[nagdu] Guide Dogs, Canes, and Blindness
Alysha
alyshaj at comcast.net
Sun Jul 20 01:42:58 UTC 2014
Completely agreed Darla, especially if the reason to quit a job is to get a guide dog. Our dogs are supposed to help us live and work normal lives. We aren't supposed to sacrifice important things like our jobs in order to get a guide dog! Not to say that better job options aren't out there, but IMO getting a guide dog shouldn't be a primary reason for quitting a job and relying entirely on SSI!
Barb, I would encourage you to explore the home training options at other schools and don't let yourself get too discouraged. I really hope everything works out for you!
Alysha
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Darla Rogers via nagdu
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2014 9:12 PM
To: barbandzoe at comcast.net; 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'; 'Danielle Antoine'; 'Star Gazer'; 'Nicole Torcolini'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs, Canes, and Blindness
Dear Barb,
I don’t recommend, unless you can really afford it, to quit a job until you have another one; that can be difficult when you need to interview and the like.
Darla & Happy Healthy Huck
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Barb breuer via nagdu
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2014 8:07 PM
To: 'Danielle Antoine'; 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'; 'Star Gazer'; Nicole Torcolini
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs, Canes, and Blindness
I get disability, and I work$9 an hour. Someone said I make want to quit this gym job and start a new one after I get my dog. It might be nice, but it took me a year to get it.
Barb
Sent from Xfinity Connect Mobile App
------ Original Message ------
From: Nicole Torcolini via nagdu
To: 'Star Gazer', 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users', 'Danielle Antoine'
Sent: July 19, 2014 at 6:27 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dogs, Canes, and Blindness
Okay, no, I am not the moderator, nor am I Barb, but how many times does she have to say that she does not get vacation or sick leave for you guys to understand that? If you have not read that yet, then read the entire thread before responding.
I agree that the person who did the interview sounds really unprofessional.
Although I certainly hope that this was not the case, it is also possible that they had already decided before the interview that they would not accept you, and they just needed some excuse to not do the interview process correctly.
I would appeal and/or try somewhere else. Tell them what you have told us about not being able to see elevation changes. Also tell them that, even though you do have vision, that you will trust the dog and not try to make decisions for the dog. Also, I would not get a dog from them. Even if you did somehow convince them to give you a dog, I get the feeling that they would watch you like a hawk, looking for any opportunity to take the dog back.
As for your job, do you make considerably more than you would get on SSI?
Nicole
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Star Gazer via nagdu
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2014 2:15 PM
To: 'Danielle Antoine'; 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] (no subject)
I wouldn't call it selfish. Barb, I'm sure people have taken off for surgeries, babies, honeymoons, that sort of thing. Why is this not an option, the only difference is you're coming back with a dog.
Also, there are gyms everywhere. Why not go work at another one and tell them "I can start on xxx" date which would just happen to be after you got your dog?
Why is this boss and this gym the only game in town?
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Danielle Antoine via nagdu
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 10:17 PM
To: barbandzoe at comcast.net; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] (no subject)
Barb,
You say, "I can't get two weeks off of work to get a dog, I might not have a job."
That's selfish! Alot of people say that but in the grand scheme of working with dog guides how often do you actually need to leave to train? We're talking about a month at most every 8-10 years? In the case of my first guide, he worked 8 years and I waited another 8 years for my second well-deserved fur partner. God forbid a partnership only lasts a year or two and they do sometimes but that is not the usual.
That is what happened with my precious Eden girl and it's been 4 years since she's been retired. Again, what about sick leave and vacation days?
As to the help your dog can provide on the job, probably not much. You have the option of leaving dog in a secure place either on tie-down or in a crate or choose to work the dog outside of work. Plenty of people get dogs that don't even have a job so don't let that deter you.
blessings for your best outcome,
Danie and ?
On 7/17/14, Barb breuer via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I was a bit put off when the gal didn't have her stuff, but things
> seemed to go well. I was thinking about sending them a letter, not a
space in a form.
> As to why I want and need a dog.
> Maybe I. Wasn't clear as to why a guide would help me.
> If I could just go to any school I wouldn't care what they thought. I
> can't get two weeks off of work to get a dog, I might not have a job.
>
> Barb
>
> Sent from Xfinity Connect Mobile App
>
>
> ------ Original Message ------
>
> From: Star Gazer via nagdu
> To: 'Tracy Carcione', 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of
> Guide Dog Users'
> Sent: July 17, 2014 at 6:00 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] (no subject)
>
> Tracy makes some excellent points.
> I also wonder Barb, if you filled out the application inappropriately.
> If it says "Can you cross streets independently?" did you respond with
> "Yes, I can do this without a cane?" If you did, I can see why they
rejected you.
> That being said, there is no excuse for the woman doing the interview
> to be unprepared. I'd not want to do business with anybody who
> couldn't or wouldn't hold up their end of the deal.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy
> Carcione via nagdu
> Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 7:46 AM
> To: barbandzoe at comcast.net; NAGDU Mailing List, the National
> Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] (no subject)
>
> Hi Barb.
> When I met my husband, he didn't use a cane. I talked him into using
> one when he slammed into a pole and had to get stitches. He uses a
> folding cane, as someone else suggested, and takes it out when he
> wants it, which now is nearly all the time. Because he's using his
> cane, he doesn't slam into poles or fall down steps, which makes us
> both happy. Also, people understand why he's asking what a sign says,
> or where something is, or even looks at them kinda sideways.
> He hasn't had formal training, just me showing him what to do when he
> started out. His technique could be a lot better, but even so he's a
> lot safer with his cane than without.
> Tracy
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Barb breuer via nagdu
> To: Becky Frankeberger ; 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association
> of Guide Dog Users'
> Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 11:42 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] (no subject)
>
>
> Many ask if I use a cane, I use it but I have not had formal
> training with an O&M instructor. So when a school wants me to have an
> instructor sign that I can travel, I have to hire one.
> I went to regular public school, and I didn't have the training.
> Now I would have to talk a course or something.
> Barb
>
> Sent from Xfinity Connect Mobile App
>
> ------ Original Message ------
>
> From: Becky Frankeberger
> To: barbandzoe at comcast.net, 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National
> Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Sent: July 16, 2014 at 2:22 PM
> Subject: RE: [nagdu] (no subject)
> Barb, my husband went from travel vision to using a guide dog. He
> absolutely loves the experience. He did later take O and M and used a
> cane, but to stride out was so wonderfully freeing with a guide dog.
> He did not have to look down and worry if he missed a crack or step.
> He looked up and is so happy working a guide dog. Your dog will love
> going with you on your job. Just make sure she sees you when you are
> away from her in the tight areas you go into. High partials love
> working guide dogs, so don't worry about anything. As long as you are
> legally blind and that is a wide range of abilities, try it out. If
> you don't like it or the extra work is too much, then you have other
> options. I remember my first dog. I thought oh I have to get up even
> earlier to catch the van to church. So I got up got dressed fed the
> dog and out we went for park time and a quick brush time. Back in to
> finished the fine points of dressing, and breakfast. I was ready a
> half hour before the van came. Boy was I shocked. So this low partial
> has
enjoyed the miracle of what these dogs can do to keep us safe.
>
>
>
> The miracle of you don't have to follow any longer, that you can
> lead if you choose. Right now you don't have that choice. You said you
> cross streets so I would anyway, say your orientation is fine. Leader
> has a brush up program for a week if you need help with O and M.
>
>
>
> I love myth busting you have to be very low vision and all the
> other crap. The myth you have to use a cane first. No you just need to
> show you can orient yourself and move about getting where you want to
> go
safely.
>
>
>
> The dog is extra work, but the freedom she will give you well you
> won't even think the things you do for her is work.
>
>
>
> Sorry I don't know why I keep saying she.
>
>
>
> There are so many activities at night you could go to with a guide
> dog. I would walk to the theater and see live plays. My dogs were
> always
welcomed.
> They would even tell me if there were going to be loud noises or
> people running up and down the aisles. Then we would walk the several
> blocks home confidently and safely.
>
>
>
> Anyway My husband and I both have guide dogs.
>
>
>
> So you choose your path, talk to schools, talk to us, talk to
> friends in the area.
>
> Warmly,
>
> Becky and Jake
>
>
>
> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Barb
> breuer via nagdu
> Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 10:50 AM
> To: Full Name
> Subject: [nagdu] (no subject)
>
>
>
> I have been doing a lot of thinking sence I started looking into
> getting I guide dog. Like do I need one, will it be a help to me, or
> can I get around well enough on my own. Plus do I have to much vision
> to
qualify.
> I have a good amount of vision for a blind person. My mother went
> to a school for the blind, and didn't want her kids to go to one. She
> wanted us to learn to use the sight we had.
> So now I feel like, I can do these things, cross the street, walk
> without a cane, find my way.
> I have had people I know ask why do you need a guide dog? My
> answer is because the dog would help me at night when I don't see so
> good, and in the bright sun, plus I have thick glasses and I have
> little side vision. I get a long well at work, but I clean locker
> rooms
for a living and fold towels.
> Not a lot of need for dog.
>
> I don't like going places that I haven't been so much because I do
> think about, will there be a step or something I don't see. I walk
> slower because of it and when I am with people I walk a step behind
> and watch where they step.
> So I feel like a dog would make my life easier, and having a
> companion with me would be nice.
> I Am in my 50's and do think about how walking a dog, people think
> twice before they want to jump you. But having a dog is a good way to
> meet new friends.
> Sorry for it being so long, I just have a lot on my mind.
> Barb
>
> Sent from Xfinity Connect Mobile App
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
>
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