[Nyagdu] Response: Service Dogs in Schools

[Marion Gwizdala]

Dear All,
    Let me begin by admitting that I do not read every message that comes across the list; therefore, when Julie posted her "STOP!" mesage I wrote to her for some clarification. Julie sent me some of the messages to which she was referring, so I feel compelled to reply.
    I strive to make NAGDU a very transparent organization. This is the reason NAGDU board meetings are open and I do my best to reply to every message that is sent to me personally. The organization belongs to its members and those members have the right to know what the board is doing on their behalf and the responsibility to hold its leadership accountable. If anyone has a question about what I or any other member of the board is doing, you have the right to have your questions answered.
    This being said, I will candidly state that most of those who are aggressive in their criticism of the organization are not members. Though we offer this forum to anyone who wishes to participate and realize that the initiative we promote affect all guide dog users and, in reality, all service dog users, your voices are more effective when you join them with ours, rather than sitting on the sidelines criticizing what we do while taking advantage of our work without investing in it.
    Now, to answer the criticisms that have been voiced on this list, there is no conspiracy and I feel I do not have a "know-it-all" attitude. In fact, the message that prompted these criticisms was an effort to solicit input from others about how such policies might have an effect. The fact of law is that a policy, per se, is not necessarily discriminatory. It is the resulting behavior enforcing a policy that is discriminatory. Though NAGDU, as a representative organization may have standing to file complaints to repeal discriminatory practices, it is far better to involve a person who is actually affected by the policy. 
    As for the concern that was expressed that the identity of the organization that disseminated the guidance on which these policies are based and the assertion that this failure was intentional, it might have been better to ask a question about this rather than make assumptions. The fact of the matter is that we are attempting to identify the source of this misinformation in an effort to have it retracted and replaced with accurate information. We have contacted a few of the educational facilities that have adopted these policies but are still no closer to identifying the source.
    If you have any questions about what NAGDU, its board, in general, or I, in particular, are doing, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Addressing these questions to me specifically is much more likely to get a response rather than posting them to the list. If you do post to the list for a public response from me, it would be a good idea to modify the subject line so it will catch my attention. Another good way to make your voice heard is to join NAGDU and participate in our board meetings. Though only members of the board may make and vote on motions during the board meetings, time is provided for member comments. I look forward to your continued participation on this list and in our work. 

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
813-626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
HTTP://WWW.NAGDU.ORG