[blindkid] Guide Dogs and Blind Children, A Suggestion

[Peter Donahue]

Good afternoon everyone,

    This discussion has been a good one and certainly one to be continued on 
the next level. Let me make my suggestion by reminding everyone that we have 
a national convention coming up this summer. During the convention the NOPBC 
conducts numerous break-out workshops for parents and educators of blind 
children dealing with various issues. The IEP workshop is one that is very 
popular and is repeated annually. Since this is a topic of interest I'd like 
to suggest Madam President that consideration be given to holding a workshop 
dealing with the topic of training and placing guide dogs with blind 
children and youth. Marion Gwizdala is the President of the National 
Association of Guide Dog Users, (NAGDU) and could address this matter from 
NAGDU's perspective. I'm copying hymn on this message so he's in the loop. 
Other speakers could include, representatives from guide dog schools, if we 
can locate them blind youngsters who currently use guide dogs, and 
representatives of NOPBC to a address  the issue from a parents' viewpoint. 
An exchange of this kind would do more to increase awareness of the concerns 
and possibilities of training and placing guide dogs with blind children and 
teens younger than 16. I'd like to asked the NOPBC Board of Directors to 
give this idea serious consideration as we've probably not heard the last of 
this issue. All the best.

Peter Donahue


"Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber
      And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered.
      And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you
      On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you."
Will You Come to the Bower
Traditional Irish Folk Song