[nagdu] Blind Inc.

[Steve Jacobson]

As a cane user, I fear that we might be raising some issues here that are really not issues.  In some cases, we may be comparing apples and oranges.  Many of us, 
whether we use canes or dogs to get around, are fairly familiar with both approaches.  However, the introduction of service animals that perform other functions are 
really beyond The understanding and experience of most of us.  to assume that a training center's policy that applies to guid dogs is going to be applied equally to all 
service animals regardless of the service they provide simply doesn't make sense.  The specific needs of the individual will have to be taken into account and 
should be addressed with a particular training center if one is being considered.

The role of emotional support provided by service animals is even more complex.  There is no debating whether emotional support can be given by a service animal, 
but it is much more difficult to weigh the rights and needs of one person versus another so it has been more difficult to know just how laws should be applied.  I don't 
feel qualified to debate that issue and it probably shouldn't be debated here anyway.  The main point I'm trying to make is that I do not believe any opinion or policy 
regarding the use of canes or dogs for travel would assume that they would be applied to other service animals as well.  

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson
anyone who uses a cane 

On Wed, 7 Apr 2010 11:38:17 -0400, Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC) wrote:

>But Marian why do you get to judge? 
>How would you judge Rox who presumably couldn't use a cane safely and
>effectively? How would youjudge Shannon and why does your opinion hold
>more weight then theirs?
>Using a cane and dog are very different. The dog is more about
>management and communicating with another living being, the cane doesn't
>have those two features. 

>-----Original Message-----
>From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala
>Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 7:50 AM
>To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>Subject: Re: [nagdu] Blind Inc.

>Tracy and All,
>    At last year's convention,each of the Executive Directors of the NFB

>centers,including Shaun Mayo, and Curtis Chong, representing the Iowa 
>Commission for the Blind, discussed their approach to guide dogs during 
>training. Each of the centers seemed to be in concert about this, so I
>don't 
>think you would find much of a difference from one center to the other!
>None 
>of them - including BLIND, inc. - seemed to be "anti guide dog". They
>all 
>allow their students to use their dogs while at their centers, just not 
>during training hours, as their philosophy is that the white cane is the

>foundation of sound O&M skills. in my opinion, this is a good approach,
>as I 
>find all too many guide dog users have poor O&M skills. I, too, believe
>that 
>the ability to travel safely and independently with a long white cane
>should 
>be a prerequisite for obtaining a guide dog!

>Fraternally yours,
>Marion Gwizdala


>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Tracy Carcione" <carcione at access.net>
>To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 10:06 AM
>Subject: [nagdu] Blind Inc.


>> Hi Martha.
>> There are people on this list who have been through the Colorado
>Center
>> with their dogs, or there used to be.  Jen was one of them, I believe.
>She
>> said it was fine.  I don't know if the dog arrangements are different
>at
>> Blind Inc.  They have always appeared to me to be the most anti-dog of
>the
>> bunch, but that's my opinion.
>> I wouldn't do it myself, but others have and it's been OK for their
>dogs.
>> Tracy
>>
>>
>>
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