[nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions

Lyn Gwizdak linda.gwizdak at cox.net
Sun Apr 22 19:43:10 UTC 2012 

Glad to see them at the conventions.  I think I did see them at the NFB 
convention of 2001 - the only national convention of either group I was able 
to attend.  I was president of my NFB chapter then and had the opportunity 
to get a scholarship to go.  I haven't been to an ACB one - wish I could 
because I know many people from my days in the massachusetts Bay State 
Council of the Blind - I was one of the founding members of that back in 
1974.  I knew Charlie Crawford.  Also, the ACB has an LGBT group and NFB 
does not.

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
To: "nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 10:40 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions


>
> Also, GDF goes to both conventions
>
> 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: cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
>> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:38:40 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
>>
>>
>> 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
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>> > >> >>>> info
>> > >> >>>> for
>> > >> >>>> nagdu:
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>> > >> >>>> ess.net
>> > >> >>>>
>> > >> >>>
>> > >> >>>
>> > >> >>>
>> > >> >>> _______________________________________________
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>> > >> >>>
>> > >> >>
>> > >> >> _______________________________________________
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>> > >> >> frontier.com
>> > >> >
>> > >> >
>> > >> > _______________________________________________
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>> > >> >
>> > >> >
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>> > >> >
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> --
>> > >> Have freedom.
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> and listen to your hart Smilely.
>> > >> Rhonda & Mya..
>> > >>
>> > >> _______________________________________________
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