[nagdu] waiting time?

[Julie J]

Gail,

My understanding has always been that the programs want to know that you 
have good orientation skills so that you will be able to direct a dog 
appropriately.  If you don't know where you're going you can't communicate 
that to the dog.  I know many of them ask for a report from an O&M 
professional, but I think that's just for ease of communication of this 
skill set.  You should be able to demonstrate your O&M skills through a 
video or home interview.

There are books available on O&M skills that are broken down in fairly easy 
to follow steps from beginner to more advanced.  I've just read one not too 
long ago, "Care and Feeding of the Long White Cane" I think is what it was 
called.  NLS has a variety of choices on the topic, but I haven't read any 
of them so I won't recommend one over another.  I'd suggest reading 
everything you can on the topic and practicing every day, several times a 
day.  In the beginning this might be just walking back and forth in a hall 
in your home to get proper grip, alignment and technique down pat.  Then 
progress to walking back and forth on a clear sidewalk.  Then venture to the 
corner.  You get the idea, tiny measurable steps every single day will add 
up to a skill you can be proud of.

I wouldn't worry about complicated street crossings for a while yet.  If you 
do all the ground work, you'll know when you're ready.  The next step should 
feel challenging and maybe cause a bit of nervous tension, but should 
absolutely not be overwhelming or terrorizing.  If it is back up and 
practice more at the previous levels.  If you're familiar at all with 
clicker training, it's the same principles. *smile*

Best of luck!
Julie