[nagdu] Blindfolds During Training for Those WhoHave Some Vision

Wed Nov 6 05:09:07 UTC 2013

At the Seeing Eye we used blocked out sunglasses. They sunglasses were blocked out almost on the way but enough so that light was left in to not interfere with your balance. Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 5, 2013, at 9:27 PM, "Nicole Torcolini" <ntorcolini at wavecable.com> wrote:
> 
> 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.
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