[nagdu] NFB Convention Guide Dog Policy

[Tracy Carcione]

I object to this policy.  I object to the notion that I need special rules
and supervision because I choose to use a guide dog.  It makes me feel
unwelcome at convention.  Of course, I'd be perfectly welcome, if I
acknowledge that I need others to tell me how to handle my dog, or, better
yet, leave the smelly troublmaking beast at home.
So I will be spending my time, money, and energy in places where I will
actually be treated like an intelligent, responsible adult.  Too bad
that's not the NFB convention.
Funny thing is, I bet  Marion would object too, if it wasn't NFB
leadership decreeing it.
Tracy

> 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
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