[NAGDU] Decomposed concrete city, sidewalks, and walkways and working your Guide dog

[Debbie Gabe]

I've never encountered that but it sounds just horrible  and if I were you, I would write to your city council person or state leg to complain. Just say exactly what you said here.
debbie

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Diane via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2024 1:04 PM
To: Nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Diane <dvlasoff at roadrunner.com>
Subject: [NAGDU] Decomposed concrete city, sidewalks, and walkways and working your Guide dog

Hi list -

I participated in our local city planning commission meeting yesterday evening. A developer was touting  their progressive thinking, and installing a decomposed concrete, also known as DC, sidewalk along a California highway. I have a problem with this as a blind person and I do not know if it is just me or it is a collective problem. Hence, I'm writing you guys.

If you have never run into DC as you have gone for walks, DC feels like packed sand.  And because it is essentially sand when it rains, it becomes mud and becomes filled with potholes, wash, boarding, and whatever other scars created by strollers, wheelchair, bicycles, or people walking. My guy dog gets full of mud and I end up wearing a lot of mud on my clothing so I go into shops looking filthy.

Once scarred this decomposed concrete  "sidewalks" aren't properly maintained.


I am never sure where the boundaries of a decomposed concrete walkway/a sidewalk are. If they are going through a park, I can't tell if I'm on the walkway or wandering off because here in California many places don't have grass so you don't have that as a Feedback mechanism you have dirt and more dirt. One corner with a decomposed concrete sidewalk I thought was strictly a empty dirt area for dogs to relieve themselves on conveniently located next to the groomer's shop.
My Guide I don't know if she understands decomposed concrete as a place we should walk. I just don't know. I don't know how to follow her. I don't know how to correct her. I don't know how to encourage her. The whole thing is just a complete frustration to me.

Any advice, feedback or experiences would be truly welcome!

Thank you tremendously for your time.

Diane & Jaxi



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