Kim Oksu, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, 'Guide Dog Access Guarantee' Ordinance Passes Standing Committee

Kim Oksu, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council (Sangmu 2-dong, Seochang-dong, Kumho 1·2-dong), announced on the 13th that the "Ordinance on Guaranteeing Guide Dog Access for the Mobility Rights of the Visually Impaired in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City," which she proposed as the main sponsor at the 328th extraordinary session, has passed the relevant standing committee.

Assemblyman Oksoo Kim, provided by Assemblyman Oksoo Kim of Seo-gu Council

Although the current Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act stipulates that guide dogs are allowed access to public transportation, public places, accommodations, and food service establishments, there are still cases where guide dogs are denied entry to public places and restaurants due to prejudice or lack of awareness.

Through this ordinance, measures and administrative support necessary to guarantee the mobility rights of the visually impaired will be established, and efforts will be made to improve public awareness regarding guide dogs. This ordinance is the third of its kind among basic local governments nationwide and the first in Gwangju.

The main contents include: ▲ provisions on the purpose and definitions of the ordinance ▲ regulations on projects for the mobility of the visually impaired ▲ support provisions to guarantee guide dog access ▲ regulations on establishing a cooperative system for the mobility of the visually impaired.

Kim stated, "I hope that the enactment of this ordinance will help build social consensus on guide dog access to public places, creating a more comfortable and safe environment for people with disabilities," and added, "I will continue to pursue policies to promote the social participation of people with disabilities."

Meanwhile, last December, Kim Oksu enacted the "Ordinance on the Installation and Management of Tactile Paving Blocks," which serve as the 'eyes' of the visually impaired, thereby establishing a basis for guaranteeing their mobility rights.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.