[nagdu] an interesting conversation I just had

[Julie J]

Kristen,

It concerns me deeply that you think everyone has had these sorts of experiences with O and M instructors.  I absolutely assure you this is not the case.  I'd further suggest that your experience is uncommon.  Mobility instructors differe in their teaching ability and knowledge, but the vast majority do not assault their students.  Yes, I said assault.  If she grabbed you hard enough so that you were looking for bruises, that is beyond any sort of help and enters the realm of assault.  There is no excuse for that kind of behavior.  

In addition many states have laws about interference with a guide dog.  It sounds to me that is exactly what your instructor did.  Here in Nebraska it is interference if the person is told to stop they are interfering, but chooses to continue.

Please, please, please don't allow this behavior because she is your instructor and you are blind.  If you were in a classroom this kind of behavior wouldn't be okay.  It's not okay outside either. You've had lots of suggestions on how to deal with this situation.  I hope you will find some way of getting the instruction you need, while protecting yourself.
 all my best,
Julie
a

Sent from my iPad

> On Nov 20, 2013, at 7:56 PM, Kristen <kskristen at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> No bruises, thank goodness. Video taping would be a good idea, though; thanks! Yes, unfortunately, I think that about everyone has had those experiness with O&M instructors. (I think it would be a little hard to be an O&M instructor with no vision, but I am consjdering becoming a TVI.)
> 
> --
> Kristen
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Tami Jarvis <tami at poodlemutt.com
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Date sent: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:45:18 -0800
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] an interesting conversation I just had
> 
> Kristen,
> 
> Good going! I've dealt with O&M instructors like that and wish I had
> been more proactive about seeing their behavior was dealt with. So still
> paying the bills and others still come out of that program needing
> treatment for the injuries. The verbal abuse she gave you sounds
> hauntingly familiar, too. Sorry you had to go through that!
> 
> Did she leave bruises when she grabbed your arm and yanked? If so,
> getting pics of them wouldn't hurt. And video of her behavior might
> prove helpful, too, while your mother is following! Those are just
> suggestions, of course, based on what I wish I had done.
> 
> Good luck and let us know what happens!
> 
> Tami
>