[nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
Shannon Dyer
solsticesinger at gmail.com
Sun Apr 22 18:43:37 UTC 2012
GDF is one of the larger schools? I'm not sure I agree with that. It's one of the schools that has been around for a long time, but I know several schools are much bigger.
Shannon and Caroline
Shannon Dyer
Alumni Council Member,
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc
® and
America's VetDogs®, The Veteran's K-9 Corps Inc ®
Providing "Second Sight" ® since 1946
371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Office: 631-930-9000, Toll-free: 866-282-8047
solsticesinger at gmail.com
To make a donation that can change a life...contact the Guide Dog Foundation at
www.guidedog.org
or America's VetDogs the Veterans K-9 Corps at
www.vetdogs.org
Visit us on facebook at:
www.facebook.com/GuideDogFoundation or www.facebook.com/AmericasVetDogs
On Apr 22, 2012, at 1:38 PM, cheryl echevarria wrote:
>
> Lyn:
> John was there last year at convention, nice man.
> Also, GDF is one of the larger schools.
>
>
> Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
>
> Cheryl Echevarria
> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
> 631-456-5394
> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>
> For daily updates read our blog at
> http://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
>
>> From: linda.gwizdak at cox.net
>> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:20:55 -0700
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
>>
>> Hi Jenine,
>> I don't know why we still squabble about what organization prefers whatever
>> other organization still goes on. Here we are, in a time of economic
>> decline and at risk for losing everything we've gained for the last 50
>> years, and we can find nothing to put energy into except to complain that X
>> Group doesn't like Y Group.
>>
>> I've never seen either the NFB or the ACB show preference for any particular
>> schools. Many schools can't afford to send people to both conventions
>> anymore or do the programs or events they did in the past. I would have no
>> idea as to schools prefering one blindness organization over another one -
>> guide dog users are guide dog users no matter if they belong to NFB or ACB.
>> No matter which organization we belong to, we still love our dogs the same.
>> And the schools do what they can to outreach to us.
>>
>> I'd like to see outreach at the conventions but I'd also like to see
>> resources being used for the guide dog school programs themselves. GDF has
>> always been a smaller school so has always been less able to send reps to
>> conventions like the larger schools do. Even TSE has cut back on things. I
>> got my first two dogs from GDF when John Byfield was there.
>>
>> Lyn and Landon
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Jenine Stanley" <jeninems at wowway.com>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2012 8:55 AM
>> Subject: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
>>
>>
>>> HI Cheryl,
>>>
>>> I'm answering this in my official capacity as the GDF Consumer Relations
>>> Coordinator.
>>>
>>> First off, GDF has no bias toward any consumer organization. I've heard
>>> this
>>> rumor about various schools since I began looking at them in 1987.
>>>
>>> It so happens that several members of the current GDf Alumni Council are
>>> either NFB and/or NAGDU members and will be present at this year's
>>> convention assisting us. The number of graduates who do claim affiliation
>>> with NAGDU voluntarily has grown significantly since 2008. I'm quite proud
>>> of that actually and enjoy the NFB and NAGDU conventions tremendously.
>>>
>>> As with all non-profit organizations, this is a difficult economic time.
>>> We
>>> simply cannot afford the types of events we used to have for graduates and
>>> prospective students. Other schools have also cut back their events at
>>> national conventions.
>>>
>>> I find it very powerful that though we no longer have these events, our
>>> graduate force within NAGDU has grown so much. I thank everyone for that
>>> and
>>> for learning about us.
>>>
>>> I again look forward to coming to the NAGDU convention and introducing our
>>> Alumni Council.
>>> Jenine Stanley
>>> Consumer Relations Coordinator
>>> Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs
>>> jenine at guidedog.org
>>> jeninems at wowway.com
>>> http://www.twitter.com/jeninems
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>>> Of cheryl echevarria
>>> Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2012 7:37 AM
>>> To: nagdu
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork and convention
>>>
>>>
>>> Good morning all:
>>> I have noticed over the years as being a graduate of GDF, that there have
>>> been less and less graduates at convention. I also noticed on the GDF
>>> List,
>>> and I am no longer on there, I just decided to much is to much.
>>> But I noticed that I was the only NAGDU member or NFB Member, I knew Lisa
>>> was on here a few times, and Marilyn Tucci is on here now, etc, as well as
>>> some others. But I don't want to put foot in mouth here, but I had
>>> mentioned this to our President before, President Gwizdala, that I felt
>>> that
>>> the school was a lot GDUI and ACB then anything else. I know schools are
>>> not
>>> supposed to be biased, but I felt that from the beginning. I have nothing
>>> against the other organization at all, I am just a member of NFB and
>>> NAGDU,
>>> my choice!
>>> What does this have to do with losing paperwork, nothing.
>>> But with Convention only a few short months away, maybe this is something
>>> that can be brought up at convention, when we have opened Q&A with GDF.
>>> Also, I have noticed as well, that at conventions many of the schools have
>>> an event for the graduates, GDF used to take it's grads to lunch or anyone
>>> interested in learning more about GDF was invited.
>>> GDF hasn't done this since our last Convention in Dallas, when Nelson and
>>> I
>>> were there in, 2008.
>>> JMO!
>>> Cheryl and Maxx
>>>
>>> Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
>>>
>>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
>>> 631-456-5394
>>> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>>>
>>> For daily updates read our blog at
>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
>>>
>>>> Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:19:56 -0700
>>>> From: rhondaprincess at gmail.com
>>>> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork
>>>>
>>>> hello lisa.
>>>> i think you should keep on speeking up. and makeing lots of nouise.
>>>> that's the only way.
>>>> to get what you want.
>>>> i hope it all works out.
>>>> *hugs* from rhonda.
>>>>
>>>> On 4/20/12, melissa green <graduate56 at juno.com> wrote:
>>>>> Lisa,
>>>>> Oh no, I was very outspoken about my process of going to GdF.
>>>>> In my case, I discovered that a certain staff member was losing the
>>>>> paperwork, the vidios, and sending e-mails that said things like you
>>>>> weren't accepted.
>>>>> When I did go to GDF, I found out that there was someone else that
>>>>> this had happened too as well.
>>>>> I also have a friend who got aproved for home training and it hasn't
>>>>> happened. This staff member has told her that its because she wants
>>>>> a specific breed and that is why its taking so long, and that its her
>>> fault.
>>>>> Yet, I had the same experiences with the Seing eye. Lost paper
>>>>> work, and staff members making the decisions that they think is the
>>> right one.
>>>>> I am glad that I have my girl from GDF. I believe that grads of
>>>>> schools and others need to continue to speak out and to complain.
>>>>> That is the only way that it can change.
>>>>> Blessings,
>>>>> Melissa and Pj
>>>>> The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope
>>>>> for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it
>>>>> from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.
>>>>> Facebook: Melissa R. Green
>>>>> Twitter: melissa5674
>>>>> windows messenger: graduate1531 at msn.com
>>>>> skype: lisssa5674
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>> From: "Lisa belville" <missktlab1217 at frontier.com>
>>>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 1:26 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Jewel, Oh, I'm sorry you're having this issue with the school.
>>>>> Unfortunately, this is a chronic issue with the GDF. They admit
>>>>> it's an issue and say they're taking steps to fix it, but it's still
>>>>> happening, and not just to new applicants, but to returning grads.
>>>>>
>>>>> The training is good, but you still need to go through the same
>>>>> office if you want to talk to your trainer or fax a vet form.
>>>>>
>>>>> I used to be one of the biggest GDF cheerleaders out there; I helped
>>>>> run their Email list and was on their alumni council for a year. I
>>>>> had these things happen to me, and I've known people who have had it
>>> happen to them.
>>>>> I don't really feel comfortable referring people to the GDF anymore
>>>>> because of it. I get it: They are responsible for a huge amount of
>>>>> papers and Emails and faxes that come through there, but every guide
>>>>> dog school has to contend with Emails and faxes and paper work and
>>>>> they don't have these issues. If I kept losing paperwork at my last
>>>>> job
>>> I would have been fired.
>>>>>
>>>>> As I said before, how a school handles confidential and time
>>>>> sensitive info, and how they respond to questions from frustrated
>>>>> applicants who need to send a medical report just one more time is
>>>>> just as important as the training and how you're encouraged to work
>>>>> with
>>> your dog.
>>>>>
>>>>> This is really heartbreaking for me, no kidding, because I've been
>>>>> affiliated with the GDF since 1995. I got to try a GDF demo dog at
>>>>> the 95 convention and that clenched it for me. I've received two
>>>>> awesome dogs from the GDF, I know how good it can be, and I'd love to
>>> see it that good again.
>>>>> Yes, things change, but change doesn't mean it has to be done at the
>>>>> cost of time and stress on people who just want a well-trained dog
>>>>> to enrich their life and provide efficient mobility.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'd encourage other GDF grads on this list to speak out. I know I'm
>>>>> not the only one to deal with these issues. Most people just put up
>>>>> with it or get frustrated and move on to another school. Addressing
>>>>> it with school staff really hasn't helped because they claim these
>>>>> are just isolated incidents when they are most certainly not.
>>>>>
>>>>> Lisa
>>>>>
>>>>> 1st Law of Procrastination: that which can be done will be done . . .
>>>>> TOMORROW!!
>>>>> Lisa Belville
>>>>> missktlab1217 at frontier.com
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>> From: "Jewel" <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
>>>>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 1:36 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> It's funny you mention GDF, Lisa, because that's the school I am
>>>>>> applying to who lost the paperwork. I didn't want to name names,
>>>>>> but you already pointed out the problem, so I feel it's okay for me
>>>>>> to point it out, too.
>>>>>> Is the poor paperwork organization, in your opinion, something that
>>>>>> affects the school's performance when it comes to training? To send
>>>>>> vet reports, do you scan them into your computer and then e-mail
>>>>>> them, or do you send them another way? What's the best way to deal
>>>>>> with this issue?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I've been impressed with GDF up to this point. I am concerned that
>>>>>> this will become a problem for me in the future, so am a little
>>>>>> hesitant about going to GDF now...but I really like their program.
>>>>>> Should I apply to another school? Or should I just learn to work
>>>>>> around the poor organization skills of the school?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Lisa, I'd love to hear about how you deal with this problem, and
>>>>>> whether you feel, knowing now what you do aobut paperwork problems
>>>>>> and the like, whether you would go back to GDF.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you all for the comments so far; I remain concerned...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ~Jewel
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 4/19/12, Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net> wrote:
>>>>>>> Hi Jewel.
>>>>>>> I'd be mighty annoyed if that happened to me, especially if they
>>>>>>> lost stuff I had to pay to get, like a medical report and an O&M
>>>>>>> report. And, considering how much I had to bug my references to
>>>>>>> get it done, that would be annoying, too.
>>>>>>> I think Cindy's suggestion is a good one. See if there's a
>>>>>>> supervisor who can open drawers and look behind the desk, I guess.
>>>>>>> Sheesh! Pretty sloppy!
>>>>>>> Hope you can get it straightened out.
>>>>>>> Tracy
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Hey guys,
>>>>>>>> Has anyone experienced a guide dog school losing your paperwork?
>>>>>>>> The school I want to attend says they don't have my medical
>>>>>>>> report, my O&M report, and my references. I know for a fact that
>>>>>>>> I sent the medical report with the video that they do have (they
>>>>>>>> watched it, so they do have that), my O&M instructor says he sent
>>>>>>>> his report, and all three of my references said they sent their
>>>>>>>> reference letters. On top of this, when I had an interview, I was
>>>>>>>> told the interview was the only thing they didn't have in my
>>>>>>>> files. The interviewer also made a second video of me walking,
>>>>>>>> and they can't find that, either. I've been offered a spot in the
>>>>>>>> July class, as long as all my paperwork goes through and I'm
>>>>>>>> accepted, but I *sent* all that stuff. Should I just go get
>>>>>>>> everything all over again, or should I hold them accountable for the
>>> lost paperwork...and do what?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Concerned about the school's organization, Jewel
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/carcione%40acc
>>>>>>>> ess.net
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/herekittykat2%4
>>>>>>> 0gmail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> nagdu:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/missktlab1217%40
>>>>>> frontier.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nagdu:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/graduate56%40juno
>>>>> .com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nagdu:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/rhondaprincess%40
>>>>> gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Have freedom.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> and listen to your hart Smilely.
>>>> Rhonda & Mya..
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nagdu mailing list
>>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nagdu:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hot
>>>> mail.com
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nagdu mailing list
>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nagdu:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/jeninems%40wowway.com
>>> -----
>>> No virus found in this message.
>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>> Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2411/4949 - Release Date: 04/20/12
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nagdu mailing list
>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nagdu:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/linda.gwizdak%40cox.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nagdu mailing list
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> nagdu mailing list
> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/solsticesinger%40gmail.com
More information about the NAGDU
mailing list