[nagdu] Question about taking off work to go get a guide dog

PICKRELL, REBECCA M (TASC) REBECCA.PICKRELL at tasc.com
Thu Jan 6 15:37:54 UTC 2011


I'd also be willing to explain to your employer why you need a guide dog now, and specifically how you having a guide dog will bennifit them. If you can't or are unwilling to do this, you may just have to wait until you have built up the leave. 


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Wayne Merritt
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 9:25 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Question about taking off work to go get a guide dog

If you're at a state agency, then you've got a greater chance of
having part of the time covered. I would check with the HR people
where you work and see if there is a separte category of leave
specifically for guide dog training. At my state agency it is referred
to as "assistance dog training." When I went for training for my guide
over 2 years ago, I was able to use this leave that covered the first
two weeks, then I could use my own annual leave to cover the rest,
which for me was one more week. Each agency/employer may do things
different or call the leave something different, so you really should
check with the HR people. If other people from your agency have gone
for guide dog training and used the leave, then HR will be more
familiar with the type of leave you're asking about. If not, then
perhaps you can be a trail blazer and an advocate for creating just
such leave. If you get in a pinch and need more time but don't have
it, perhaps someone at The Seeing Eye can send some written proof of
training to help provide documentation for the reason why you'll be
taking more leave than normal. I would probably use this as a plan B
route though; check and see if assistnace dog training (or whatever
it's called) is available to cover part first, then if not go the
route of documentation.

Good luck,
Wayne

On 1/5/11, Tonia Gatton <tonton at insightbb.com> wrote:
> Hi all!  My name is Tonia and I am a long time federationist.  After
> procrastinating for many years, I recently applied to get a guide dog from
> the Seeing Eye.  I actually had my home visit this afternoon and I'm hoping
> to go for training this spring or summer.  I'm so excited!
> Anyway, my question for you guys is how you handled taking nearly 4 weeks
> off work.  I work full time as a rehab teacher with a state agency; so my
> employer is familiar with the process.  What I don't have a clear
> understanding of though is whether or not I'll have to use my own leave for
> the time I'm away at training; or, if they are required to give me some sort
> of medical leave with pay.  Due to various personal health issues as well as
> having to care for family members with chronic illnesses and cancer in
> recent years,  I currently do not have much accumulated sick or annual
> leave.  Therefore, if I had to use my own leave to go for training, I'd have
> to put it off for several months in order to build up my leave balance;
> especially since like most, I can not afford to take 4 weeks off without
> pay.
>
> I've heard a lot of different prospectives on the leave situation.  I'd just
> like to find out from you all as to if there are any ADA guidelines
> regarding this matter; and how your employer's dealt with your needing to
> take time off for guide dog training.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
> Tonia
>
>
>
>
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