[nagdu] Leader

[Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)]

I'm the one that mentioned Leader Dogs and the signing off of a team.


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Steven Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:03 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Leader

Tracy,
I  don't believe I ever said anything about trainers signing off, but do
recall someone mentioning this in a recent post.  LD has changed a number of
their policies and procedures over the past 4 years that like any school,
will potentially enhance their training program, which from my perspective,
will enhance the final outcome which is ultimately what they are striving to
do...like all training programs.  Having more consumer involvement is the
first step, and listening to what they have to say, and creating a greater
level of transparency is what attracts me to a school.  LD, by no means is
the perfect training program, but I believe I can say that about other
training programs as well based on consumer feedback exchanged on this list.
I have had 3 great dogs from LD since 1992, and have no reason to look at
other training programs at this time.  However, as a graduate of their
program, and an ambassador for LD and Lions who formed LD back in 1938, I
believe in what they are doing.  Furthermore, as an individual, I also have
the right to voice my concerns about existing policies that I believe should
be reviewed, and will be the first to ask LD to read, and adopt the NAGDU
Consumer Bill of rights that we worked so hard on to pass at National last
summer.  As a a part of the committee that developed this, I strongly feel
that all schools should review, adopt, or at the very least, put in place a
plan to come into line with what guide dog handlers want in a training
program.  NAGDU is actually pushing this, and you will hear more in the near
future on this from President Marion.

Hope this helps a little in understanding where I stand,

Steve



-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Tracy Carcione
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:54 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Leader

Steve, I'm curious.  What changes has Leader made that you think will be
helpful to students?  I thought what you wrote about them testing dogs for
allergy-creating potential was interesting.  You also wrote about
instructors being required to sign off on teams.  Anything else?
Tracy

> Keri,
> Actually, like all other schools, this may be the only incident you
> have heard of personally, but there are others I can assure just like
> with other schools.  Believe me, I am not judging LD as I am a 3-time
> recipient and now in my 20th year of working Leader Dogs, and have had
> no problems.
> However,
> what I can tell you is that LD has made some significant changes in
> their program over the past almost 4 years which ultimately, will be
> better for the student and the organization as a whole.  We want to
> see all schools continue to make changes and adapt to the needs of
> their prospective handlers.  No school is a perfect school, and I
> honestly believe that all try to do what is best for the student.
> There of course may be exceptions, and much of this may be a
> perception of who is experiencing what the school is doing, or what
> the school is not doing.  NAGDU has some exciting things coming up
> that will potentially make the schools more accountable, and if you
> have not seen the Consumers Bill of Rights, I suggest you read it as
> this is what NAGDU has been striving to get all schools to adopt.
>
> Steve
>
>



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