[NAGDU] time to think about which guide dog school to apply to

Ann Edie Annedie at nycap.rr.com
Sat May 20 01:10:47 UTC 2017


Well stated, Marion, and rings very true. I couldn't agree with you more.

Ann

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of NAGDU President
via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2017 4:40 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: NAGDU President
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] time to think about which guide dog school to apply to

	It is my personal opinion that any sort of probationary period is
paternalistic and is not conducive to the creation of a sound team. Most
training issues reveal themselves early in the partnership and, if a
consumer fears they will be seen as incompetent and, as the result, are
afraid the program will remove the dog for such a reason, those consumers
will be hesitant to ask for help when they really need it. This will lead to
minor issues becoming major ones.

	I have heard the arguments that training programs would not do such
a thing. I have two responses to that. Firstly, if you think they would not,
I hav heard from those who have had dogs removed without cause. Secondly,
even if they would not, the mere perception they would do so is enough to
cause hesitation on the part of a consumer to not seek the sort of help
mentioned earlier.

	Finally, I will say that there is no evidence that the paternalistic
practice of probation is a better policy; however, while serving on
Southeastern Guide Dogs Graduate Advisory Council, the question was asked if
there was hesitancy contacting the training program due to fear over removal
of the dog and the council agreed unanimously it was an issue. It is my
opinion that those programs which transfer ownership upon completion of
training are more aligned with the NFB philosophy that the barriers we face
are not the result of our blindness but the low expectations society has for
us. If guide dog training programs have such low expectations of us that
they believe we need to prove we are capable, their fundamental belief is
that we are not! Why else is there such a policy? I also find it interesting
that many programs assert their dogs give us dignity yet treat us in such an
undignified manner. I believe it is due time for those programs that require
a probationary period to join us in our awareness that blindness is not the
obstacle; the obstacle is their low expectation of the blind!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU) National Federation of
the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG


The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind  people
and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds
you back.


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Howard J. Levine
via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2017 2:58 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Howard J. Levine
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] time to think about which guide dog school to apply to

Hi again I just talked to the school and if you are in goodstanding then
after 2 years you can get title ownership of your dog.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Brenda via NAGDU
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2017 1:08 PM
To: Howard J. Levine via NAGDU
Cc: Brenda
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] time to think about which guide dog school to apply to

Howard, I just spoke to their admissionsdepartmentyesterday and was told
they do not grant ownership at all.  I even said I heard it was after 1 year
and was told no.
Brenda

On 5/19/2017 12:49 PM, Howard J. Levine via NAGDU wrote:
> That is not True, GEB does gibe ownership it is after some time. This 
> is from Howard Guide dog Rhett.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Brenda via 
> NAGDU
> Sent: Friday, May 19, 2017 12:37 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Cc: Brenda
> Subject: [NAGDU] time to think about which guide dog school to apply 
> to
> 
> Hello List,
> 
> this week my pet dog Sadie passed over the rainbow bridge.  She was 15 
> years old and we had a wonderful life together. She is playing with 
> her cat sisters who have gone before her. I will miss her and am still 
> sad, but she is no longer suffering so I'm at peace.
> 
> As my vision waned over the years, I became more and more interested 
> in getting a guide dog, but sadie who was an APL rescue didn't like 
> other
dogs.
> I did get O&m training to maintain my independence and have been using 
> my skills and now I am ready to apply for a guide.
> 
> I have been surfing the guide dog school websites and reading posts 
> from here and elsewhere about different guide dog schools and am now 
> trying to sort things out.
> 
> Several schools at the top of my list do not grant full ownership. 
> This concerns me, but other than that I like the schools.  One school 
> that does grant ownership is in California.  I live in Ohio and don't 
> want to be on a plane for a long time.  that may be silly, but I can't 
> get
over it.
> 
> So...I would appreciate Listers input/opinions/guidance/thoughts on my 
> situation.
> 
> the school I really like is Guiding eyes for the Blind.  They do not 
> grant ownership at all, but I have not heard/read  anything negative 
> about them. I doubt they are in business to develop teams only to take 
> the
dog away.
> 
> My intent is not to debate ownership issues.  I want to learn Listers'
> experiences with nonownership schools with the focus on GEB.
> 
> Thanks for any input.
> 
> Brenda
> 
> 
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