[nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions

Mon Apr 23 15:47:54 UTC 2012

Janine,
Where is Guide Dogs of Texas?  When was it founded?  I haven't heard about 
that one.  Anyone on the list go there?  what breeds do they use?

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
To: "nagdu" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 3:47 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions

>
> Thank you for the explanation, since GDF is the only school that I know of 
> personally.
> We remember that!
> See you at convention!
>
> 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: jeninems at wowway.com
>> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>> Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:07:40 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
>>
>> Cheryl,
>>
>> Technically, GDF is considered a smaller school. We graduate around 100
>> teams per year, more if you count the service dog teams which brings the
>> total to around 120 or so.
>>
>> We have a smaller training staff, a smaller administrative staff and 
>> hence
>> less ability to go to conferences and such.
>>
>> The "large schools" include The Seeing Eye, Guide Dogs for the Blind,
>> Guiding Eyes  and Leader Dogs which all have over 150 teams graduated per
>> year and larger training and administrative staffs.
>>
>> These days we're probably in that middle category of schools along with
>> Pilot dogs and Southeastern Guide Dogs
>>
>> The truly small schools include Guide Dogs of America, Guide Dogs of the
>> Desert, Fidelco and the other very small ones out there such as Guide 
>> Dogs
>> of Texas.
>> Jenine Stanley
>> 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: Sunday, April 22, 2012 1:39 PM
>> To: nagdu
>> 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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>> > >> >>>> nagdu:
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>> > >> >>>> acc
>> > >> >>>> ess.net
>> > >> >>>>
>> > >> >>>
>> > >> >>>
>> > >> >>>
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>> > >> >>>
>> > >> >>
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>> > >> >> %40
>> > >> >> frontier.com
>> > >> >
>> > >> >
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>> > >> >
>> > >> >
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>> > >> >
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> --
>> > >> Have freedom.
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> and listen to your hart Smilely.
>> > >> Rhonda & Mya..
>> > >>
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