[nagdu] school information

[Lisa belville]

Hi, Sarah.

As you can probably tell, people have all kinds of things, good and bad to 
say about a school.  It sounds simplistic, but no school is perfect.  You 
have to decide what it is you're looking for in a school.  You can 
compromise, obviously, but it helps to know what is important as far as must 
haves and what you can live without.

Talking to grads and reading a web site is great, but I'd also recommend 
calling the school and just asking questions.  If they seem cagey or 
impatient or tend to dismiss your concerns, I'd move that school to the 
bottom of the list.

Major issues/ questions for me would be:

1. How long does it take for the application process until the time I'm 
accepted.  this can vary, depending on the size of school and how specific 
you are regarding breed, temperament, etc.  Is their application accessible 
on the school's web site and can you get accurate info from there.  How does 
the school keep you up-to-date with the progress of your application?  Do 
they send Emails or phone calls?

2. what kinds of support services are there as far as follow up.  Is there 
an annual vet stipend?  If so, is this just for the first year or two or is 
it a lifetime stipend?  Can I purchase basic meds such as flea and heartworm 
preventative from the school at a reduced cost? How long does it typically 
take a trainer to answer emails or phone calls.  Can you contact the 
trainers directly or is there another office or person routing calls to the 
trainers.  If you're unable to solve the issue via phone or Email, how long 
will it take the school to send a trainer to assist you in your home area. 
Do I have ownership immediately upon completion of training or is there a 
probationary period.  How do the follow up services change if ownership is 
or isn't granted?

3.  How much input do grads have in the operation of the school?  Some 
schools have grads on their boards or their graduate councils, several have 
grads as employees.  This would be important to me, because a school that 
hires blind people is going to be more aware of real life issues faced by 
dog handlers and also sends a message that they're cool with the blindness 
as a daily example and not just something to be trotted out for donors or 
publicity photos.  Also, a school with more blind staff is able to gain more 
accurate info about what grads need in a well trained dog.


Those are the biggies, for me, at least.  I know schools also plug their 
amenities like a personal chef, private room, fully decked out gym and 
computer lab, but honestly, those are way down there for me, well, maybe the 
personal chef and private rooms aren't , <grin>, because when I'm training 
with a dog, I'm there to train with a dog.  Having stuff to do is fine, but 
not essential for me.

Lisa

1st Law of Procrastination: that which can be done will be done . . . 
TOMORROW!!
Lisa Belville
missktlab1217 at frontier.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sarah" <sarahandfamily at live.com>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 4:04 PM
Subject: [nagdu] school information


> Hello everyone. I am totally blind and would like to apply for a guide 
> dog. I would like some information about experiences during training and 
> post graduation about each school. Is there a school that I should not 
> choose? Is there a school that uses the Nfb philosophy? Feel free to email 
> me off list. Thank you.
>    Sarah
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