[Blindtlk] NFB Guide Dog School, A Possible Scenario

[kelby carlson]

What if a blind guide dog applicatn already had mobility skills? Why
is it necessary to put someone through 6-9 months of training that
it's possible they don't even need? (Not to mention the fact of the
other training that comes with rehab, which may or may not be desired
by the applicatn.) This seems far too restrictive to me.



On 3/21/13, Peter Donahue <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com> wrote:
> Good afternoon Julie and everyone,
>     Julie and I have had many conversations on this issue in the past so she
>
> knows where I'm coming from. In line with her comments below I'd like to
> suggest a possible scenario for an NFB-run guide dog program:
>
>         Since we all ready have three orientation and adjustment centers for
>
> blind adults and youth there would be no need for a facility for housing
> students in training to be constructed. Hold on folks. Students wishing to
> obtain a guide dog from the NFB's program would be required to complete the
>
> 6-9 month program at one of the centers. During the student's "Bootcamp
> training" the center has an opportunity to come to know the student
> inside-out and will be able to furnish lots of background information on the
>
> applicant to the guide dog unit. Unlike current guide dog programs that must
>
> rely on references and other information that may be true or false the NFB
> guide dog program will have all ready had accurate information gathered for
>
> them by the training center and can be assured that the applicant is a
> suitable candidate for a dog.
>
>     This approach will also assure the guide dog program that the student is
>
> up-to-par with their cane skills and is capable of transferring them to the
>
> use of a dog. Students that successfully complete the cane travel component
>
> of their immersion training would be eligible to receive a dog. This
> approach would also permit students receiving a dog to complete other
> aspects of their immersion training minimizing the wasted time students
> often experience when at guide dog training facilities.
>
>     Students undergoing guide dog instruction would be required to wear
> sleep shades as they do when taking other center classes and participating
> in designated center activities. Like students who undergo cane travel
> instruction at our centers those training with dogs would be encouraged to
> travel on their own prior to completion of the training. In the beginning
> they could be accompanied by an experienced guide dog user/trainer but would
>
> be expected to travel and complete "Monster Routes" entirely on their own
> using their dogs.
>
>     As for the dog component of the operation I imagine it would operate
> similar to those of current guide dog programs. The program would operate
> its own breeding component or obtain suitable dogs from donations. The usual
>
> period of socialization and puppy raising wouldn't be that much different
> than is done by current guide dog programs. The dogs would return for a
> period of training when they're taught how to guide a blind person. Once the
>
> dogs are ready to be pared with their future blind owner they along with an
>
> instructor would be sent to the center where the student receiving the dog
> will be trained. Alternatively the NFB guide dog program could operate from
>
> one of our centers. Those wishing to obtain dogs once their "Bootcamp"
> training is complete would transfer to that center for training with the
> dog. Using all ready existing facilities to house students in training is
> one way to reduce the cost of training guide dogs.
>
>     The above is just one possible scenario of how an NFB-run guide dog
> program could work but I'm sure others would have additional ideas. If it's
>
> to happen at all the discussion must continue at a cost of 0 to
> participants. All the best.
>
> Peter Donahue
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com>
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 8:08 AM
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Canes and Dogs, the In-House Checkup
>
>
> I think the answer to protecting the dogs is two fold.  First I would
> like to see a more in depth background investigation of the blind
> applicant.  Do a criminal background check, require more references, ask
> the neighbors...whatever it takes.  Adoption agencies place children
> into homes surely we can figure out a way to more accurately know what
> sort of situation the dog will be placed into.  Secondly, I think there
> are already agencies in place for dealing with animal abuse, the police
> and animal control.  I don't see any reason why these agencies can't be
> used in cases of neglect or abuse.
>
> In regard to cost and the blind applicant absorbing the cost of the dog
> in order to own the dog outright is an extremely valid point.  We have
> to stop expecting everything for nothing.  I like the Seeing Eye's
> concept of charging the student.  I do wish that the cost had increased
> over the years with the cost of living.  It has been $150 since the
> beginning of the school in 1928.  I think that's the right year.  $150
> was a very different sum of money then and now.
>
> I also think that guide dogs can be raised and trained for substantially
> lower sums of money than $60,000.  If you look at the various guide dog
> programs and how much each claims it costs to train a dog, the numbers
> vary widely.  All those buildings, fancy food, excessive equipment and
> other niceties cost money.
>
> Julie
>
>
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