[nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
Julie J
julielj at windstream.net
Tue Feb 9 19:58:23 UTC 2010
Rebecca wrote:
And why isn't the pen pal program open to prisoners that are women?
No clue. My guess is that Noah's Assistance Dogs is a very small program
and they don't need that many puppy raisers. And probably someone at the
men's prison knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who thought
this was a great idea. If different people had connections with folks in
the women's prison it could have easily been involved in the Pen Pals
program instead.
Just a guess though.
Julie
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC Inc)" <REBECCA.PICKRELL at tasc.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 12:38 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
> I've missed some of this thread, but if the prisons won't allow guide
> dogs and any type of equiptment that might help a disabled person (canes
> walkers and the like) how come the prison system is okay with the
> prisoners writing to disabled people? ARen't they afraid rightly or
> wrongly that disabled people might be more easily scammed or in some way
> more vonerable?
> And why isn't the pen pal program open to prisoners that are women?
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Julie J
> Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 4:04 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>
> Just wanted to be clear...the Pen Pals program is through Noah's
> Assistance
> Dogs. I know no more about it than what I have seen on the news.
>
> The inmates that come to the class I teach are not involved in the Pen
> Pals
> program. they are women from the women's prison. I think it is only
> the
> men's prison that has the Pen Pals program.
>
> I just happen to work in the criminal justice system and have a guide
> dog.
>
> Julie
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 1:09 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>
>
>> Sounds like having that option may even inspire some others who are
>> incarcerated to become pen pals themselves. Have a great day.
>>
>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>> CEO/Founder
>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>> New York, New York 10004
>> www.myblindspot.org
>> PH: 917-553-0347
>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one
> who is
>> doing it."
>>
>>
>> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf
>> Of Julie J
>> Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 9:55 AM
>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>
>> Yes, it is a clever name.
>>
>> Two weeks ago I had prison inmates come to talk to the class I teach
> about
>> their experiences in prison and how they got there. They come in
> their
>> regular prison uniforms, in handcuffs and with a guard. They are not
>> violent offenders, meaning murder, assault with a deadly weapon and
> that
>> sort of thing. Many of them do have histories of lesser crimes
> against
>> people. Anyway I didn't take Monty with me to class that night. I
> didn't
>> tell the guard ahead of time that I would have a dog with me. I
> really
>> didn't want to deal with any drama related to having a dog there with
> the
>> inmates. I think next time though, I will mention to the guard ahead
> of
>> time when I invite her to bring the inmates that I will have my guide
> dog
>> there. then she can do whatever she needs to so the event runs
> smoothly.
>>
>> Tomorrow night the younger girls are coming from the Juvenile
> detention
>> center to talk about their criminal histories. I do plan to take
> Monty
>> with
>>
>> me tomorrow. The younger girls don't wear handcuffs, but are
> accompanied
>> by
>>
>> a guard. We'll see how it goes.
>>
>> Of course the class I teach is not at the prison. I do work in the
>> courthouse though. I don't work in the jail wing, but I do work in
> the
>> probation/attorney/court section. I've never had an issue with Monty
>> there,
>>
>> although I have never had a reason to go into the jail section either.
> I
>> don't know if I'd take Monty or not.
>>
>> Julie
>>
>>
>> Julie
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 6:41 AM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>
>>
>>>I like that one a lot. Pen pals. Great name.
>>>
>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>> CEO/Founder
>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>> New York, New York 10004
>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one
> who
>>> is
>>> doing it."
>>>
>>>
>>> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf
>>> Of Julie J
>>> Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 7:35 PM
>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>>
>>> Here in Nebraska the puppy raisers in prison are called "Pen Pals".
> They
>>> raise puppies for Noah's Assistance Dogs.
>>>
>>> Julie
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users'"
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 7:35 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>>
>>>
>>>> You are correct, the program for inmates raising guides is called
>>>> puppies
>>>> behind bars if I am not mistaken.
>>>>
>>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>>> CEO/Founder
>>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>>> New York, New York 10004
>>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one
> who
>>>> is
>>>> doing it."
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Visit us on Facebook LinkedIn
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>> Behalf
>>>> Of Susan Jones
>>>> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 8:05 PM
>>>> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>>>
>>>> Going into a prison is serious business, no matter who you are, or
> what
>>>> you
>>>> bring.
>>>> I think Albert said it was really a county jail anyway?
>>>> Anything could happen, of course, but I think they are about as
> likely
>>>> to
>>>> hold a guide dog hostage as a visitor.
>>>> Some service dogs are even raised by people serving time in prison.
>>>> Regards,
>>>> Susan & Rhoda
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>> Behalf
>>>> Of Stepper
>>>> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 2:29 PM
>>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>>>
>>>> Hello Albert
>>>> This may surprise you, however I disagree with the prison allowing.
> you
>>>> to
>>>> have your dog in the prison.
>>>> Here's why.
>>>> First of all I for many years have gone to several prisons and jails
> all
>>>> over the northwest, for 30 years now.
>>>> The problem with you having your dog is that your dog could be hurt
> or
>>>> injured or even held as a hostage by a detained prisoner to achieve
>>>> attention, or worse.
>>>> Can you imagine the bind the prison would be in if that happened.
>>>> Please don't think it isn't possible. Just by the nature of the
>>>> population
>>>> the main job of the staff is to control the uncontrollable, and
> prevent
>>>> the
>>>> unexpected, and bazaar.
>>>> Remember, it doesn't have to make sense to us, only them.
>>>> Could you see this on the nightly news one night.
>>>> Guide dog held hostage, and threatened with injury if prisoner
> demands
>>>> not
>>>> met.
>>>> Especially if you were in a common visiting room where prisoners and
>>>> family
>>>> and friends can move about freely.
>>>> I think your imply threat to go to the political is what spooked
> them in
>>>> to
>>>> allowing your visit that time.
>>>> Also a long white cane, or folding cane or collapsing cane can be a
>>>> weapon
>>>> in a moment.
>>>> I believe your friend very well had something to worry about after
> he
>>>> left
>>>> the visiting area.
>>>> The staff may knuckle under at times, but most times the person
> visited
>>>> gets
>>>> it taken out on them in one way or another.
>>>> Please I don't say this to criticize you, I am voicing my opinion
> and
>>>> experience because I think sometimes we get caught up with fighting
> for
>>>> our
>>>> rights, and at times there can be other problems and dangers created
> we
>>>> may
>>>> not be aware of at the time.
>>>> When I visited prisons or jails, I never took my dogs in, because of
> the
>>>> above possible problems. But they were explained to me ahead of
> time, so
>>>> I
>>>> had a clear understanding.
>>>> The same was true with my canes.
>>>> I turned my canes, shoestrings, belt, lighters, combs,and anything
> else
>>>> that
>>>> could be used as a weapon against me or others.
>>>> I than went sighted guide to visit, or to carry on a meeting, or
> teach
>>>> a
>>>> class Most times these issues are addressed before you can enter the
>>>> first
>>>> gate.
>>>> Its clear you caught these officers by surprise, as they admitted.
>>>> I would never want to be the one that gave a prisoner anything they
>>>> could
>>>> use to harm me, mine, or others.
>>>>
>>>> Stepper
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Albert J Rizzi" <albert at myblindspot.org>
>>>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
> Users'"
>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:02 AM
>>>> Subject: [nagdu] FW: Re: visit to a prison
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>>>> CEO/Founder
>>>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>>>> New York, New York 10004
>>>>> www.myblindspot.org
>>>>>
>>>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one
> who
>>>>> is
>>>>> doing it."
>>>>>
>>>>> Visit us on Facebook
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> <http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=pp#/pages/My-Blind-Spot/1937406
> 8832
>>>>> 8?ref=nf> <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/albert-j-rizzi/13/142/0>
>>>>> LinkedIn
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _____
>>>>>
>>>>> From: Albert J Rizzi [mailto:albert at myblindspot.org]
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:39 AM
>>>>> To: 'nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org'
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] visit to a prison
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I had what could have been a very frustrating experience, but with
>>>>> cooler
>>>>> heads prevailing, I was afforded access.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Yesterday I went to visit a young man in my community who fell on
> the
>>>>> wrong
>>>>> side of trouble and is doing a short stint in the local jail. I had
>>>>> heard
>>>>> tell of instances where people with walkers and canes were asked,
> or
>>>>> should
>>>>> I say ordered to check their canes and walkers at the door before
>>>>> entering
>>>>> for a visit. I find this to be ridiculous but can appreciate the
>>>>> reasoning
>>>>> behind security and other concerns present with what could quickly
> turn
>>>>> to
>>>>
>>>>> a
>>>>> volatile situation at any moment. that thought being given I
> decided
>>>>> to
>>>>> take my guide dog instead of my cane.
>>>>>
>>>>> After waiting on line, checking in and having been there for over
> half
>>>>> an
>>>>> hour, we were called to the desk, but I had already overheard a
> call
>>>>> that
>>>>> had been made inquiring into the procedures to follow with a guide
> dog
>>>>> and
>>>>> his visitor. At first I was told it would complicate the drug dogs
> and
>>>>> their
>>>>> ability to do their job. I quipped they are both service animals
> with
>>>>> specific trainings which each handler should in any instance be
> able
>>>>> to
>>>>> control their animal and keep them on task and under control. I let
>
>>>>> desk
>>>>> clerk know I felt my rights as a citizen were being violated and I
> was
>>>>> being
>>>>> wrongly discriminated upon due to lack of knowledge of legislation
> in
>>>>> place
>>>>> to ensure my equal access. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was
>
>>>>> told
>>>>> he
>>>>> was transferred and there was no immediate supervisor present. I
>>>>> questioned
>>>>> that immediately and then asked in his or her absence to speak to
> their
>>>>> supervisor, or better yet, could they get the warden on the phone?
> I
>>>>> was
>>>>> told he was a busy man and that the clerk did not have his number.
> So I
>>>>> suggested that the clerk call the same person he did when I was
> sitting
>>>>> some
>>>>> 40 feet away who gave him the misinformation so that I might speak
> with
>>>>> him
>>>>> directly. They then suggested that we all meet, myself, my dog and
> the
>>>>> young
>>>>> man I was visiting meet in a contained area with a glass wall
> between
>>>>> ourselves. I felt that was unacceptable as no one else present was
>>>>> being
>>>>> asked to do that same thing during their visit. I insisted that the
>>>>> mother
>>>>> of the young man I was to visit go ahead while I waited to talk to
>>>>> someone
>>>>> in authority other then a clerk. I advised the clerk that he was
> in
>>>>> violation of the ADA, hoping he was to tell you the truth, and that
> if
>>>>> I
>>>>> were denied equal access then I would be forced to take the matter
> up
>>>>> with
>>>>> my senator and assemblymen. I also let him know that the types of
>>>>> intimidation tactics used to maintain order were lost on me as I
> come
>>>>> from
>>>>> a long line of law enforcement officials and am immune to such
> things.
>>>>> Eventually, lutenent Destefano asked me to step aside and discuss
> the
>>>>> matter in quiet. He understood my position and admitted that they
> had
>>>>> never
>>>>> had a guide dog come to prison before and were completely taken off
>>>>> guard
>>>>> on
>>>>> proper protocol. I thanked him for his honesty and let him know
> that
>>>>> this
>>>>> was my first time to a prison, and it was my first time as a blind
> man.
>>>>> we
>>>>> immediately fell into a dialogue which led to a simple request.
> That if
>>>>> and
>>>>> when I were to come again, would I give them a heads up so they
> could
>>>>> make
>>>>> arrangements much as they do for others visiting with children. We
>>>>> would
>>>>> have been afforded access in a manner that would not have to
> complicate
>>>>> the
>>>>> delicate balance within the prison. His concerns were not lost on
> me
>>>>> when
>>>>> after having only been sitting with my friend and her son, without
> a
>>>>> wall
>>>>> dividing us, a man was handcuffed and led away as he was attempting
> to
>>>>> pass
>>>>> contraband into the prison illegally. I left feeling I had struck a
>
>>>>> blow
>>>>> for
>>>>> our community and will be writing a letter to the warden, copy the
>>>>> senator
>>>>> and thank the warden and lute ant Estefan for treating me with
> respect
>>>>> and
>>>>> in a proper fashion befitting any American. I will say that when I
> got
>>>>> to
>>>>> my
>>>>> intended visit, the young man was fearful of retribution toward him
>
>>>>> once
>>>>> I
>>>>> left. I hope not, but will report back if and when I hear anything.
> I
>>>>> would
>>>>> welcome opinions on how I handled myself as I take very seriously
> the
>>>>> responsibility of representing the blind in an empowered manner
> while
>>>>> educating others along the way. All in all it was a good
> experience. I
>>>>> even
>>>>> got a pat on the back from two people sitting in the lobby who
>>>>> complimented
>>>>> me on how I handled myself in a powerful way and how impressed they
>
>>>>> were
>>>>> that I did not bend to intimidation..
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>>>>> CEO/Founder
>>>>> My Blind Spot, Inc.
>>>>> 90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
>>>>> New York, New York 10004
>>>>> <http://www.myblindspot.org> www.myblindspot.org
>>>>>
>>>>> PH: 917-553-0347
>>>>> Fax: 212-858-5759
>>>>> "The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one
> who
>>>>> is
>>>>> doing it."
>>>>>
>>>>> Visit us on
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
> <http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=pp#/pages/My-Blind-Spot/1937406
> 8832
>>>>> 8?ref=nf> Facebook
>>>>> <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/albert-j-rizzi/13/142/0>
>>>>> LinkedIn
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nagdu mailing list
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