[NAGDU] NAGDU's Response to New Airline Regulations (was Re: doggy repo)

Thu Mar 11 17:31:49 UTC 2021

Hello all,

I will be making another post regarding a different matter later. However, I’d like to address the question which has ben posed here. NAGDU is most definitely working on the recent ACAA ruling. I don’t believe that we need to be made aware of everything that is happening. When things are in place, I have no doubt that we will be given the necessary information. Just because something does not happen instantly, does not mean that the issue is not being addressed. Kind regards. 	

—
Stacie Gallegos
President: National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter
Secretary: Texas Association of Guide Dog Users
Secretary: Texas Parents of Blind Children

E: shardy at nfbtx.org           H: stacieandcash at gmail.com
M: 346.704.0190               O: 832.639.4477

"Live the life you want: Blindness is not what holds you back”

> On Mar 9, 2021, at 6:19 PM, Michael Forzano via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Kevan,
> 
> I would love to know what the board is doing. In particular the
> implementation of these new airline regulations has been quite frankly a
> disaster. The best implementation has been Alaska with their web-based form
> but even that process is confusing at best. I think we should be very
> concerned about the difficulty of navigating the process especially for
> those who are not as tech savvy as some of us.
> 
> I have seen some emails requesting feedback on the accessibility of the
> forms, but why are we not going a step further? The DOT regulations state
> that airlines can ask for the form but are not required to do so. Have we
> met with airlines and encouraged them to exempt guide dog users from
> filling out the form? I know that we have had productive relationships with
> airlines in the past, in particular I believe it was in 2018 that NAGDU met
> withh Delta and was able to convince them to reconsider a change in policy
> that would have required us to check in early and provide documentation.
> 
> I want to of course give Raul and the board the benefit of the doubt, but
> from my perspective it looks as if not much action is being taken on some
> important issues. I'm not sure if this is actually the case, or if there is
> a lack of communication by the board. However I am clearly not the only one
> who feels this way, as a long-time leader in the organization felt
> compelled to resign which is no small deal.
> 
> - Mike
> 
> On Tue, Mar 9, 2021 at 7:05 PM Kevan Worley via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> 
>> I have seen the new president and the board taking a number of steps to
>> research and really get their arms around this challenging issue. And I
>> think they have interviewed some of the people involved in this unfortunate
>> and unacceptable situation. It is unfortunate and unacceptable. If, it is
>> as related, portrayed. And it likely is. I am not on the national board for
>> national Association of guide dog users. But I am the president of the
>> Colorado Association of guide dog users. And I think we are all very very
>> comfortable with the current direction of the division. I have great
>> confidence in Raul and his leader ship and the team he is building. I think
>> there are a number of important issues that face the organization in the
>> third decade of the 21st-century. Certainly, I know how near and dear guide
>> dog ownership is to folks. But access to air travel on terms of equality.
>> Monitoring guide dog training schools. Making sure that training centers
>> allow students to use their guide dogs as well as to ensure that training
>> schools such as Colorado Louisiana etc. actually teach their students some
>> of the advantages and disadvantages of guide dog. To be done. And I think
>> the unreasonable removal of a guide dog is an important part of our work.
>> And we have resolutions on the matter. But, the whole issue around guide
>> dog ownership be our most important priority. In my view. It is one of a
>> number of important priorities. It is really a terrible terrible thing.
>> It’s really a sad thing when a long time leader chooses to resign from our
>> Federation family. I just feel terrible about it. On the other hand,
>> sometimes people need to do what they need to do. And I feel very confident
>> that the new administration and other members are doing some outstanding
>> work! This whole guide dog matters training each month. Wonderful programs
>> so far. Thank you Stacey and Michael and team. This Thursday National
>> Federation of the Blind of Colorado, Colorado Association of guide dog
>> users, Colorado Center for the Blind and National Association of guide dog
>> users are holding a comma know your rights, mountain time at five. We hope
>> you’ll join us. Lots of great work getting done by the entire Federation
>> family. And, not only that, rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay. Stay safe
>> everyone and thanks to all for your support, commitment and leader ship.
>> And let’s go build the national Federation of the blind
>> 
>> At Your Service,
>> Kevan Worley
>> 
>>> On Mar 9, 2021, at 2:44 PM, Mike Hingson via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> That is what a resolution is supposed to be about. The resolutions are,
>> as stated every year, the policy of the organization. If the president and
>> other leaders do not follow through then they should not be leading the
>> organization.
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NAGDU On Behalf Of marianne denning via NAGDU
>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 9:57 AM
>>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: marianne at denningweb.com
>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] doggy repo
>>> 
>>> While I believe writing a resolution and passing it is a great idea it
>> is meaningless unless we put the power of the NFB behind it.
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mike Hingson via
>> NAGDU
>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 11:10 AM
>>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: mike at michaelhingson.com; 'Tracy Carcione' <carcione at access.net>
>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] doggy repo
>>> 
>>> All,
>>> 
>>> Part of the difficulty here is within our own organization. Do we have
>> the commitment to, organizationally speaking, take a stand against such
>> things as what happened to this lady? Are we finally ready to take a stand
>> against schools retaining ownership and thus demeaning all of us? Are we
>> ready to recognize that instead of being beholding to guide dog schools and
>> giving them passes when they misbehave as may have happened with South
>> Eastern we are ready to recognize that guide dog schools are providing a
>> service and that they do not own us?
>>> 
>>> In the past, debates concerning guide dog schools have come up on the
>> National convention floor amidst fierce debate due to people feeling we
>> should have gratitude toward guide dog schools and not holding these
>> schools to a higher standard.
>>> 
>>> NAGDU as a division of the NFB should step in and lead a real effort to
>> bring about change in the attitudes toward blind people by guide dog
>> schools. This does include real dog ownership, trust of clients and a real
>> appeals process if there is a dispute between schools and clients. As we
>> are seeing with other aspects of our movement today, we should be
>> supporting the lady involved. The school is NOT going to provide NAGDU with
>> any more information than it has provided in the past. Has NAGDU reached
>> out to the lady who unexpected and, apparently, unreasonably had her guide
>> removed? A "neutral investigation" is fine, but there is nothing wrong with
>> starting by accepting the word of the victim here and going on from there.
>> South Eastern has a track record of improper treatment of others whom it
>> says mistreated guide dogs.
>>> 
>>> NAGDU is a consumer organization and should therefore start by accepting
>> the word of the consumer and going from there. This situation is not a new
>> one. NAGDU should be on the front line in working hard and publicly for
>> change. Raul, we have a National convention coming up. I'm happy to help
>> you write a resolution defining Federation policy for this. Also, I would
>> hope you would be addressing this with President Riccobono and getting
>> lawyers involved and reversing this kind of action. This is what you signed
>> up for when you accepted the presidency. You do have our support. If people
>> won't support you if you take the actions I submitted here then shame on
>> them. Either we fight for the rights of blind people or we stop
>> complaining. It really is that simple.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Best Regards,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Michael Hingson
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NAGDU On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 6:33 AM
>>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <
>> nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] doggy repo
>>> 
>>> I think we should do something more immediate, like help Rev. Blake
>> appeal the seizure of her dog.  Assuming Southeastern has some kind of
>> appeal process, if only on paper.
>>> Tracy
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jody ianuzzi
>> via NAGDU
>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2021 9:12 AM
>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> Cc: Jody ianuzzi
>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] doggy repo
>>> 
>>> This story is horrifying! There is no way that I would give up a dog
>> without a fight.  I would go back in my house and lock the door and tell
>> them they have to take legal action. I would go to the media and any other
>> means available! There was no way that I would handover my dog under these
>> circumstances!
>>> 
>>> I am so glad I got my dog from a  School the grant full ownership to the
>> handler when they graduate!
>>> 
>>> I think we have to get the word out and perhaps people will no longer
>> apply to southeastern for a dog. See how they handle the situation when
>> they have no applicants!
>>> 
>>> JODY
>>> 
>>> To Boldly Go  🖖🏻
>>> 
>>> 
>>> thunderwalker321 at gmail.com
>>> 
>>> "What's within you is stronger than what's in your way."  NO BARRIERS
>> Erik Weihenmayer
>>> 
>>>> On Mar 8, 2021, at 10:56 PM, Susan Jones via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Repossessing a dog at that age is CRIMINAL!
>>>> And to think they charge $5,000 for a dog that old, a dog that will
>>>> most probably have health problems that need attention, and possibly
>>>> bonding and fear issues from being separated from a handler they have
>> loved for so long!
>>>> 
>>>> Criminal!
>>>> Susan
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sandra Johnson via
>>>> NAGDU
>>>> Sent: Monday, March 8, 2021 12:45 PM
>>>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Sandra Johnson <sljohnson25 at comcast.net>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] doggy repo
>>>> 
>>>> Marion:
>>>> 
>>>> No wonder they want their grads to retire their dogs when they turn 11
>>>> years old,  Every dog returned to them is another $5,000 in their
>> pockets.
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala,
>>>> via NAGDU
>>>> Sent: Monday, March 8, 2021 11:55 AM
>>>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Marion Gwizdala, <blind411 at verizon.net>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] doggy repo
>>>> 
>>>> Richard,
>>>> 
>>>>  You ask, "what in the world does a guide dog school do with a five
>>>> or six-year-old dog they have taken from a handler?" Well, since this
>>>> dog in question was nearly ten years old, it furthers begs the
>>>> question. The answer is they adopt it out for $5,000.
>>>> https://www.guidedogs.org/public-adoption/),Marion Gwizdala
>>>> 
>>>> Marion Gwizdala
>>>> (813) 626-2789
>>>> Blind411 at verizon.net
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Richard via NAGDU
>>>> Sent: Monday, March 8, 2021 10:09 AM
>>>> To: NAGDU at nfbnet.org
>>>> Cc: richardfiorello716 at gmail.com
>>>> Subject: [NAGDU] doggy repo
>>>> 
>>>> This brings up a few rather interesting questions.  What in the world
>>>> does a school do with a five or six year old dog that they have taken
>>>> from a handler?  Apparently if the dog is under three there is demand
>>>> and maybe money from fire departments and similar organizations.  The
>>>> one dog that I had to send back the school very much insisted that he
>>>> come back prior to three years old and he went into the bomb sniffing
>> business.
>>>> 
>>>> As for gdf please understand I have never contacted the school and
>>>> have zero first hand knowledge about their program.  When attending
>>>> another program a class member was a former gdf graduate.  For the
>>>> entire time I was there he kept saying that veterans get the good dogs
>>>> and blind people get the left overs.  The only thing that gets me
>>>> curious is that I am sure that VA pays a school for whatever dogs they
>>>> are taking ownership of.  Has anyone else felt this to be the case or
>> was this gentlemen just handing out bad information.
>>>> 
>>>> Richard
>>>> 
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>>>> 
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