[NAGDU] O and m immersion programs

[Sarah Calhoun]

In my case when I attend Leader Dogs O & M class, there will be a one on one
instructor to client situation.

The class is 7 days, Sunday to Saturday. O & M clients arrive on Sunday,
work Monday thru Friday each morning and afternoon, then leave on Saturday.

Those who are attending Leader Dogs for a guide dog, the class is 3 weeks
long for first timers and clients receiving a successor guide dog.

Leader offers two other classes in addition to residing at the school for 3
weeks. One where the client can request home training. The second option is
half of the training takes place at the school, the other half is home
training. The latter is for people who previously worked with a guide dog.

Leader tries to accommodate the various life styles with consideration to
family dynamics, work, etc., by being flexible as possible, but still
focusing on matching a dog to a client, traveling safely and much more.

I find it very encouraging and interesting how the schools design their
trading practices as the needs of blind or visually impaired people life
structures and needs change.

Best,
Sarah
-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cindy Ray via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2019 10:05 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: cindyray at gmail.com
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] O and m immersion programs

Hi, all.
This is by no means a critique of such a program as that at Leader, but how
do you become proficient with a cane in five days? I can sort of see it if
you are going to acquire a guide dog soon, for I've seen people who had not
a clue. But I've also, as I said before, seen people thinking to go there
for mobility training. A particular person was already in a program where
she had been for several months, but she didn't feel she was gaining
anything. How would a five day program such as this really help her, or is
it honestly mainly for folks planning to have a guide dog.
Cindy Lou Ray
cindyray at gmail.com


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of David via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2019 9:44 AM
To: Amanda Cape via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: David <david at bakerinet.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] O and m immersion programs

Hi Amanda,

Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, Michigan has a very good 5 day
program called Advanced Mobility Program (AMP). I had used a white cane for
20 years before I applied. While I was a good cane user (I used a university
mobility training manual), I'm really glad I signed up. Lots new to learn. I
requested to use vision occluders during part of the training and was amazed
at the additional clue and cues you can get from your other senses.
Revisiting things I thought I knew and correcting bad habits has been
invaluable.

When you're accepted, they and you pick a date. Your transportation there is
free, room and board (with good food) is free, the facility is clean, and
the instructors are good.

While I was accepted there for a guide dog the next year, their guide dog
program was twenty-six days. I would have gone batty with all the down time
(one instructor to 4 or 5 students). So, I went to the Guide Dog Foundation
in Smithtown, New York for their two week program, and, I have to say, an
absolutely brilliant, joyful, and perfect Lab/Golden cross.

It is a nice area of Michigan. I used to lead AYH bicycle trips up in this
area from Detroit in my early twenties 29 years ago. There was a cider mill
very close by, so if you are up there this Fall it is a great place for a
side trip.

*David & Claire Rose in Clearwater, FL*
*david at bakerinet.com*
*
*
On 8/22/2019 5:36 AM, Amanda Cape via NAGDU wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> I just discovered that o and m immersion programs exist for people who
want to get a guide dog and improve their o and m skills. Has anyone
completed one of these programs? If so, which one and what was your
experience?
> Thanks,e
>
> Amanda
> _______________________________________________
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NAGDU:
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