[nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
cheryl echevarria
cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
Mon Apr 23 10:47:10 UTC 2012
Thank you for the explanation, since GDF is the only school that I know of personally.
We remember that!
See you at convention!
Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
Cheryl Echevarria
http://www.echevarriatravel.com
631-456-5394
reservations at echevarriatravel.com
For daily updates read our blog at
http://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
> From: jeninems at wowway.com
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:07:40 -0400
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
>
> Cheryl,
>
> Technically, GDF is considered a smaller school. We graduate around 100
> teams per year, more if you count the service dog teams which brings the
> total to around 120 or so.
>
> We have a smaller training staff, a smaller administrative staff and hence
> less ability to go to conferences and such.
>
> The "large schools" include The Seeing Eye, Guide Dogs for the Blind,
> Guiding Eyes and Leader Dogs which all have over 150 teams graduated per
> year and larger training and administrative staffs.
>
> These days we're probably in that middle category of schools along with
> Pilot dogs and Southeastern Guide Dogs
>
> The truly small schools include Guide Dogs of America, Guide Dogs of the
> Desert, Fidelco and the other very small ones out there such as Guide Dogs
> of Texas.
> Jenine Stanley
> jeninems at wowway.com
> http://www.twitter.com/jeninems
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of cheryl echevarria
> Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 1:39 PM
> To: nagdu
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
>
>
> Lyn:
> John was there last year at convention, nice man.
> Also, GDF is one of the larger schools.
>
>
> Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
>
> Cheryl Echevarria
> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
> 631-456-5394
> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>
> For daily updates read our blog at
> http://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
>
> > From: linda.gwizdak at cox.net
> > To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> > Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:20:55 -0700
> > Subject: Re: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
> >
> > Hi Jenine,
> > I don't know why we still squabble about what organization prefers
> > whatever other organization still goes on. Here we are, in a time of
> > economic decline and at risk for losing everything we've gained for
> > the last 50 years, and we can find nothing to put energy into except
> > to complain that X Group doesn't like Y Group.
> >
> > I've never seen either the NFB or the ACB show preference for any
> > particular schools. Many schools can't afford to send people to both
> > conventions anymore or do the programs or events they did in the past.
> > I would have no idea as to schools prefering one blindness
> > organization over another one - guide dog users are guide dog users no
> matter if they belong to NFB or ACB.
> > No matter which organization we belong to, we still love our dogs the
> same.
> > And the schools do what they can to outreach to us.
> >
> > I'd like to see outreach at the conventions but I'd also like to see
> > resources being used for the guide dog school programs themselves. GDF
> > has always been a smaller school so has always been less able to send
> > reps to conventions like the larger schools do. Even TSE has cut back
> > on things. I got my first two dogs from GDF when John Byfield was there.
> >
> > Lyn and Landon
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Jenine Stanley" <jeninems at wowway.com>
> > To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
> > <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> > Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2012 8:55 AM
> > Subject: [nagdu] GDF and NAGDU conventions
> >
> >
> > > HI Cheryl,
> > >
> > > I'm answering this in my official capacity as the GDF Consumer
> > > Relations Coordinator.
> > >
> > > First off, GDF has no bias toward any consumer organization. I've
> > > heard this rumor about various schools since I began looking at them
> > > in 1987.
> > >
> > > It so happens that several members of the current GDf Alumni Council
> > > are either NFB and/or NAGDU members and will be present at this
> > > year's convention assisting us. The number of graduates who do claim
> > > affiliation with NAGDU voluntarily has grown significantly since
> > > 2008. I'm quite proud of that actually and enjoy the NFB and NAGDU
> conventions tremendously.
> > >
> > > As with all non-profit organizations, this is a difficult economic time.
>
> > > We
> > > simply cannot afford the types of events we used to have for
> > > graduates and prospective students. Other schools have also cut back
> > > their events at national conventions.
> > >
> > > I find it very powerful that though we no longer have these events,
> > > our graduate force within NAGDU has grown so much. I thank everyone
> > > for that and for learning about us.
> > >
> > > I again look forward to coming to the NAGDU convention and
> > > introducing our Alumni Council.
> > > Jenine Stanley
> > > Consumer Relations Coordinator
> > > Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs jenine at guidedog.org
> > > jeninems at wowway.com http://www.twitter.com/jeninems
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > > Behalf Of cheryl echevarria
> > > Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2012 7:37 AM
> > > To: nagdu
> > > Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork and
> > > convention
> > >
> > >
> > > Good morning all:
> > > I have noticed over the years as being a graduate of GDF, that there
> > > have been less and less graduates at convention. I also noticed on
> > > the GDF List, and I am no longer on there, I just decided to much is
> > > to much.
> > > But I noticed that I was the only NAGDU member or NFB Member, I knew
> > > Lisa was on here a few times, and Marilyn Tucci is on here now, etc,
> > > as well as some others. But I don't want to put foot in mouth here,
> > > but I had mentioned this to our President before, President
> > > Gwizdala, that I felt that the school was a lot GDUI and ACB then
> > > anything else. I know schools are not supposed to be biased, but I
> > > felt that from the beginning. I have nothing against the other
> > > organization at all, I am just a member of NFB and NAGDU, my choice!
> > > What does this have to do with losing paperwork, nothing.
> > > But with Convention only a few short months away, maybe this is
> > > something that can be brought up at convention, when we have opened Q&A
> with GDF.
> > > Also, I have noticed as well, that at conventions many of the
> > > schools have an event for the graduates, GDF used to take it's grads
> > > to lunch or anyone interested in learning more about GDF was invited.
> > > GDF hasn't done this since our last Convention in Dallas, when
> > > Nelson and I were there in, 2008.
> > > JMO!
> > > Cheryl and Maxx
> > >
> > > Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
> > >
> > > Cheryl Echevarria
> > > http://www.echevarriatravel.com
> > > 631-456-5394
> > > reservations at echevarriatravel.com
> > >
> > > For daily updates read our blog at
> > > http://www.echevarriatravel.wordpress.com
> > >
> > >> Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:19:56 -0700
> > >> From: rhondaprincess at gmail.com
> > >> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> > >> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork
> > >>
> > >> hello lisa.
> > >> i think you should keep on speeking up. and makeing lots of nouise.
> > >> that's the only way.
> > >> to get what you want.
> > >> i hope it all works out.
> > >> *hugs* from rhonda.
> > >>
> > >> On 4/20/12, melissa green <graduate56 at juno.com> wrote:
> > >> > Lisa,
> > >> > Oh no, I was very outspoken about my process of going to GdF.
> > >> > In my case, I discovered that a certain staff member was losing
> > >> > the paperwork, the vidios, and sending e-mails that said things
> > >> > like you weren't accepted.
> > >> > When I did go to GDF, I found out that there was someone else
> > >> > that this had happened too as well.
> > >> > I also have a friend who got aproved for home training and it
> > >> > hasn't happened. This staff member has told her that its because
> > >> > she wants a specific breed and that is why its taking so long,
> > >> > and that its her
> > > fault.
> > >> > Yet, I had the same experiences with the Seing eye. Lost paper
> > >> > work, and staff members making the decisions that they think is
> > >> > the
> > > right one.
> > >> > I am glad that I have my girl from GDF. I believe that grads of
> > >> > schools and others need to continue to speak out and to complain.
> > >> > That is the only way that it can change.
> > >> > Blessings,
> > >> > Melissa and Pj
> > >> > The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you
> > >> > hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not
> > >> > admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.
> > >> > Facebook: Melissa R. Green
> > >> > Twitter: melissa5674
> > >> > windows messenger: graduate1531 at msn.com
> > >> > skype: lisssa5674
> > >> >
> > >> > ----- Original Message -----
> > >> > From: "Lisa belville" <missktlab1217 at frontier.com>
> > >> > To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> > >> > <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> > >> > Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 1:26 PM
> > >> > Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork
> > >> >
> > >> >
> > >> > Jewel, Oh, I'm sorry you're having this issue with the school.
> > >> > Unfortunately, this is a chronic issue with the GDF. They admit
> > >> > it's an issue and say they're taking steps to fix it, but it's
> > >> > still happening, and not just to new applicants, but to returning
> grads.
> > >> >
> > >> > The training is good, but you still need to go through the same
> > >> > office if you want to talk to your trainer or fax a vet form.
> > >> >
> > >> > I used to be one of the biggest GDF cheerleaders out there; I
> > >> > helped run their Email list and was on their alumni council for a
> > >> > year. I had these things happen to me, and I've known people who
> > >> > have had it
> > > happen to them.
> > >> > I don't really feel comfortable referring people to the GDF
> > >> > anymore because of it. I get it: They are responsible for a huge
> > >> > amount of papers and Emails and faxes that come through there,
> > >> > but every guide dog school has to contend with Emails and faxes
> > >> > and paper work and they don't have these issues. If I kept
> > >> > losing paperwork at my last job
> > > I would have been fired.
> > >> >
> > >> > As I said before, how a school handles confidential and time
> > >> > sensitive info, and how they respond to questions from frustrated
> > >> > applicants who need to send a medical report just one more time
> > >> > is just as important as the training and how you're encouraged to
> > >> > work with
> > > your dog.
> > >> >
> > >> > This is really heartbreaking for me, no kidding, because I've
> > >> > been affiliated with the GDF since 1995. I got to try a GDF demo
> > >> > dog at the 95 convention and that clenched it for me. I've
> > >> > received two awesome dogs from the GDF, I know how good it can
> > >> > be, and I'd love to
> > > see it that good again.
> > >> > Yes, things change, but change doesn't mean it has to be done at
> > >> > the cost of time and stress on people who just want a
> > >> > well-trained dog to enrich their life and provide efficient mobility.
> > >> >
> > >> > I'd encourage other GDF grads on this list to speak out. I know
> > >> > I'm not the only one to deal with these issues. Most people just
> > >> > put up with it or get frustrated and move on to another school.
> > >> > Addressing it with school staff really hasn't helped because they
> > >> > claim these are just isolated incidents when they are most certainly
> not.
> > >> >
> > >> > Lisa
> > >> >
> > >> > 1st Law of Procrastination: that which can be done will be done . . .
> > >> > TOMORROW!!
> > >> > Lisa Belville
> > >> > missktlab1217 at frontier.com
> > >> >
> > >> > ----- Original Message -----
> > >> > From: "Jewel" <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
> > >> > To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> > >> > <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> > >> > Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 1:36 PM
> > >> > Subject: Re: [nagdu] Guide Dog School Losing Paperwork
> > >> >
> > >> >
> > >> >> It's funny you mention GDF, Lisa, because that's the school I am
> > >> >> applying to who lost the paperwork. I didn't want to name names,
> > >> >> but you already pointed out the problem, so I feel it's okay for
> > >> >> me to point it out, too.
> > >> >> Is the poor paperwork organization, in your opinion, something
> > >> >> that affects the school's performance when it comes to training?
> > >> >> To send vet reports, do you scan them into your computer and
> > >> >> then e-mail them, or do you send them another way? What's the
> > >> >> best way to deal with this issue?
> > >> >>
> > >> >> I've been impressed with GDF up to this point. I am concerned
> > >> >> that this will become a problem for me in the future, so am a
> > >> >> little hesitant about going to GDF now...but I really like their
> program.
> > >> >> Should I apply to another school? Or should I just learn to work
> > >> >> around the poor organization skills of the school?
> > >> >>
> > >> >> Lisa, I'd love to hear about how you deal with this problem, and
> > >> >> whether you feel, knowing now what you do aobut paperwork
> > >> >> problems and the like, whether you would go back to GDF.
> > >> >>
> > >> >> Thank you all for the comments so far; I remain concerned...
> > >> >>
> > >> >> ~Jewel
> > >> >>
> > >> >> On 4/19/12, Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net> wrote:
> > >> >>> Hi Jewel.
> > >> >>> I'd be mighty annoyed if that happened to me, especially if
> > >> >>> they lost stuff I had to pay to get, like a medical report and
> > >> >>> an O&M report. And, considering how much I had to bug my
> > >> >>> references to get it done, that would be annoying, too.
> > >> >>> I think Cindy's suggestion is a good one. See if there's a
> > >> >>> supervisor who can open drawers and look behind the desk, I guess.
> > >> >>> Sheesh! Pretty sloppy!
> > >> >>> Hope you can get it straightened out.
> > >> >>> Tracy
> > >> >>>
> > >> >>>> Hey guys,
> > >> >>>> Has anyone experienced a guide dog school losing your paperwork?
> > >> >>>> The school I want to attend says they don't have my medical
> > >> >>>> report, my O&M report, and my references. I know for a fact
> > >> >>>> that I sent the medical report with the video that they do
> > >> >>>> have (they watched it, so they do have that), my O&M
> > >> >>>> instructor says he sent his report, and all three of my
> > >> >>>> references said they sent their reference letters. On top of
> > >> >>>> this, when I had an interview, I was told the interview was
> > >> >>>> the only thing they didn't have in my files. The interviewer
> > >> >>>> also made a second video of me walking, and they can't find
> > >> >>>> that, either. I've been offered a spot in the July class, as
> > >> >>>> long as all my paperwork goes through and I'm accepted, but I
> > >> >>>> *sent* all that stuff. Should I just go get everything all
> > >> >>>> over again, or should I hold them accountable for the
> > > lost paperwork...and do what?
> > >> >>>>
> > >> >>>> Concerned about the school's organization, Jewel
> > >> >>>>
> > >> >>>> _______________________________________________
> > >> >>>> nagdu mailing list
> > >> >>>> nagdu at nfbnet.org
> > >> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
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> > >> >>>> info for
> > >> >>>> nagdu:
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> > >> >>>> acc
> > >> >>>> ess.net
> > >> >>>>
> > >> >>>
> > >> >>>
> > >> >>>
> > >> >>> _______________________________________________
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> > >> >>> 0gmail.com
> > >> >>>
> > >> >>
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> > >> >> %40
> > >> >> frontier.com
> > >> >
> > >> >
> > >> > _______________________________________________
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> > >> >
> > >> >
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> > >> > gmail.com
> > >> >
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> --
> > >> Have freedom.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> and listen to your hart Smilely.
> > >> Rhonda & Mya..
> > >>
> > >> _______________________________________________
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