People

"Every single day I get pushed over, even with my cane and guide dog," says Thomas Brooks of Leicester.

Thomas has been registered blind for over three years and is trying to lead a normal life with the help of his guide dog. You might think that would make people more considerate towards him but he says the opposite is true.

Listen: Thomas's Story

Thomas spoke to BBC Leicester's Balvinder Sidhu about how he's shocked and upset by some people's attitude towards his disability...

He says that sometimes people swear at him and accuse him of not being blind.

This, he says, is because he knows where the streets are or where certain shops are.

"They don't realise... I have known Leicester for so many years... I do know where the streets are and where the shops are. People just assume this is impossible."

Thomas and his guide dog have also been told to leave shops even though this contravenes the Disability Discrimination Act.

Thomas says he didn't experience such discrimination before he had his dog when the only sign he was blind was his white cane. The dog, sadly, seems to provoke abuse.

Listen: Murray Interview

But is Thomas's experience common? Tony Murray of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association thought it wasn't...

He was of the opinion that guide dogs usually acted as ice breakers. They provide a positive rather than a negative experience.

The Association campaigns to make people aware of the law with regard to guide dogs.

However he did think that Thomas was right in one way.

"Sometimes people see a guide dog and they don't realise what it is... It may take a minute or two to realise that it is a guide dog along with someone with a visual impairment."

Not that this in any way excuses abuse or bad behaviour.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is advising Thomas about how to deal with his problem.

Meanwhile, let Thomas have the last word. "We're meant to be a  community. We're meant to be supporting each other.

"Unfortunately it doesn't happen like that. People are generally looking out for themselves and not for each other."