[nagdu] Introduction and Questions

[melissa padron]

Hello, 


I am new to this list so I though I would just start off with an introduction and then some questions. 

Well, first of all, my name is Melissa and although I am not a guide dog user I am a cane user. I'm in college pursuing a degree in psychology and I will be moving back to my hometown once I graduate. I'm considered legally blind, so I do have vision. 

Because of the condition I have, I was not taught to use a cane until my senior year of high school. I actually had to fight in order to get cane lessons, but since then, I just about take my cane everywhere with me. It helps a lot more than using my vision and stressing my eyes....

Now, some questions: 

I am not considering getting a guide dog now but I do want to keep it as an option if I decide that it would help me in my travels. So my question is, what was ultimately you deciding factor in getting a guide dog? 
What are some advantages and disadvantages in using a guide dog? 
For those of you who have vision, did you encounter problems with the guide dog schools saying that a guide dog would not benefit you because you have "too much" vision? 
Ultimately, this is my greatest fear. I'm scared of encountering criticism by guide dog schools and "blindness professionals" about whether a guide dog would benefit me or not. A lot of people with my condition function well without a cane or a dog so would this be used against me if I were to apply? 

I am looking forward to hearing your responses and advice. 

Melissa