[nagdu] my list of guide user rights

[Julie J]

I have been giving Peter's original idea some thought.   Here's what I would like to see NAGDU pursue.  I'm not sure if this is something to include in state laws, federal laws or something to approach IGDF or another organization with.  anyway here goes.

*the option of ownership upon graduation to all qualifying individuals.  What qualifies an individual  for ownership would need to be spelled out in detail, but should generally be attainable by the vast majority of students, let's say 98% or greater.   For those who ownership is not immediate, it should be attainable in the next year.  during that time continued support should be offered in the areas where the individual has difficulty.  I'm specifically thinking of very young users or those with additional disabilities such as cognitive impairments.  

*For individuals who own their dog follow up services should be optional and at the request of the handler. 

*no anonymous complaints.  I believe the handler has the right to know who is calling the program and accusing them.  Likewise programs calling other guide dog users in the area to get dirt on another handler is totally inexcusable.  

*refusal of a handler to allow programs to share information should not be a reason for denial of a guide dog.  I view this very similarly to a job application and previous employers.  You don't have to allow those people to be contacted. You don't even have  to disclose that you have worked at a particular place.

*all contracts, agreements or any other paperwork the student will be expected to sign should be available for review before arriving at the program

*all rules to be followed while at the program should be available for review before arrival at the program

*students freedom of independent travel should never be restricted.  I understand the programs are in the business of training and placing dogs and that this is the purpose of going there.  However I cannot in good conscience support any establishment that prevents blind people's freedom.  Certainly I do not expect that the very new guide dog would go along with the blind person.  I would also expect the blind person to understand they are at the program for the benefit of training with the dog, not sightseeing or family reunions.  I guess for me it's about balance and choice.

*all decisions of the program such as denial of a dog, should be made in writing with a detailed explanation of the decision

* remove of a dog should only be done after an investigation by a third party, such as animal control or law enforcement.  The decision and detailed explanation should be given in writing.  

*all decisions of the program such as denial of placement or removal of a dog should have an appeal procedure.

*medical assistance should be voluntary and at the request of the blind individual, unless of course it's an emergency and the person is unconscious or something.  I'm specifically thinking of blind people who are diabetic or have some other on going health issue.  Most people are used to caring for themselves.  This should be respected, allowed and encouraged throughout guide dog training.

*retirement of the dog should be the decision of the blind handler.  Placement of the dog after retirement should be the decision of the handler.  If the handler wishes to return the dog to the program for placement in the puppy home or other suitable place that's fine.  

*This one is wishful thinking on my part, but I'll toss it in.  I would really like to see more input by the handler in the matching process.  I'm not suggesting pick of the litter, but working with 2 or 3 potential dogs briefly or meeting the dogs in a casual play session so the handler can choose or at least have a vote in the match.

anyway that's my thoughts.  I'm snowed in and there isn't much to do but ponder!

Thoughts?
Julie