[nagdu] GDF and GPS RE: Explaining to parents that guide dogs are useful

[Albert J Rizzi]

Well there you have it, much more thorough then I could have ever delivered.


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 Jenine Stanley
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 1:19 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] GDF and GPS RE: Explaining to parents that guide dogs
areuseful

Hi Albert and All, 

Here's the scoop on GDF's GPS training. In 2006 we began offering qualified
graduates free training and a Trekker GPS system. The training took place at
our campus. 

There was a change in the hardware, PDA that Trekker runs on, and we were
not satisfied with its reliability. The software was great but the hardware
had some issues. We stopped the program in 2007. 

In 2008 Humanware came out with the Breeze, a self-contained unit that was a
much simplified version of the Trekker. After some extensive testing, we
decided to hold some trial classes using the Breeze. We have just finished
the third of these classes and will be meeting soon to figure out our
continuation of the program. I expect we will continue with a regular class
schedule but we have a lot of things to work out first. 

The things that are unique about our GPS training and approach to GPS use
include: 

1. A team of guide dog instructors and Tech Trainers teach the class. The
Tech Trainers are all blind and use the products. We do the classroom part
of the training and go along with the teams on the street to give
explanations, fix bugs and otherwise assist the instructors. 

2. GDF gives the Breeze and training to qualified grads free of charge. We
have received some very generous grants to provide the units. 

3. If you already use a GPS system, you are welcome to bring it to class
with you. Once you and your instructor agree that you are working smoothly
with your dog, the instructor will help you integrate the use of the
GPS.This is all done on a very individual basis though. 

Hope that helps clarify our program. If anyone has further questions, please
don't hesitate to contact me off list or at my work email,
jenine at guidedog.org.

Jenine Stanley
jeninems at wowway.com


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