[nagdu] Blindfolds During Training for Those WhoHave Some Vision

Wed Nov 6 04:27:15 UTC 2013

I think that I like the idea of not using the sleep shades/blindfold unless
there seems to be a problem. Not everyone who has some vision uses it in
ways that interfere with the dog trying to do its job, but I know that it
can be a problem. Perhaps the schools should have it clearly stated on some
kind of paperwork before class starts that the school may strongly recommend
the use of sleep shades if it seems to be necessary. Also, I even wonder if
it would be possible for the field rep who comes to do the home interview to
start evaluating if the sleep shades are going to be needed as I think that
it would be rather easy to tell if someone is using his/her vision a lot
when using a cane based on if the person clears objects in his/her path
without first finding them with a cane.
There are, in my opinion, several reasons why someone who has some vision
but does not over use it might not want to wear sleep shades or a blindfold.
Someone might be so used to the visual input, even if he/she is not
constantly analyzing it, that putting on a blindfold might actually be
distracting or confusing. Personally, if I had to wear some kind of
blindfold or something, I would almost rather it be something like
sunglasses or a white cloth that hindered my ability to make out objects but
that still let in light to keep my brain from getting distracted by the
drastic change. Another way to do this might also be to let people know that
they are going to have to wear blindfolds and to let them put them on a
little while ahead of time to get acclimated. Finally, for anyone who has
ever worn sleep shades, they can an already hot day into complete misery.

Nicole

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jenine Stanley
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 7:32 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Blindfolds During Training for Those WhoHave Some
Vision

Marion, 

Just a note about "facial vision" or echo location. 

This skill does indeed utilize the entire head and sometimes shoulders in
processing information. The proprioceptive system is what does the
processing. The bones of one's face, as well as the sound coming in through
the ears, help localize echoes. 

I have very little light perception in my left eye now and no vision in the
right eye. I rely on echo location a good bit and have to be very selective
about what glasses I choose if wearing them. Anything close to my face, even
the brim of a hat, can radically change the echo location.

You can test this yourself by placing something in your ears to muffle
sound. Then have someone walk up beside you and wave a hand close to your
upper body and head. Chances are good that if you use this skill often, even
in background processing, you will feel a change as the hand comes close to
your body, something beyond normal hearing. 

Yes, people can adjust to wearing sleep shades but often this change can
bring on headaches, neck pain, etc. as the proprioceptive system adjusts. 

That said, I'm not saying the use of sleep shades is a bad idea. I think
practicing and regularly using non-visual skills is especially important for
someone with some degree of usable vision. I applaud the person who uses
echo location with her usable vision if that's the case, as not many people
do. I know I didn't realize how much I used it until I would put on sun
glasses and such. 

As for GDF's policy on using sleep shades, we will suggest it and even force
the issue if we see that someone is using residual vision too much and it is
seriously compromising the work with the dog. It is not mandatory though. 

Jenine Stanley
jeninems at wowway.com
http://www.twitter.com/jeninems

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of National
Association of Guide Dog Users
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 9:40 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Blindfolds During Training for Those Who Have Some
Vision

Chantel,
	I applaude Pilot for doing this; my opinion is that this is a very
progressive policy! I am a strong advocate for using sleep shades during
blindness skills training, especially when it involves Orientation &
Mobility training. When I sat on Southeastern Guide Dogs Graduate Advisory
Council, I pressed for mandatory sleep shade work for those who had residual
eyesight because  I believe this helps strengthen the skill by not using
residual eyesight during the training process. I had one Council member
object to my proposal, asserting that the sleep shade interfered with her
"facial vision". I told her she should not wear the sleep shades over her
ears! So call "facial vision" is accurately called echolocation and is a
function of the ears, not the face!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chantel Cuddemi
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2013 12:59 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Blindfolds During Training for Those Who Have Some
Vision

Nicole,

I don't have any vision, but when I went to train with Motley at Pilot,
everyone in my class  was required to wear a blindfold during one of our
walks. 

Chantel and Motley.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Nicole Torcolini
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2013 12:20 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] Blindfolds During Training for Those Who Have Some Vision

I know that this may not be as important to some people as others, but
another interesting and potentially sensitive bit of information that would
be nice to have about the different schools is which ones have the trainees
who have some sight wear blindfolds during training and if it is optional.
_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/jawsgirl87%40gmail.com

_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/blind411%40verizon.net

_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/jeninems%40wowway.com

_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/ntorcolini%40wavecable.co
m