[NAGDU] American Airlines and My Blind Spot join forces....

NAGDU President blind411 at verizon.net
Tue May 15 22:49:37 UTC 2018


Ricky Joe,

	I appreciate your sentiments. I believe, however, you misunderstand
the difference between being dependent upon something and having effective
tools of independence. My guide dog, white cane, and, for that matter, a
sighted guide are tools under my control. I do not relinquish my
independence to them, they facilitate that independence. 

	I believe that telling the world we are dependent upon our guide
dogs sends a damaging message to the public. What of those who do not use a
guide dog? Would you say they are more independent because they do not use a
dog on which someone asserts they are dependent? I believe that, if we rely
so much on our guide dog that we become dependent on it, we sell ourselves
and our independence short. If I am dependent upon my guide dog, then,
logically, I cannot go or do anything without it. I cannot visit a family
member or friend at their house who would prefer to not have a dog in their
house. I cannot visit a friend in some areas of a hospital where a dog may
not be allowed. I cannot go to a crowded concert where a guide dog could get
injured. I cannot go out on a necessary trip when the weather is inclement
and it might be unfair to take my dog out in that weather. I assert I am not
dependent upon my dog; my dog is one of many tools I have at my disposal and
under my control. I choose to be independent, not dependent!

Fraternally yours,
Marion


Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
Visit our website
Follow us on Twitter
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 Ricky Joe Cook
via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 5:43 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Ricky Joe Cook
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] American Airlines and My Blind Spot join forces....

hello, your attitude is the exact reason the NFB is misguided in their 
beliefs.

Of course we are dependent on our service dogs. Its just like a cane. You'd 
probably say that a cane isn't neccesary for a blind person and that we 
aren't dependent on it as a mobility device that we have to use to get 
around unless you have high vision.

Ricky Joe Cook

-----Original Message----- 
From: NAGDU President via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 12:36 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: NAGDU President
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] American Airlines and My Blind Spot join forces....

Albert,

It's too bad this podcast promulgates the myth that a blind person -
or any other disabled person who uses a service dog - is "dependent upon our
dog". The goal of the National Federation of the Blind and the National
Association of Guide Dog Users is to remove the low expectations that create
barriers between blind people and our dreams in order to foster
independence. Dependence on anything or anybody is unhealthy, including
dependence upon a mate, alcohol, drugs, or a service animal. Those of us who
use a service dog are, by your assertion, not independent! When you speak,
you are not speaking for the community, since you are not accountable to
anyone else; rather, you are asserting your own opinion; Therefore, you only
speak to this issue from your perspective, not as a representative voice.

The National Federation of the Blind and the National Association of
Guide Dog Users has been the leading voice on this issue, having met with a
number of airlines, the Department of Transportation, and the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs. We represent the largest constituency of
any disability group in the world and our unified, collective voice is being
heard!

Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
Visit our website
Follow us on Twitter
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 Albert Rizzi via
NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 9:03 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Albert Rizzi
Subject: [NAGDU] American Airlines and My Blind Spot join forces....

My Blind Spot and American Airlines, and other nationally recognized
associations and organizations, are ironing out ways to limit the number of
pets being passed off as service animals or dog guides when handlers and
their legitimate dog guides fly! This also aired on CNBC.

http://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2018/American-Airlines-Announces-Change
s-to-Emotional-Support-Animal-Policy/default.aspx




Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
My Blind Spot, Inc
Founder and CEO

NYC Office
90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
New York, New York  10004
Tel: 212.363.0330

Long Island Office
175 West Main Street
Babylon, N.Y.  11702
office: 631.620.3483
fax: 631.620.3481

e-mail: Albert at MyBlindSpot.org<mailto:Albert at MyBlindSpot.org>
website: MyBlindSpot.org<http://www.myblindspot.org/>
C: 917.553.0347
P: 212.363.0330
Certified Professionals in Accessibility

The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
doing it. - Ancient Chinese Proverb We need to make every single thing
accessible to every single person with a disability. - Stevie Wonder
| Like us on
| Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Blind-Spot/179273234423> |
| Follow us on Twitter<https://twitter.com/MyBlindSpotOrg>  | Connect
| with us on
| LinkedIn<http://www.linkedin.com/pub/albert-j-rizzi/13/142/0> |
[Access=Ability infinite possibilities logo.jpg]  My Blind Spot is a 501 (c)
3 tax exempt organization






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