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Greetings from the Sunshine State!<br>
<br><br>
The National Federation of the Blind is recognized as an innovator in the
field of blindness. As a strong and proud division of the NFB, NAGDU is
the leading force in the guide dog users’ Movement. During our meeting on
July 2, we will solidify our position as the leader in the service animal
movement by screening a pioneering new documentary about our work
desensitizing wild zoo animals to the presence of dogs in order to afford
disabled individuals accompanied by service dogs greater access to the
nation’s zoological exhibits. Working together with Lowry park zoo, the
Suncoast Puppy raisers of the Guide Dog Foundation and the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums, along with the generous support of the McCune Family
Foundation, the National Association of Guide dog Users is launching an
innovative, amazing resource that will dramatically improve access to our
nation’s zoos. If you are a guide dog user or interested in guide dog
users’ issues, you will not want to miss this exciting, groundbreaking
documentary! <br><br>
<br><br>
Our NFB president,
Mark Riccobono, will join us at our meeting to share our excitement and
reinforce the importance of the National Association of Guide Dog Users
as a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind as
we continue to remove the obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
But wait; there’s more! If this is not enough excitement for one night,
NAGDU will unveil its brand new “Service Animals Welcome” entry door
decals and our recently edited, 11 X 17 full color brochure! And if this
is still not enough, every participant will receive a reflective NAGDU
dog tag to show the world that you are a member of the largest, most
dynamic, influential group of guide dog users in the world! Finally, if
you still are not convinced that the NAGDU meeting is the place to be,
ask any of the winners of our valuable door prizes or the final drawing
of our 50/50 cash prize!<br><br>
<br><br>
I also would like
to urge everyone to participate in the most important privilege of
membership in NAGDU – electing our leadership. This year, the terms of
president, secretary, and two board members expire. We have made amazing
progress in securing our civil rights but have so much more to do to
reach our goal to live the life we want! Our leadership is the keystone
of these efforts and you owe it to yourself to choose those who will
continue our forward movement. We will also share updates on our NAGDU
Information & Advocacy Hotline, our mobile app, the work of our
affiliate NAGDU divisions, including our newest and future divisions,
hear from guide dog training programs, and the other important work of
NAGDU. If you are a guide dog user or interested in guide dog issues, the
NAGDU annual meeting is the place to be!<br><br>
<br><br>
The NAGDU meeting
will be held on Saturday, July 2 in the Panzacola Ballroom F-2 Level 1.
Registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. and close at 6:45 p.m. The meeting
will be called to order promptly at 7:00 p.m. We are looking forward to a
packed room, so plan on coming early and staying late to mix & mingle
with your fellow guide dog users, puppy raisers, and trainers! <br><br>
<br><br>
Did I hear you say you’re not able to make the meeting? Not so! You can
be a part of this exciting meeting, even if you’re not in Orlando! This
year, NAGDU will once again be streaming our meetings live. The live
stream will be available from the homepage of our website! Simply go
to<br><br>
<br><br>
<a href="http://nagdu.org">http://nagdu.org</a><br><br>
<br><br>
and find the link to the live stream. The stream will be available
beginning at 6:45 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the most dynamic gathering
of guide dog users in the world and the incredible excitement we
generate! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of
our live stream, you can do so by going to our donation page<br><br>
<br><br>
<a href="http://nagdu.org/nagdu/donate.html" eudora="autourl">
http://nagdu.org/nagdu/donate.html<br><br>
</a> <br><br>
The National Association of Guide dog Users is the leader in guide and
service animal policy, education, and advocacy for guide dog users! We
are also the most dynamic, innovative, and energetic organization of
guide dog users in the world! Our influence and strength are the result
of our robust membership. If you are not a member of NAGDU or
one of its affiliate divisions, you are invited to join our ranks and
support our goal of Living the Life You Want as a guide dog user.
Membership in the National Association of guide dog Users also makes you
a member of the National Federation of the Blind. Joining is painless and
simple. Our dues are only $5.00 annually and you can join and pay your
dues online. For more information about joining NAGDU, please go to
<br><br>
<br><br>
<a href="http://nagdu.org/nagdu/membership.html" eudora="autourl">
http://nagdu.org/nagdu/membership.html<br><br>
</a> <br><br>
Don't forget about
the NAGDU Information & Advocacy Hotline where you can hear
information about service animal laws and regulations, as well as connect
to a live advocate who can help you in the event you face access problems
because of your guide dog. You can call the Hotline 24/7 by calling
888-NAGDU411 (888-624-3841). The Hotline recently received a sizable
grant from Twilio Cloud Communications to support the Hotline for years
to come. Thanks to Twilio for their generosity and support of this
valuable resource!<br><br>
<br><br>
The National Association of Guide dog Users is pleased to offer the NAGDU
Service Animal Information & Advocacy Mobile app! This innovative app
provides general information about the state and federal laws that
protect the civil rights of disabled individuals who use service dogs.
The app contains the full texts of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and each of the state statutes that affirm the rights of those who
use service dogs, as well as general guidance concerning access to
specific types of establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, taxicabs,
health care facilities and more. In addition, this app provides the
ability to directly connect with a live advocate who has been specially
trained to resolve access issues as they occur and send an email for more
specific guidance. This app is provided by the National Association of
Guide dog Users at no charge as a public service. To download the app,
simply type the term “NAGDU” into the app store’s search field.<br><br>
<br><br>
Finally, you are
invited to read our NAGDU blog – Harness Up! You can read the blog and
sign up for notifications when new posts are published by going
to<br><br>
<br><br>
<a href="http://harnessup.wordpress.com">
http://harnessup.wordpress.com</a><br><br>
<br><br>
I look forward to
seeing you in Orlando or having you participate on our live stream. If
you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with me. My
contact information is below my signature.<br><br>
<br><br>
`Fraternally yours,<br><br>
Marion Gwizdala, President<br><br>
National Association of Guide dog Users Inc.<br><br>
National Federation of the Blind<br><br>
Office: 813-626-2789 <br><br>
Hotline: 888-NAGDU411 (888-624-3841<br><br>
<a href="mailto:Info@nagdu.org">Info@nagdu.org</a><br><br>
<a href="http://nagdu.org/" eudora="autourl">http://nagdu.org<br><br>
</a> <br><br>
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