[nagdu] NFB Convention Guide Dog Policy

[Marion Gwizdala]

Dear All,
    In advance of the national convention, I want to remind everyone of the NFB policy concerning guide dogs during convention. It is the policy of the National Federation of the Blind, endorsed by the national Association of Guide Dog Users, that guide dog shall not be left unattended in guest rooms at any time. Violation of this policy may result in the member's restriction from attending the next two (2) conventions of the National Federation of the Blind. We appreciate your cooperation and adherence to this policy.
    As the person responsible for responding to concerns about guide dogs during our conventions, I want to share that I have had the necessity to respond to at least two complaints during each convention for the past four years. In every case, I was told by the guide dog user that their dog does not bark when left alone, in spite of the evidence to the contrary. It is not my desire to prohibit our members from attending convention; however, it is also not my desire to allow a guide dog user to disrupt others at convention by another's irresponsible behavior. I encourage guide dog users to comply with this policy in an effort to maintain order and peace during convention.
 
Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
813-626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
HTTP://WWW.NAGDU.ORG