[nagdu] my list of guide user rights

[Nimer Jaber]

Me wanna play with more doggies before I get one too!! Of course i
probably would've still picked Abbie ... Hahaha.

On 01/02/2011, Julie J <julielj at neb.rr.com> wrote:
> 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
>
>
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