person and guide dog entry

Multiple Choice

Case Study 2 - Can the man wearing sunglasses be charged with anything?

• He cannot be charged under the BPRA

• The cab driver can be charged for failing to transport the man

• The complainant can be charged with mischief for bothering the police

• He could be charged for unauthorized use of a white cane (BPRA, s. 3)