[nagdu] Guide Dog as Therapy Dog

[Marianne Denning]

How did they prepare this book in the beginning?  Is it available as a
Word document or a PDF?

As for the other part, I think you should offer to meet with them and
explain how you would be an active participant in the reading.  In
most cases, I can tell what the word would be by the context or have
the student spell the word to me.  As you know, it doesn't require
vision to teach a child to read.  In fact, you could teach them how
you read now.  Providing eduation to the organization will be your
first step.  Don't give up.

On 6/26/15, jaynewy4--- via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi all
> Since I retired, I have been seeking out a volunteer opportunity.  So when I
> heard about a program across the street from me in which children read to
> dogs, I inquired, as I thought it would be great to include my guide Poodle,
> Dottie.  I had volunteered before in a program that encouraged young
> children to read--I was sighted then.  But I also worked as an English
> professor for ten years after losing most of my eyesight, so I am adept with
> technology and told the volunteer coordinator that I could use the KNFB app
> to help a child with vocabulary, and I would consider other options. For
> instance, Dottie and I have visited sick friends in the hospital, and she
> was a great comfort.  She can distinguish really well between working and
> being able to socialize when I remove the harness.
>
> The group here, which is called New York Therapy Animals (an affiliate of
> Intermountain Therapy Animals), has told me that their 200-page manual comes
> only in printed form, and I must take a hand-written test, as they have no
> other kind.  I asked them to accommodate me by having the material scanned
> and to allow me to take the test on a computer, for instance, or with an
> assistant, but after weeks of silence, they didn't address this issue at
> all.  Instead, the coordinator wrote back, "One of the most important goals
> for our programs is to teach the skills necessary to ensure the safety,
> effectiveness and well-being of all involved (human client, handler and
> canine alike). In the R.E.A.D. program, in particular, a handler is not just
> a passive listener but must be an active participant to support the child's
> efforts. It seems this would be difficult for a handler without sight."
>
> I am not really sure how to proceed with them and would appreciate any
> advice fellow handlers could offer.  Should I be willing to scan in their
> entire 200-page manual?  Should I ask them to have it recorded by Learning
> Ally or another organization (Bookshare), not just for me but for others who
> might be interested?  Or should I point out that 25 years after the ADA was
> passed, they might adjust their attitudes--that we are not merely recipients
> of social services? Am I misreading the implication that someone--others?
> myself?--would not be safe because of my lack of  eyesight? They do know
> that I was a professor for over 40 years and worked in a similar program.  I
> also volunteered as a high school tutor for disadvantaged youth.
>
> If others have had their guides become therapy animals, I would particularly
> appreciate hearing from you or finding another group in my area that might
> better appreciate what Dottie and I can offer.
>
> Thanks, all, for taking the time to read about this issue.  I haven't seen
> it addressed before on the list, but let me know if I have missed any such
> discussion.
>
> Karla Jay, PhD, and Dottie, who would enjoy a new challenge in life.
>
>
>
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-- 
Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
(513) 607-6053