[nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison

Albert J Rizzi albert at myblindspot.org
Sun Feb 7 23:06:39 UTC 2010


Sorry to hear there was a delay in getting going with your guide. Keep me
posted. Hope it is sooner rather then later. Peace.

Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
CEO/Founder
My Blind Spot, Inc.
90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
New York, New York  10004
www.myblindspot.org
PH: 917-553-0347
Fax: 212-858-5759
"The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
doing it."


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-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Marion & Martin
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 3:35 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison

Albert,
    I haven't started training with sarge, just yet. Mike G.'s wife is 
having surgery soon - re-scheduled from the end of February - so the date is

up in the air. I will let everyone know when my boy arrives!
    As for being Mike Sargeant's namesake, I'm not sure of the origin of his

name. I will find those details out when i get him. Mike did refer to him as

his namesake, though I'm not sure if he was just kidding or not!

fraternally yours,
Marion

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 3:27 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison


> If it was started by south eastern I would think that maybe since 
> sargent's
> leaving they might not have kept up with it all. I could be wrong. I will 
> be
> sure to investigate that one. How did you fair with the training with your
> new guide? He sounds utterly handsome. Did you work with Gallagher? I met
> him only once while I was on class in smithtown. I wonder if mike sergeant
> is your guides namesake.
>
> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
> CEO/Founder
> My Blind Spot, Inc.
> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
> New York, New York  10004
> www.myblindspot.org
> PH: 917-553-0347
> Fax: 212-858-5759
> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
> doing it."
>
>
> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Marion & Martin
> Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 1:48 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>
> Albert,
>    There is another program whose acronym is IMPACT, though I'm not really
> sure what it stands for or if it is still in place. It is (or was) the
> program sponsored by S
> outheastern Guide Dogs.
>
> Fraternally yours,
> Marion
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 8:35 AM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>
>
>> You are correct, the program for inmates raising guides is called puppies
>> behind bars if I am not mistaken.
>>
>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>> CEO/Founder
>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>> New York, New York  10004
>> www.myblindspot.org
>> PH: 917-553-0347
>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who 
>> is
>> doing it."
>>
>>
>> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
>> Behalf
>> Of Susan Jones
>> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 8:05 PM
>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>
>> Going into a prison is serious business, no matter who you are, or what
>> you
>> bring.
>> I think Albert said it was really a county jail anyway?
>> Anything could happen, of course, but I think they are about as likely to
>> hold a guide dog hostage as a visitor.
>> Some service dogs are even raised by people serving time in prison.
>> Regards,
>> Susan & Rhoda
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
>> Behalf
>> Of Stepper
>> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 2:29 PM
>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>
>> Hello Albert
>> This may surprise you, however I disagree with the prison allowing. you 
>> to
>> have your dog in the prison.
>> Here's why.
>> First of all I for many years have gone to several prisons and jails all
>> over the northwest, for 30 years now.
>> The problem with you having your dog is that your dog could be hurt or
>> injured or even held as a hostage by a detained prisoner to achieve
>> attention, or worse.
>> Can you imagine the bind the prison would be in if that happened.
>> Please don't think it isn't possible. Just by the nature of the 
>> population
>> the main job of the staff is to control the uncontrollable, and prevent
>> the
>> unexpected, and bazaar.
>> Remember, it doesn't have to make sense to us, only them.
>> Could you see this on the nightly news one night.
>> Guide dog held hostage, and threatened with injury if prisoner demands 
>> not
>> met.
>> Especially if you were in a common visiting room where prisoners and
>> family
>> and friends can move about freely.
>> I think your imply threat to go to the political is what spooked them in
>> to
>> allowing your visit that time.
>> Also a long white cane, or folding cane or collapsing cane can be a 
>> weapon
>> in a moment.
>> I believe your friend very well had something to worry about after he 
>> left
>> the visiting area.
>> The staff may knuckle under at times, but most times the person visited
>> gets
>> it taken out on them in one way or another.
>> Please I don't say this to criticize you, I am voicing my opinion and
>> experience because I think sometimes we get caught up with fighting for
>> our
>> rights, and at times there can be other problems and dangers created we
>> may
>> not be aware of at the time.
>> When I visited prisons or jails, I never took my dogs in, because of the
>> above possible problems. But they were explained to me ahead of time, so 
>> I
>> had a clear understanding.
>> The same was true with my canes.
>> I turned my canes, shoestrings, belt, lighters, combs,and anything else
>> that
>> could be used as a weapon  against me or others.
>>  I than went sighted guide to visit, or to carry on a meeting, or teach a
>> class Most times these issues are addressed before you can enter the 
>> first
>> gate.
>> Its clear you caught these officers by surprise, as they admitted.
>> I would never want to be the one that gave a prisoner anything they could
>> use to harm me, mine, or others.
>>
>> Stepper
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:02 AM
>> Subject: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>> CEO/Founder
>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>> New York, New York  10004
>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>>
>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who
>>> is
>>> doing it."
>>>
>>> Visit us on Facebook
>>>
>>
>
<http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=pp#/pages/My-Blind-Spot/19374068832
>>> 8?ref=nf>   <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/albert-j-rizzi/13/142/0>
>>> LinkedIn
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>  _____
>>>
>>> From: Albert J Rizzi [mailto:albert at myblindspot.org]
>>> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:39 AM
>>> To: 'nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org'
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] visit to a prison
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I had what could have been a very frustrating experience, but with 
>>> cooler
>>> heads prevailing, I was afforded access.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Yesterday I went to visit a young man in my community who fell on the
>>> wrong
>>> side of trouble and is doing a short stint in the local jail. I had 
>>> heard
>>> tell of instances where people with walkers and canes were asked, or
>>> should
>>> I say ordered to check their canes and walkers at the door before
>>> entering
>>> for a visit. I find this to be ridiculous but can appreciate the
>>> reasoning
>>> behind security and other concerns present with what could quickly turn
>>> to
>>
>>> a
>>> volatile  situation at any moment. that thought being given I decided to
>>> take my guide dog instead of my cane.
>>>
>>> After waiting on line, checking in and having been there for over half 
>>> an
>>> hour, we were called to the desk, but I had already overheard a call 
>>> that
>>> had been made inquiring into the procedures to follow with a guide dog
>>> and
>>> his visitor. At first I was told it would complicate the drug dogs and
>>> their
>>> ability to do their job. I quipped  they are both service animals with
>>> specific trainings  which each handler should in any instance be able to
>>> control their animal and keep them on task and under control. I let desk
>>> clerk know I felt my rights as a citizen were being violated and I was
>>> being
>>> wrongly discriminated upon due to lack of knowledge of legislation in
>>> place
>>> to ensure my equal access. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told
>>> he
>>> was transferred and there was no immediate supervisor present. I
>>> questioned
>>> that immediately and then asked in his or her absence to speak to their
>>> supervisor, or better yet, could they get the warden on the phone? I was
>>> told he was a busy man and that the clerk did not have his number. So I
>>> suggested that the clerk call the same person he did when I was sitting
>>> some
>>> 40 feet away who gave him the misinformation so that I might speak with
>>> him
>>> directly. They then suggested that we all meet, myself, my dog and the
>>> young
>>> man I was visiting meet in a contained area with a glass wall between
>>> ourselves. I felt that was unacceptable as no one else present was being
>>> asked to do that same thing during their visit. I insisted that the
>>> mother
>>> of the young man I was to visit go ahead while I waited to talk to
>>> someone
>>> in authority other then a clerk.  I advised the clerk that he was in
>>> violation of the ADA, hoping he was to tell you the truth, and that if I
>>> were denied equal access then I would be forced to take the matter up
>>> with
>>> my senator and assemblymen. I also let him know that the types of
>>> intimidation tactics used to maintain  order were lost on me as I come
>>> from
>>> a long line of law enforcement officials and am immune to such things.
>>> Eventually, lutenent  Destefano asked me to step aside and discuss the
>>> matter in quiet. He understood my position and admitted that they had
>>> never
>>> had a guide dog come to prison before and were completely taken off 
>>> guard
>>> on
>>> proper protocol. I thanked him for his honesty and let him know that 
>>> this
>>> was my first time to a prison, and it was my first time as a blind man.
>>> we
>>> immediately fell into a dialogue which led to a simple request. That if
>>> and
>>> when I were to come again, would I give them a heads up so they could
>>> make
>>> arrangements  much as they do for others visiting with children. We 
>>> would
>>> have been afforded access in a manner that would not have to complicate
>>> the
>>> delicate balance within the prison. His concerns were not lost on me 
>>> when
>>> after having only been sitting with my friend and her son, without a 
>>> wall
>>> dividing us, a man was handcuffed and led away as he was attempting to
>>> pass
>>> contraband into the prison illegally. I left feeling I had struck a blow
>>> for
>>> our community and will be writing a letter to the warden, copy the
>>> senator
>>> and thank the warden and lute ant Estefan for treating me with respect
>>> and
>>> in a proper fashion befitting any American. I will say that when I got 
>>> to
>>> my
>>> intended visit, the young man was fearful of retribution toward him once
>>> I
>>> left. I hope not, but will report back if and when I hear anything. I
>>> would
>>> welcome opinions on how I handled myself as I take very seriously the
>>> responsibility of representing the blind in an empowered manner while
>>> educating others along the way. All in all it was a good experience. I
>>> even
>>> got a pat on the back from two people sitting in the lobby who
>>> complimented
>>> me on how I handled myself in a powerful way and how impressed they were
>>> that I did not bend to intimidation..
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>> CEO/Founder
>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>> New York, New York  10004
>>> <http://www.myblindspot.org> www.myblindspot.org
>>>
>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who
>>> is
>>> doing it."
>>>
>>> Visit us on
>>>
>>
>
<http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=pp#/pages/My-Blind-Spot/19374068832
>>> 8?ref=nf> Facebook 
>>> <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/albert-j-rizzi/13/142/0>
>>> LinkedIn
>>>
>>>
>>>
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