[nagdu] Guides at NFB training centers

[Raven Tolliver]

Michael,
I disagree with your point that NFB training centers are not
discriminating because guide dog travelers in attendance know they're
required to use a cane during class time.
I have signed up for various classes, projects, and jobs, knowing I
would not be able to do or would not be comfortable performing
everything that was expected/requiredfrom other students, team
members, and employees. Fortunately, those classes, jobs, and projects
were tailored to my specific concerns, needs and abilities.
I understand there is a difference between what I am physically unable
to do and what I personally prefer not to do. But my point is that
signing up for a certain event, job, project, program does not require
or imply that you are accepting of or desire to partake in every
aspect. For instance, part of my job entails things like putting
ointment in dog’s eyes and clipping nails. I’m not doing either of
those things. I have a vague understanding of how to do it, but I
still prefer not to. When my boss asked me to do it, I said no. He
advised me to try to learn and that the vet techs could show me
because they’ve shown clients how to. While grateful, I turned down
the opportunity. That is my choice based on my personal preference and
comfort level, and my boss respects that.

Julie,
I am a relatively good traveler now. However, when I attended the
Michigan training center, I was learning travel skills and I was not a
dog user at the time. If I had been, I would have been fine because
the Michigan training center doesn’t restrict guide dog travelers’ use
of their guide dogs. If I had chosen a different training center for
whatever reason, I would have insisted on using my dog. After all, you
cannot adequately teach me how to apply O&M skills without
incorporating my dog into the mix because a part of my daily use of
O&M includes using a guide dog.
I understand that people do not use their guide dogs all the time, and
there are certain circumstances where it is not convenient,
appropriate, or preferable for the handler. As you and others have
already stated, guide dog handlers who attend training programs are
required to have basic O&M and cane skills. Concerning how poor or
excellent someone’s orientation skills are, I am not opposed to guide
dog travelers using a cane in these institutions if it has been
assessed that they are inadequate cane users or have poor O&M skills.
But everyone does not need to start from square one since everyone
has varying levels of skills and abilities. This adds to my point that
training centers should teach lessons appropriate for the learning
speed and learning style for the individual student.
When I’ve received training for volunteer positions and employment
positions, I was not trained at the same rate or in the same way as
others every step of the way because of my individual level of
knowledge and experience. Why can’t the training centers take these
factors into consideration when it comes to O&M?

If someone thinks they don’t need O&M skills because they rely on the
GPS, that’s a bit different from what I’m talking about here. I am not
saying guide dog users should not use canes simply because they prefer
not to. I am saying an assessment of skills should be in order to see
whether a client should use a cane or dog out of the gate for their
first set of lessons if that person arrives as a guide dog traveler.
And even if I arrive as an O&M rookie, it still is not right to not
incorporate the dog at all. I have a dog, so show me how to apply what
you’ve taught me while working a guide dog.

Marion,
I don’t believe that any training center would admit that the staff
there are anti-guide dog. But their actions speak quite clearly that
they are profoundly ignorant and insensitive of the relationship
between dog and handler, and how hours spent with someone other than
the handler for an extended period of time could result in damage to
the bond and working relationship between dog and handler.
Believe me, I am very familiar with the guide dog policy at the NFB
training centers, as I have had friends who have attended these
institutions. To teach mobility to an individual without incorporating
their preferred mobility or orientation tool is ignorant,
inconsiderate, and inadequate training.

Dave,
I’m not sure how many guide dog travelers you roll with on a regular
basis. But most of us don’t get dogs because we have lackluster cane
technique and O&M skills. Most of us get dogs because we find that a
dog is a better mobility aid. Do a lot of guide dog users dislike the
cane? Sure? But a lot of us are excellent cane users. I can see how
people who think the cane is superior would not acknowledge that.

I know many are hesitant to believe that their beloved NFB is even
capable of being so discriminatory and restricting of freedom, but
yes, the training centers demonstrate this quite clearly. But of
course, guide dog travelers should just suck it up because they expect
us to and the overall training is worth it. I really don't think this
would fly anywhere else. I mean, you're pretty much saying you won't
accommodate me with my guide dog outside of a certain time frame. Are
these private institutions? I mean, do the centers only permit certain
individuals to enter, or is it also accessible by the general public?
Because if they're not private, I don't see how this practice is even
legal.
-- 
Raven
Founder of 1AM Editing & Research
www.1am-editing.com

You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you
have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
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