[nagdu] Consumer or Beneficiary?

[Marion Gwizdala]

Cindy,
    I agree that what we are called by those who provide us with services is 
less important than how we view ourselves. I also believe that how we refer 
to ourselves is a reflection of how we view ourselves. It is one of my goals 
to continue the paradigm shift the NFB began upon its conception and is the 
foundation of all our efforts. Through collective action, we have the 
ability to shape the way guide dog training programs do business. Serious 
problems are created by the imbalance in the relationship between the 
training programs and the blind consumer. We see it frequently and accept it 
as the status quo without questioning them. When they interfere in our 
lives, we hear the tired old phrase of "They must have a reason for it!" but 
never demand a reason. When we ask for a reason, we are met with the 
self-righteousness of client confidentiality even when the consumer has 
given them permission to divulge the information.
    During our 2011 convention, the membership unanimously passed the Guide 
Dog Consumers' Bill of Rights. Part of this Bill of Rights requires that 
training programs engage due process when removing a dog. however, at the 
time of this writing, one program is attempting to remove a dog based only 
upon anonymous allegations of neglect. There is no objective evidence and no 
right of due process. We saw a similar issue in the past with the same 
program and, upon investigation, found that some of the allegations were 
false. Due process would have prevented this paternalistic intrusion.

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cindy Ray" <cindyray at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2012 7:36 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Consumer or Beneficiary?


> Well, I guess I'd rather be called a consumer rather than a client or 
> patient, but I don't recall ever being called either of those things by a 
> dog guide school. That's not to say they didn't have paternalistic 
> attitudes. And since that's true, words are only part of the problem. 
> Deeds are a larger part because they could call us whatever they like and 
> still not treat us with the respect and equality we deserve.
>
> Cindy
>
>
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