[nagdu] Guides at NFB training centers

Marianne Denning marianne at denningweb.com
Thu Sep 3 16:50:28 UTC 2015


Debby, I think, in the past, there was a anti-dog philosophy in NFB.
I don't know when that began changing but it has changed.  Please
remember, it takes time to change people's thinking.  I think NAGDU,
as a part of NFB, is working to change attitudes.

I grew up in a state where the vocational rehabilitation agency really
looked down on people who used dogs so I did not get my dog right out
of high school.  It was not a strong NFB state either. I think
society's attitude toward dogs is changing and I believe the attitude
of NFB is changing too.  We just want it to change right now.  I think
NAGDU can begin having conversations with the centers about changing
their philosophy.  I would like to try talking before we get
threatening or intimidating with the centers.  I believe, in the end,
we all want the same thing for all blind people.

On 9/3/15, Debby Phillips via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Raven, the more I read, the more I agree with you.  And if this
> is true, perhaps there is something at the core of NFB philosophy
> that I'm not understanding.  I have heard (not on this list
> necessarily) that because dogs can see it alters the way we
> travel, and that that is a clearly bad thing.  If using a dog as
> my mobility aide is an inferior choice according to NFB
> philosophy (and it appears that it is, since NFB training centers
> are unwilling to incorporate that choice into part of training),
> then clearly either we are not doing a good job of educating our
> own members, or we are considered as inferior.  Or at least
> second class.  There were no songs about NFB people walking
> proudly with their dogs at their sides, only canes.  There is a
> culture within NFB that almost, if not, excludes dogs.  I can
> only hope that this changes.  There is a proud heritage of people
> using dogs as guides, even before cane travel and orientation and
> mobility existed.  And all of us, whether Seeing Eye grads or
> not, should be proud of that heritage, and be the very best dog
> handlers we can be, and be proud of the fact that we are working
> dogs well.    Debby and Nova
>
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-- 
Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
(513) 607-6053




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