All Private Hire Operators should have the facility to carry guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf and other assistance dogs, when required to do so by a member of the public. There should be a minimum of 1 vehicle and driver available at all times to carry out this type of work. Therefore if one vehicle is being used another one should also be available to provide this facility.

All Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Drivers have a duty to carry guide, hearing and other assistance dogs accompanying disabled people, and do so without additional charge. The dog must be allowed to remain with the passenger. (Section 37 Disability Discrimination Act 1995). The only exception to this rule is where the driver provides medical evidence in support of an application for an Exemption Certificate.

Private Hire Operators must ensure that at all times the level of service they provide to people with disabilities is identical to the service they provide to able-bodied passengers, both in terms of price and level of service.

Any discrimination in relation to disabled passengers is unacceptable. Discrimination will be considered as behaviour that is inappropriate to a Sandwell Licence Holder and will be considered by the Licensing Committee and may result in action being taken in relation to your licence.

Disabled people are individuals, just like everybody else. Don't make assumptions about their disabilities or their needs. Don't forget that some disabilities are hidden, for example epilepsy and mental illness.

If you aren't sure how something might affect a disabled person, ask them for advice.

If a disabled person is with somebody else, talk to the disabled person directly not to the person who is with them. This also applies to a deaf person accompanied by a sign language interpreter.

When talking to a deaf person, find out - if necessary in writing - whether they lip read. If they do, make sure your face is in the light, look directly at the person, speak clearly and naturally, remembering to keep your hands away from your face.

When you first meet a blind person, introduce yourself. When you are going to move away, tell them. Don't leave them in an empty space.

When you are talking to someone with a speech impairment, concentrate on what is being said, be patient and don't try to guess what they want to say. If you don't understand, don't pretend you do.

If someone has difficulty understanding you - perhaps because they have a learning disability - be patient and be prepared to explain something more than once.

When talking to a wheelchair user, try to ensure that your eyes are at the same level as theirs, perhaps by sitting down.

Avoid asking personal questions about a person's disability; such as were you born like that? But an employer could ask, Does your disability affect your ability to do this job?

If someone looks different, avoid staring. Concentrate on what they are trying to say, not on the way they look.

If you are talking to an adult, treat them like an adult.

If someone looks as if they need assistance, offer it, but wait for them to accept before you help.

When guiding a blind person do not push or pull them. Ask them if they would like to take hold of your arm. If there are any steps tell them whether the steps go up or down.

Remember that guide dogs for blind people, hearing dogs for deaf people and other assistance dogs, are working dogs, not pets. They should not be fed, patted or distracted when they are working.

Above all put yourself in the disabled person's place. Most of the above points are just good manners.