[NAGDU] Resolutions

[Tracy Carcione]

We of NAGDU had what I thought were 3 good resolutions this year.  1 was
withdrawn because, in the end, leadership didn't support it.  Leadership
wants to "build good relationships with schools".  Well, OK...

Another, demanding a real due process when a dog is taken away, and
demanding that schools provide all materials in accessible formats, was by
far the most controversial of all the resolutions presented to the
convention.  I was shocked and dismayed.  One person who spoke in opposition
said again that we want to build good relations with the schools.
Seriously?  Are we to come, with bowed head and hat in hand, saying Please
sirs, our members would like to tell their side of the story should their
dog be taken away?  Really?

I still remember, from many years ago, my first impressions of the Seeing
Eye graduates at convention.  They were not afraid to speak their minds when
they thought their school had made a faux pas.  I was shocked, and
impressed.  They clearly expected to be treated as intelligent adults with a
place at the table.  They were courteous, but firm in their opinions.  After
all, adults can have differences of opinion, and discuss them as equals.

I'm not sure all guide dog users feel like that.  I guess there was a time
when I did not, when I was a young newby.  I can understand owner-trainers'
perspective even better than I already did.  I would not wish to hand power
over me to someone who does not respect my abilities.

I sometimes think guide dog users are the most timid of all Federationists,
when it comes to speaking truth to power.  I understand why some would be,
but it's not my idea of what it means to be a Federationist.

Tracy