My name is Tye, and I live in Brantford, Ontario, with my guide dog, Zed.
As someone who is Deafblind, travelling on the city bus can be difficult and stressful. Many buses have screens that show upcoming stops and audible announcements to let passengers know where they are, but I can't see or hear them.
Finding the bus can also be challenging, as buses don't always stop directly at the bus stop sign. Once I'm on board, I still have to navigate the bus and find a seat. For a while, these barriers became so overwhelming that I stopped taking the bus altogether.
That's one area where my guide dog, Zed, has made such a difference in my life.
Zed can find our bus stop and, when the bus arrives, guide me to the door. Once we're on board, he stops where I need to pay and then finds us a seat. At the bus station, he knows the buses we regularly take and helps me navigate around people and other obstacles. When it's time to get off, he can find the right door.
One of the first times I travelled on the bus alone was to visit my brother and his family. Zed got us onto the bus, found our seats, and confidently guided me through the bus station. If I were doing that on my own, I would be stressed about finding the bus stop and navigating the station. With Zed, that stress isn't there. You can see how confident he is in his work.
Having Zed has given me the confidence to be more independent and comfortable using city buses again. Because of him, getting to the mall, visiting family, going to vendor markets, and attending events in my community has become easier.
There are also things I wish transit operators and passengers understood about travelling with a guide dog. Please be patient while we get on or off the bus and find our seat. And remember that Zed is a guide dog, not a pet. Even when he is sitting or lying down, if he's wearing his harness, he's still working. Being Deafblind doesn't mean I don't know when someone is trying to pet or interact with him.
Having Zed beside me while travelling in my community means safety, security, independence, and confidence. Zed allows me to travel more and enjoy it. I couldn't be prouder of him. Zed is truly amazing.
— Tye, guide dog handler
From ferries and buses to planes, trains, and cars, guide dogs help make every journey possible for their handlers. Learn more about Guide Dog Access Awareness Month and discover how you can help ensure guide dog teams are welcomed wherever they go. Visit guidedogchampions.ca.