Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use! – VOL. V, NO. 2, April 2025 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the editor — Hello fellow GDUISters

Spring has sprung and that means (supposedly): Warmer weather, gentler breezes, more sunshine, and a much larger variety of birds twittering outside the windows! While none of this could be believed by the evidence as I finish up this issue of Paws, I remain — like my sweet guide dog — ever hopeful!

Grab your favorite snack and enjoy this issue! You will find helpful articles on canine health, wonderful new sources for shopping (just in time for the upcoming gift-giving events, like Easter, Passover, Mother’s day, Graduations, Father’s day, and there are always birthdays and hostess/host/thank-you, and just-because gifts, — three delicious recipes (as April is National Brunch Month)– Prepare them all!, articles about dog behavior, news from ACB, Uber, Lift and other organizations, announcements about events happening in the next couple of months, and so much more … !

To those of you who are sending in items for publication, we thank you with heaps and piles of gratitude!! You are few, however, mighty! I encourage the rest of you to remember how easy it is to get involved- share a favorite podcast; blog; webinar ;an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself, or something written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to us GDUISters!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President

Greetings, and happy spring! 

Unfortunately, in some areas of the country, spring is taken its good old   time to arrive! Hopefully, the weather will turn nice soon, and leave the cold days behind us!

GDUI is aware of the terrible storms, tornados, wildfires, and other disasters that have occurred just since the beginning of this year that have so catastrophically affected so many people who have lost their homes and their jobs, and experienced other devastating consequences in their daily lives. We want to remind members and friends about our Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAPP) that can assist with financial help for people dealing with these kinds of disasters.

For more information, please visit our website https://guidedogusersinc.org/ and tap on the DAPP link. You can also call our Office Manager, Lynn Merrill, at 866.799.8436, to discuss how our DAPP fund can be helpful to you.

We are looking forward to our GDUI –ACB Convention in Dallas, TX. Once again, our convention will feature the Bark-A-Lounge where we will be selling all sorts of dog-related items and you’ll be able to purchase drawing tickets for a chance to win a plush dog in a handmade leather harness donated by Hava. Come by the Bark-A-Lounge to visit with friends, make new ones and let your pup relax a bit!

If you attend our convention in person, there will also be on-site programming, and everyone knows that the best thing about attending a GDUI convention in person is the fun of meeting and spending time with other guide dog users and their dogs, as well as visiting all of the guide dog school representatives who come to share information about their training programs and to renew acquaintances with graduate teams!

If you can’t come to Dallas, be assured that GDUI convention programming will also be available virtually. We will be sharing more information in the June issue of Paws.

GDUI has heard through the kennel leash grapevine that many people have recently received successor guide dogs or have been partnered with their first dog! Congratulations to all of the new partnerships! Enjoy every mile and step you walk together!

Thank you for stopping by to read the April 2025 edition of PAWS for GDUI NEWS YOU CAN USE! Enjoy the newsletter and keep in touch!

Sarah

For Your Calendar

(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off)

4/1-30/25- Registration for ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Screening will be open

4/9/25, 7:00 PM, ET: Info session, Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon (virtual)

4/10/23, National Hug Your Dog Day!!

4/22/25, April Showers Day

5/7/25, 6:30 PM, ET: PTGDU’s annual Membership Meeting (virtual)

5/10/25, 7:00 PM, ET: NLS Many Faces of BARD program

5/18/25, 12:01 AM – 11:59 PM, ET: 2025 Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon

****

Calendar Event Description-

PTGDU’s annual Spring Membership Meeting

Spring is in the air. Mark your calendars for PTGDU’s annual Spring Membership Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Everyone is welcome.

***

Calendar Event Description

The Many Faces of BARD, April 2025

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has shared the details of its April 2025 Many Faces of BARD program. This monthly program focuses on topics related to BARD, the Braille and Audio Download service from NLS.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The program will start at 7:00 pm, ET, and will last for one hour. The topic will be New Features in BARD Express, such as enhanced storage and speed settings. The program will begin with a presentation and demonstration. After the presentation, NLS staff will entertain questions about the presentation or anything else relating to BARD. The program will be recorded.

Additional details and recordings of previous Many Faces of BARD programs can be accessed at the Many Faces of BARD web page.

https://www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/many-faces-of-bard/

Use any of the following methods to attend the April 2025 Many Faces of BARD program.

Join by Computer

To attend the Many Faces of BARD program by computer, use the Many Faces of BARD Zoom meeting link.

Join Using One-Tap Mobile

To attend the Many Faces of BARD using one-tap mobile links, use either of the following options:  +16692545252,,1616894181# or +16469641167,,1616894181#

Join by Telephone

To attend the Many Faces of BARD using a telephone, dial any of the following numbers:

669.254.5252,

646.828.7666.

or, for Spanish language: 646.964.1167.

When prompted, enter the meeting ID: 161 689 4181.  

***

Calendar Event Description

2025 Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon

We encourage all blind and visually impaired members of the Carroll Center community to participate in the first-ever Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon—a national event designed to celebrate accessibility and the joy of birding by ear! Whether you’re an experienced birder or brand new to birding, this is a wonderful opportunity to get outside, connect with others, and enjoy the magic of migration season.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Time: At least a two-hour window between 12:01 AM. – 11:59 PM, ET

Location: Anywhere in the U.S. you love to bird! Participate solo, with a team, or alongside a sighted assistant. Look below for more location options.

Guests: Any legally blind individual living in the U.S. or its territories—any age and any birding experience level

Cost: Free, in fact everyone who registers will be eligible for prize drawings.

What You’ll Do as a Participant:

✔️ Spend at least two hours birding on May 18

✔️ Identify birds by ear or sight and record your observations

✔️ Connect with fellow birders and share your love of nature

Optional Groups to Join:

Although you are welcome to bird in any location of your choosing, The Carroll Center has secured volunteers in various locations who are happy to welcome others! Please note space in each group is limited. You can join our volunteers at the locations below.

Jared at The Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA from 7:00-10:00 a.m.
Carla at The Arcadia Sanctuary in East Hampton, MA from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00PM
Marsha at The Broadmoor Sanctuary in Natick, MA from 7:00-10:00 a.m.

REGISTER & FAQ:

https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon

Have questions or want to learn more?

Join a virtual info session to hear from expert blind birders who will share helpful tips, tricks, and answer your questions. No registration needed for the info session, just click the link at the time of the session to join!

Wednesday, April 9, 7:00-8:00PM, ET.

Join Zoom Meeting

For questions or more information, please contact Martha Steele at marthajs@verizon.net.

Best,

The Carroll Center for the Blind

***

Calendar Event Description

16th Annual ACVO/Epicur Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening Event Registration now open! (41/25 through 4/30/25)

*PLEASE REVIEW THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY.

STEPS TO REGISTER-

STEP ONE: Brush up on the Qualifications, Expectations, and Registration Information prior to submission to be sure that your Service Animal is qualified.

https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/qualifications-expectations

STEP TWO: Be sure to add ServiceAnimal@ACVO.org to your safe senders list!

STEP THREE: Once registered, an automatic confirmation will be sent to the email that you provided (please double check for accuracy before submitting). It will contain the link that will provide you with contact information for all participating clinics, organized by state (kindly check your spam/junk folder and wait at least 30 minutes before emailing us to request a duplicate confirmation).

STEP FOUR: Call or email one of these locations near you to make an appointment. This step must be completed to secure a spot at the clinic you prefer. When calling the clinic plan to provide your registration number, name (yours and Service Animal), type of Service Animal, and know that the clinic may require you to bring written proof of Service Animal training to the appointment. Appointments are on a first come, first serve basis and some locations may have limitations.

Please remember that locations/appointments may be limited in your area. We ask for patience and kindness to the clinics’ staff. Everyone participating is volunteering their time and resources, and we would love for this event to continue to be a positive experience for all involved!

LOCATE A PARTICIPATING VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST NEAR YOU (small animals)

This list of participating cities is being provided to help you learn if a doctor is participating in your area. Specific clinic names and contact information is not included here but will be provided in registration confirmation emails after you have registered your Service Animal for the event. Participating locations may change from year to year as participation is completely voluntary and is based upon the availability of each specialist and their resources.

https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/participating-cities

THANK YOU PARTICIPATING VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGISTS, THEIR STAFF AND OUR NAMESAKE SPONSOR, EPICUR!

The ACVO/Epicur Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening event is a philanthropic effort generously provided to the public by participating board certified Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists who donate their time, staff, and services to provide complimentary screening eye exams to qualified Service and Working Animals.

This program would not be successful without the generosity of our Diplomates and the financial support of our namesake sponsor, Epicur Pharma.

***

Announcement — Employment Survey

Hello All,

In pursuit of additional data around employment for people who are blind and low vision, a research project is underway through multiple entities. The information is provided below.

There is no direct compensation for this particular study; however, I felt the adherence to the resolution passed at last year’s convention regarding employment as well as the benefit for future programming made it worth sending out to everyone.

Thank you for your continued support of ACB and the time you take to read this information.

Best,

Scott

Scott Thornhill, MPA

Executive Director, American Council of the Blind

CALL FOR RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS

Workforce Engagement: Survey of Employment Decisions and Outcomes of Working Age, Legally Blind Adults

Are you an adult under 65 years of age?

Do you have a vision impairment that qualifies as legal blindness?

Do you presently reside in the U.S?

If you answered YES to these 3 questions, we invite you to participate in the Workforce Engagement Survey.

We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers affiliated with the Envision Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, that is investigating how to enhance the labor force participation of working-age, legally blind Americans. Over 56% working age Americans living with vision loss are out of the labor force. However, why so many of them choose not to participate in the labor force is still a conundrum.

To address this knowledge gap, we are conducting a nation-wide survey of working age, legally blind adults about the deterrence, motivations, and outcomes of labor force participation. Findings of the survey will guide the development of research strategies, best practices and programs to make the labor market more attractive and inclusive of Americans with vision loss.

What does participation involve?

Complete a questionnaire (including objective-type questions) independently or with assistance. Those who choose the independent option will receive step-by-step instructions. Those choosing the assisted option will be interviewed by a member of the research team.

How much time is needed to complete the survey?

Between 30 to 45 minutes. Actual time spent may vary depending on individual circumstances.

What are the risks and benefits?

There is no major risk or direct benefit for participating in the survey. Participant feedback will contribute towards enhanced labor force participation of working age adults with vision loss. Anyone completing the survey will have the option to enter their name into a raffle drawing to win prizes.

The principal researcher conducting this survey – Dr. Rakesh Babu – is reachable by email: rakesh.babu@envisionus.com,

And phone: 316.440.1519. should you have any question about this survey.

I’m interested. What should I do?

Express interest by completing the screening form available at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/59PQ6CX

Thinking of Joining a Protest? Safety First! Effective Advocacy, Always!

By Anthony Corona

[From the Editors: No matter where you fall, on or off the political spectrum in America, you may find yourself moved to speak up, speak out, write a letter, join a community, and/or join in a public protest to exercise your right to express your opinion and speak freely. The time is right, we think, to share the good advice which Anthony Corona shares below, with anyone considering joining a public protest, especially if you will be relying on the guidance of your working guide dog.]

Dear friends in the blind and low vision community, 

In these challenging and powerful times, the call to rise up and speak out rings louder than ever. Across the country, people are gathering to demand justice,

dignity, and the change we know is long overdue. And we, the blind and low vision community, are not only welcome in this moment—we are essential to it. 

Whether you’re someone who’s been in the trenches of advocacy for years, or you’re just now feeling the spark to get involved, this letter is for you.

It’s a call to action and a roadmap to ensure that your voice is heard, your power is honored, and your safety is always front and center.

Showing Up In-Person: Safety First, Power Always 

Attending a protest can be a deeply moving and empowering experience. But it’s important to do so in a way that centers your access, preparedness, and

peace of mind. 

Make a Plan  •       Learn the route and timeline of the protest in advance.         •       Reach out to organizers to ask if accessibility support

or volunteer guides are available.      •       Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring water, ID, emergency contact info, medications, and a

mask. 

Go with a Trusted Person or Group    •       Partner with someone who knows your needs.      •       Establish a meetup spot in case of separation and

use check-in tools like Find My iPhone or Life360. 

Bring Tech That Works for You        •       Keep your phone charged and bring a power bank.         •       Use apps like Aira or Be My Eyes to assist

with navigation or reading signs. 

Know Your Rights     •       Learn your legal rights as a protestor and a person with a disability.  •       Practice short scripts to communicate access

needs, like: “I’m blind and need space to move safely.”

  For Guide Dog Handlers: Keeping Your Teammate Safe If you’re a handler and your guide dog is part of your protest experience, your bond is your strength—but

preparation is key.     •       Know your dog’s limits. Loud noises, crowd energy, and high temperatures can be stressful. Trust your dog’s behavior to

guide your choices.     •       Bring water and a collapsible bowl. Hydration for both of you is essential.     •       Use a cooling mat or vest if you’re

in a hot area.      •       Be mindful of hazards like broken glass or dropped food—keep paws safe with booties if needed.  •       Know when to leave.

If your dog seems overwhelmed, prioritize their well-being and step away. That doesn’t mean your protest ends—it just changes form.  Your guide dog gives

you independence. Protecting their safety is another form of protest: a powerful act of love and solidarity.

 Protest Isn’t One Size Fits All:

Alternatives that Matter 

Not everyone can—or should—be out in the streets. That doesn’t mean your voice is any less important. In fact, it may be even more strategic.   •     

 Join virtual actions like online teach-ins, livestreamed rallies, and Twitter storms.   •       Write letters to your local newspaper, elected officials,

or organizing groups.         •       Host or join Zoom-based discussions, advocacy trainings, or creative storytelling events.       •       Use your

talents: whether it’s writing, art, speaking, music, or community outreach—let your gifts fuel your resistance.

 You’re not alone. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, the American Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Blind LGBT

Pride International, as well as countless grassroots organizers, are already paving the way. When you join their efforts—even from home—you’re not only

advocating for your rights, you’re helping drive the entire movement forward. Your energy fuels change for our whole community and beyond.  Be Seen, Be

Heard—In Your Way 

Marching on the National Mall, gathering outside courthouses, or standing on the steps of your city hall is unforgettable. If you have the time, stamina,

and support, these moments can be life-changing. But protest doesn’t only happen in those places. It can happen in your kitchen, on your phone, through

a letter, or behind a microphone.  You don’t need permission to be powerful. You only need a little passion, a little creativity—and your truth. 

In Closing: You Belong in This Movement Let no one tell you otherwise: this moment belongs to you, too. Whether you show up with a guide dog at your side,

a screen reader in your hand, or your voice echoing through online channels—you are part of the heartbeat of change.  You don’t need to see the crowd to

feel the power of collective action. You just need to be there, in whatever way is right for you. 

With strength, solidarity, and love, Your Community. Your Movement. Your Voice. Exercising your power to protest comes in many ways in many forms. Safety

first… Passion always… Your story and your truth! Collective action it’s like a grand chorale performance. Every voice is unique and every voice is needed,

but as every voice blends in the harmony, the power bills and the song cannot be ignored!

Yours,

Anthony Corona

He/Him

 Host and Producer of Sunday edition

***

News from American Council of the Blind

[From: Dots and Dashes-February3-2025.docx]

Dots and Dashes, March 3, 2025)

Get Up and Get Moving Has A New Facebook Page!

The Get Up and Get Moving committee (GUGM) is excited to announce we have a new Facebook page! On Facebook, search Get Up and Get Moving. There is NO ACB in front of it. That is an old group page. We will be sharing updates what the committee is involved with. Look for convention announcements. We want everyone to feel welcome and to come share their health and wellness stories. Let’s all support each other on our health journeys. Here is the link to our committee page on ACB’s website- https://www.acb.org/get-up-and-get-moving-committee

Under the list of members, you will find the link that will take you right to our new page, https://www.facebook.com/people/Get-Up-and-Get-Moving/61570076463254/.

 •The Empowering Youth with Visual Impairment project is looking for adult community members to join our 2025-2026 Adult Advisory Board!

We are looking for adults with visual impairment who are familiar with various assistive technology devices and are willing to share their perspectives, both personally and professionally. Board members will provide personal and professional feedback on the priority issues and needs of blind and low vision individuals, with an emphasis on transition-aged youth in rural communities. Members will also have the opportunity to connect with each other to broaden their network. You can find more information in the Adult Advisory Board Interest Form

****

Article- Introducing Loving Touch Connection

by Lucy Edmonds

(The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII • April 2025 • No. 8)

Some of you may remember Loving Touch Connection and its proprietor, Kathy Keck, because she exhibited her products at the ACB convention in Rochester, N.Y. in 2019. Since 2011, Kathy has been hand-painting designs and custom braille words on coffee mugs, beer glasses, drink glasses, wine glasses, salt and pepper shakers, spice jars, magnets, soap and lotion dispensers, and many other cool braille products! I recently purchased a number of coffee mugs from her, and she put names on them, along with a cool saying and a hand-painted design with raised outlining and raised picture!

Kathy has never formally learned braille, but she has developed a fascinating process of using paint to set raised-dot braille sayings and raised outlining to her hand-painted designs on her products. Here is an excerpt from her website: “Using a proprietary technique, each product is meticulously handcrafted with raised dots for braille words and beautifully painted designs. Each piece is designed to provide tactile and visual delight, bringing joy and practicality to everyday items. … Our unique approach involves hand-applying raised-dot braille messages onto the surface of each piece. The default braille used is uncontracted, but contracted is available upon request to cater to different preferences. Each message is not only applied in raised braille dots but is also hand-painted in an elegant, easy-to-read script below the braille word or message, ensuring both tactile and visual accessibility.”

Kathy goes on to say: “For the past 14 years, Loving Touch Connection has been committed to providing products that are not only practical but also add a touch of artistry to daily life. Each item is crafted with care, ensuring that it meets our high standards of quality and design. … In keeping with my passion and desire to support and encourage the blind and visually impaired community, a percentage of profits from Loving Touch Connection (R) sales are donated annually to various non-profit organizations who assist the blind and visually impaired.”

If you’re looking for a unique braille gift for someone, or just want something for yourself, visit her website, https://www.touchedbyfantasy.com/braille-gifts.html, and you’ll see what I mean! There is also a video there which further explains her process, as well as some customer reviews. One customer’s review reads: “The Loving Touch Connection braille accented items are beautiful. It is wonderful to be able to read the inscription written on the glass and also to feel the outlined detail of the design pictured. The braille is raised enough to make it very easy to feel. The braille is also true to size and durable while touching. The raised edging of the outlined design depicted on the glass allows the visually impaired person to recognize the creative artwork. I’m pleased with the prompt delivery of my orders and the outstanding customer service I receive. I will continue to endorse the Loving Touch Connection – Braille and Art products for the visually impaired. Thank you, Kathy, for your amazing ability in creating and designing accessible glassware for the blind and visually impaired community.”

Kathy provides wonderful customer service, as well as being a great person to get to know. I can’t wait to place my next order!

***

Announcement- Open Doors Organization to Host National Service Animal Summit – Coming August 2025

Open Doors Organization (ODO) is proud to announce the development of a groundbreaking Service Animal Summit, set to take place in late August 2025. This multi-sector gathering will bring together Guide Dog schools, service animal organizations, legislators, and leaders from the airline, hotel, cruise, retail, and transportation industries—all with a shared goal: to improve education, advocacy, and enforcement around service animal access and rights.  

The summit will focus on the rights and responsibilities of legitimate service animal users, while also addressing the rising concerns around fraudulent service animal claims, particularly in the travel, hospitality, and retail sectors. Through dynamic panels, collaborative breakout sessions, and powerful speakers, we aim to strengthen the integrity of access laws and improve enforcement practices across industries.  

As many of you may know, Open Doors Organization is the provider of the service animal forms currently in use by several major airlines, with more partnerships on the horizon. Our expertise also includes ADA compliance, consulting, and training for more than 55 major airports, and we proudly collaborate with agencies such as the TSA, DOT, and DOJ. We are widely recognized as leaders in disability rights and advocacy across multiple sectors. 

 We’re also excited to offer customized speaking engagements, breakout sessions, and strategic trainings—including topics such as effective complaint strategies and how to follow your complaint through the appropriate processes, how to utilize the ODO Service Animal Portal, and broad education around ADA compliance in the travel, retail, and service industries. Whether for a local chapter, a state affiliate, or national event, Open Doors can tailor presentations to suit your organizational needs.  

Our founder, Eric Lipp, serves on numerous advisory boards across the travel and service industry sectors, as well as several key government compliance and accessibility committees. Both Eric and myself, Anthony Corona, Director of Communications and Outreach, are experienced, engaging speakers who are passionate about delivering real-world strategies and impactful education.  

We’ll be sharing more details about the Service Animal Summit in the coming weeks—including speaker announcements, registration info, and opportunities for collaboration. We invite Guide Dog Users, Inc. members to join us as subject matter experts, advocates, and leaders in this vital conversation.  

If you have questions about the summit, Open Doors’ services, or would like to schedule a speaking engagement or consultation, please reach out:  Anthony Corona Director of Communications and Outreach

Anthony@opendoorsnfp.org

We also encourage service animal handlers to register for the Service Animal Portal on our website. Once registered, your information is recognized by all U.S. airlines, as they are federally required to accept ODO’s version of the DOT service animal form.  As we navigate evolving policies and access challenges, remember: Open Doors is here to educate, advocate, and advise. We’re honored to support the work of Guide Dog Users, Inc., and we look forward to building a stronger, more inclusive future—together. 

Article- Facebook Penalizes the Blind

by Bob Branco

(The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII • April 2025 • No. 8)

Approximately three months ago, Facebook decided to eliminate their mobile site from desktop computers. The mobile site was very navigable and accessible for blind people. For 15 consecutive years, I had no problem doing all the things I wanted to do on that site. Now, the site is gone, and many blind people are forced to use a complicated Facebook platform. For those with iPhones, there are problems with Facebook as well. As a result of Facebook’s unpopular decision, I, and many other blind people, have to learn it all over again.

I heard several explanations as to why Facebook removed their mobile site, but no matter what the explanations are, the blind have been penalized. The entire Facebook structure has changed dramatically, making the process extremely tedious and frustrating. While I relearn Facebook, I will try to keep it simple. There are only several aspects that I want to know about right now. I don’t do Marketplace. I don’t do video, and I don’t do other more sophisticated Facebook activities. With that said, many other blind people use those features, so I want to be fair to everyone and not just think of myself. While I am trying to be hopeful, it doesn’t lessen the problems that this decision caused. My entire Facebook environment has been disrupted, and something needs to be done about it. Advocates for the blind are working very hard to include us in the sighted world, but Facebook has done its best to disrupt that process. I heard that one of the consumer organizations of the blind is having conversations with Facebook, hoping to reach a fair solution to this problem.

I asked my technical support specialist if he thinks we should talk to Facebook about reconsidering their decision to get rid of the blind-friendly mobile site. I will clean up my tech support person’s response. He told me that Facebook doesn’t give a poop. If that’s true, then it might be pointless for consumer organizations of the blind to negotiate with Facebook. However, if Facebook cares about the effect this is having on the blind, and is willing to listen, then I support every effort that the consumer organizations are making in order for Facebook to understand and correct this mistake.

Facebook’s removal of their mobile site not only affects desktop computers, but iPhones as well. There are many accessibility issues with the app on phones. For example, adding posts and performing other Facebook tasks on iPhones is a nightmare. Facebook has a lot to be desired for accessibility.

A friend of mine signed a petition which was created to convince Facebook to reconsider. If the issue has to do with advertisements on the site, I believe blind people wouldn’t mind the advertisements as long as we are able to navigate the site effectively without being bombarded with them.

This is really inexcusable for a large company like Facebook. I don’t know what kind of noise is going to get through the static, and I hope they don’t have to be brought to court. If negotiations are truly going on between Facebook and the blind consumer organization, I hope they reach a solution very soon. As a last resort, I am willing to accept the main Facebook site as long as it is much improved. Nevertheless, I want Facebook to reconsider its decision to remove the mobile site. We had no problem navigating it before. Though many blind and sighted people use Facebook for trivial reasons, many of us use it professionally. This opportunity should never have been taken away from the blind.

***

Article- The Word

By- Ann M. Chiappetta

[A note from the author: Here is a blog essay I wrote. It’s taken me just about an entire year to feel like I can finally bond with a new dog.  The new match is happening at the end of May.]

The word for 2025: Doggedness

Definition: persistence in effort; tenacity or perseverance.

I have been reading essays and blog posts about choosing an action word for 2025. Being someone who doesn’t respond well to new year resolutions I decided to try a word of intent.

Looking back on 2024, I accomplished many good things with my husband by my side. We also felt the strain of transition. Leaving our home of over thirty years and relocating to a different State and the death of my retired guide dog, Bailey left us reeling. Jerry and I occupied ourselves with managing the house and we both acclimated fairly well in this respect. But as we settled into our new home and routines, the pain of losing Bailey became almost unbearable for me. Not only did I miss him in a physical sense, but I missed the loss of independence he provided being my guide dog. His illness and death cut me off from pushing ahead and taking full advantage of our new life here and what the community offered.

Bailey died on March 16, 2024. My heart has recovered enough to welcome my successor guide, though, only a few months ago I wasn’t ready and questioned if I was sufficiently healed to open my heart so soon.

Parting with our lives back in New York and embracing Pennsylvania and the quieter lifestyle and less frantic pace we both longed for many years was the expected, watching Bailey suffer and pass from complications brought on by lung cancer was the unexpected.

The depression and grief resulting from losing Bailey dragged me down, at times the light at the end of the tunnel dimmed to a pinprick.

Losing Bailey was like losing my eyesight – again –And had doubts about the mental effort it would take to step out of the darkness into the here and now, to feel the warmth of the sun on my soul.

Some days I wanted to sleep the entire day away but I didn’t. The motivation to get up and fight off the sadness kept me from giving up. I got back out using my white cane and regained some lost confidence. I am still avoiding going places on my own, though. The irrational fear of being dropped off in front of a strange building with no cell reception floods me with anxiety. I don’t have my dog to keep me safe if I get lost. I don’t know where I am. The entire geography is unfamiliar, unlike New York. In New York, if I didn’t know where I was, I still knew where I was.

Yes, it is March, my birthday month. I’ve reached the tunnel’s end, evident by this post tapping my chest and telling my heart to get ready for dog three. Telling myself I will hold onto a harness and fly again.

Here is where doggedness accents my life during 2025. I will be dogged about pushing past my fears, work towards training with another guide dog, and allow myself to remember Bailey, his big yellow labbiness, big personality and tongue, and honor him by taking a chance on another canine partner.

*****

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

[This month you will find a main dish, a side dish and a dessert, and if any of you claim that a meal can’t, or shouldn’t, include both rice and potatoes, … you are completely misinformed … (just sayin’[!!!]

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

[From Guide Dogs of the Desert]

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users- PTDGU- Monthly News Update: March2025]

Tasty and satisfying, this wholesome meal can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients

3 – 4 cups cooked rice

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

4 cups cooked broccoli cut into bite-size pieces (fresh or frozen)

4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 (10 oz.) can cream of chicken soup

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

2 tablespoons sherry

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and evenly layer with rice, broccoli, and chicken.
Set aside 2 cups cheddar cheese and combine all remaining ingredients. Mix well and pour over rice mixture. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until casserole is bubbly and browned

•Slow-Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes

[From: The Insight Scoop Newsletter, April 2025, centeroftheblind.org]

Ingredients

3 lbs. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

4–6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup sour cream (or cream cheese for extra creaminess)

1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (more for a thinner consistency)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs, like parsley or chives (Optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350˚F.

Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into the slow cooker along with the garlic cloves. Pour in the chicken broth and scatter the butter pieces over the top.

Cook the Potatoes: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker until smooth or to your desired texture.

Add Creaminess: Stir in the sour cream (or cream cheese) and milk or heavy cream. Mix until everything is well combined, adding more milk if needed to achieve your preferred consistency.

Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve: Serve the mashed potatoes warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. You can keep the mashed potatoes on the “warm” setting in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

•1-Minute Apple Mug Cake

[From: bestmugcakes.com]

Servings: 1

Ingredients

4 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix)

2 tbsp sugar any kind: brown, coconut, erythritol or monk fruit for

sugar-free

¼ tsp baking powder

1 ½ tbsp oil or melted butter I used olive oil, any oil works

2 tbsp apple sauce

¼ cup diced apple (I keep the peel on)

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Steps

Mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder in a small bowl.

Add the diced apple and stir to mix.

Measure out oil (or melted butter/melted vegan butter/melted

coconut oil), and 2 tablespoons applesauce; pour into dry ingredients.

Stir until all mixed together.

Pour the batter into a sprayed microwave-safe mug or ramekin.

Microwave on high for 1 minute; if not fully cooked, add 15 second

increments until a toothpick comes out clean.

Top with ice cream, whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, or just

get a fork and dig in!

****

Pod Casts/Blogs/ webinars: Check these out!

• Flying the friendly skies

From navigating airports to making the most of airline assistance services, Hadley’s recent audio podcast offers ways to make air travel with vision loss a little easier.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/air-travel-and-vision-Loss?utm_source=accessinformationnews&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=02242025&utm_term=editorial

•Sunday Edition with Anthony Corona- Tail-Wagging Hello from Boaty!  

Hey GDUI friends—Boaty here! I know, I know… usually it’s my handler Anthony Corona doing the talking, but today I’m stealing the mic (okay fine, I nudged it with my nose) to tell you about something paws-itively exciting that’s happening over on Sunday Edition! 

First up—have you heard about Ask Emily & Garth? It’s a brand-new advice segment where Barbara Hinske, the amazing author behind the Guiding Emily series, answers your real-life questions—live and in-character as Emily and her snack-obsessed guide dog, Garth. Trust me, that dog gets me on a spiritual level.  We just premiered the segment, and it’s already a hit! We’d love for GDUI members to get involved. Got a funny, relatable, or downright cheesy question? Send it to: 

SundayEditionAC@gmail.com

 Use subject line: Ask Emily & Garth You might just hear your question answered on air!  And while you’re at it, please consider showing Barbara some love by leaving a positive review on Amazon or Goodreads, and don’t forget to email viewers@hallmark.com to help us fetch a second Guiding Emily movie from Hallmark!  

Now, here’s the other big news: Anthony and Barbara have teamed up to launch something super important—an employment advocacy effort called Hinske’s Crew.  It’s all about reducing that dismal 70% unemployment rate among blind and low vision individuals by spotlighting our skills, talents, and experiences. We’re building coalitions, educating businesses and HR departments, and sharing real stories from real professionals in our community.  If you’re: • A pro in human resources or management • A blind or low vision professional with a story to share or someone who just wants to help advocate for better employment access for our community,  we want to hear from you! Drop us a line at 

SundayEditionAC@gmail.com—

even if it’s just to say, “Count me in!”  

And GDUI fam, if you haven’t checked out Sunday Edition with Anthony Corona yet, now’s the time! It’s thoughtful, it’s fun, and yes—I make occasional cameo appearances (you’re welcome). 

You can catch new episodes every Sunday at 1 PM Eastern by asking your smart device: “Play two-thousand-twenty The Beacon.” (Tip: Some devices work best if you enable the Get Me Radio skill first.) Or just search “Sunday Edition with Anthony Corona” wherever you get your podcasts!  Stay connected with all things Sunday Edition: • Join the Sunday Edition: Above the Fold Facebook group • Subscribe to our mailing list by emailing: SundayEditionNews+subscribe@groups.io

There’s so much more ahead, and we’d love for our GDUI family to be part of it.  Nose boops and tail wags, Boaty (a.k.a. Boutique) Guide Dog, Cheese Aficionado, and Occasional Podcast Co-Star 

•Woof! Tune into the Central Bark podcast from Guide Dogs for the Blind and hear all about their plans for a new state-of-the-art Client Residence and Community Hub on the Oregon campus.

https://www.guidedogs.com/podcasts/2025-annual-update-with-christine-benninger

News Hound.

NFB-NEWSLINE is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled. It offers access to more than 500 publications, including Whole Dog Journal! Sign up now and get the latest in dog health, care, and training.

https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline

Courage and Compassion podcast

Farewells & new beginnings

Listen to guide dog handler Marcus Engel and his wife Marvelyne, co-hosts of the Courage and Compassion podcast, as they discuss their different perspectives regarding the early retirement of a Seeing Eye dog and the transition to the new one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pk2AQeH11o&list=PLKOWyVll8uL0f98KEqRGG3CP_0Il_Hiyn&index=2

•Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts (Audio podcast)

Listen in as we get the inside scoop from experts on a wide range of topics unique to vision loss.

Recent episode- The Aira App: On Demand, Expert Assistance Episode 129

With the Aira app, people with vision loss connect to vetted, live, expertly trained assistants. Using the camera on your smartphone, they walk you through

whatever task you’re struggling to see your way through.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/aira-app-demand-expert-assistance;

All episodes- https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts#podcast-episodes

Eyes On Success podcast

https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ 

Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people’s accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to achieve things. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and others. In all cases, the focus is on success.

Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was ViewPoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.

Listening To Eyes On Success

You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying “play the Eyes On Success podcast”, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).

Connecting with Eyes On Success

Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net.

Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic “announcements only” list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com .

Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you’ve heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 

***

Resources

EyeSpy.org

The largest digital directory dedicated to empowering the blind and low–vision community, including modern resources like media, podcasts, apps, and more. We are here to make your low–vision journey a little bit easier.

Check it out at- https://eyespy.org/

• Accessible Pharmacy (AP)

AP is dedicated to combining healthcare with accessibility, allowing you to manage your prescriptions according to your preferences—whether it’s how they’re packaged, delivered, or itemized—at no cost aside from any co-pay required by your insurance. Click here for more info about Accessible Pharmacy: https://accessiblepharmacy.com/

• Pet peeves!

Looking for an etiquette tip sheet to share with pet owners in your apartment complex? Guiding Eyes for the Blind has put together a few safety tips for pet owners to follow when encountering guide dog teams.

https://www.guidingeyes.org/graduate-center/guide-dog-etiquette-for-apartment-complexes/

• Updated educational flyer for healthcare professionals

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users- PTDGU- Monthly News Update: March2025]

Take a peek. Our latest educational flyer for healthcare professionals just got a new look! Download a copy of our newly designed tip sheet and share it with your healthcare providers.

https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/what-healthcare-providers-need-to-know-about-patients-with-guide-dogs/

• Other Resources about Service Animals in Healthcare Settings

*Environmental Infection Control Guidelines for Service Animals

Section 3 of the CDC Environmental Infection Control Guidelines for animals in Healthcare Facilities specifically addresses the presence of service animals.

It offers detailed guidance for safe practices concerning access for patients, visitors, and employees with service animals.

https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/environmental-control/animals-in-healthcare-facilities.html

*ADA Revised Requirements: Service Animals

This publication from the U.S. Department of Justice provides general information about the access rights of disabled people with service animals and the

ADA. One example specifically references hospitals, stating, “In a hospital it usually would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas

such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn

units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment.”

https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/

*Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA

This publication from the U.S. Department of Justice provides guidance on the ADA’s service animal provisions and should be read in conjunction with the

publication, “ADA Revised Requirements: Service Animals. Questions 14 through 16,” which provide specific information about the presence of service animals in healthcare

settings including whether or not a hospital has to allow an in-patient with a disability to keep a service animal in his or her room; what happens if

a patient who uses a service animal is admitted to the hospital and is unable to care for or supervise their animal; and if a service animal must be allowed

to ride in an ambulance with its handler.

https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

*Service Animals in Veterans Affairs Facilities

This publication from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outlines access requirements for individuals with service dogs in VA health facilities, Vet

Centers, regional offices, and other properties owned or leased by the VA.

Download the Veterans Health Administration Directive

for more details about the access of animals on VHA property.

https://www.va.gov/resources/are-service-dogs-allowed-in-va-facilities/

• LS&S, LLC- Talking Products of All Varieties

The catalog of products for the visually impaired and hard of hearing.

800-468-4789

https://lssproducts.com/?utm_campaign=3-26-25%20Talking%20Products%20of%20All%20Varieties%20%2801JQ7DJSR4KGX1HAWETJ2MG0N1%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Test%20List

***

Announcement- Innosearch AI – Empowering Independence, One Purchase at a Time

Innosearch AI: Your Ultimate Shopping Assistant (Find Best Deals & Top Products)

We are an e-commerce platform focused on making online shopping easy and enjoyable, especially for those with internet access challenges like blind or

low-vision users. Innosearch offers millions of products and deals, and our site is fully accessible, working seamlessly with NVDA, Apple Voiceover, and

Article- Accessible online shopping with Innosearch

[From: Life of a Blind Girl – Sunday, February 9, 2025, https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2025/02/09/accessible-online-shopping-with-innosearch-ad/]

*This post is a paid collaboration with Innosearch, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’d seen a few fellow disabled bloggers and content creators talk about Innosearch, so when the team reached out to me to ask whether I’d be interested in working together, I was keen to find out more.

I’m all too familiar with inaccessible online shopping experiences, regularly sticking to my much-loved, accessible places. When Innosearch told me that they’ve created an accessible online shopping platform, I was ready to put it to the test.

Some context about Innosearch

If like me, you’d never heard of Innosearch until recently, or perhaps this post is the first time you’re finding out about the platform, let me tell you some more.

Innosearch* are revolutionizing online shopping for people with access requirements, including blind and vision impaired people. They’re on a mission to empower confidence and independence for disabled people when online shopping.

Innosearch is an e-commerce platform which aims to make online shopping a seamless experience for everyone. They’ve created an innovative platform where users can enjoy a clutter-free, accessible shopping experience. It has features like AI-generated image descriptions and streamlined navigation, for millions of products across 500,000+ retailers.

The site eliminates the need to switch between tabs or multiple webpages, enhancing the user experience. One of their goals is to give people the information they need while finding the best deals, ultimately helping people save money. Who can say no to that?

My experience of online shopping as a blind person.

Like I previously mentioned, online shopping can be a frustrating experience for disabled people. Inaccessible websites and the lack of commitment from retailers both for disabled customers and accessibility as a whole can make it a pretty terrible experience, rather than an enjoyable one. We therefore don’t have the freedom to use any website we want, taking away our luxury of finding the best deals on the market. I know I’m not the only person who tends to stick to my comfort blankets because I know they won’t let me down.

As a screen reader user, the inaccessibility I find myself up against time and time again includes unlabeled links and buttons, poor use of headings, images with no alt text, vague descriptions of items, inaccessible payment methods and web forms that aren’t accessible. That’s only scratching the surface – the list of barriers I find myself up against would be a blog post in itself.

Whilst platforms like Innosearch seek to make online shopping a more accessible experience for disabled customers, it doesn’t mean that brands, businesses and organizations should disregard accessibility. There’s no excuse for them not to make their websites accessible.

Embedding accessibility into everything you do means that you’re creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for disabled customers. That speaks volumes, let me tell you.

Innosearch is a brilliant example of how it can be done. There’s lots that can be learned from them.

Online shopping using Innosearch

When Innosearch loaded, my screen reader announced the platform’s tagline which is “your ultimate shopping assistant.” It was a promising start.

The first time I visited the site, there were two things I did: have a browse of the website and create a free account.

Tapping away at my keyboard, I was met with all links and buttons that were labelled, along with a great use of headings. Navigation felt like a breeze.

Creating an account only took a couple of minutes thanks to all fields being labelled correctly. Once done, I was ready to start exploring!

When the site first loads, you’re met with a landing page that presents you with the latest flash deals, along with some bestselling items. The deals are updated all the time, so there’s always something new whenever you visit. One thing that struck me straight away was how I could scroll the deals quickly in any way that I chose, whether that was via links, headings or my cursor keys. There was no cumbersome navigation or loss of focus on the page.

I also liked how my screen reader didn’t get distracted by constant pop-ups, which always force me to navigate away from what I’m looking at.

Innosearch has a handy search function that’s easy to find which is also labelled correctly. I decided to put it to the test, typing in the keywords for some AirPods, an item that had been on my Wishlist for a while.

The results loaded quickly, my screen reader announcing how many results were on the page. Scrolling through, I was presented with options from an array of retailers including Amazon and Apple. I was given the relevant information I needed at first glance like the price, cost of delivery and whether there were any discounts. I also had the option to bookmark items for later if I wished.

Clicking on the one I wanted, I was met with the product information and customer reviews. There were also product images – hold tight for more on that.

One cool feature about the platform is the ‘Ask Innosearch’ button. It’s a feature that acts as your virtual shopping assistant, answering your questions. This is a real time-saver, coming in extremely useful when I was looking for some new jeans. It gave me a feeling of independence and autonomy because I was able to use the feature to ask questions I’d otherwise have to get sighted assistance with.

Something I particularly love is how you can ask the feature to describe the product images. It comes back with very detailed descriptions, something that’s never available on retailers’ websites themselves. It ought to be.

Businesses, if you happen to be reading this – add decent image descriptions, please.

Once I decided the product I wanted and the retailer to purchase from, I easily found the ‘add to cart’ button. The payment was simple, and most importantly accessible.

The free delivery I received was a bonus!

Final thoughts

The most stressful part about online shopping for me as a blind person can be the distinct lack of accessibility. When a website is accessible, it makes for an enjoyable experience. When it isn’t, the levels of stress and frustration are heightened.

The accessibility also dictates whether I’ll return again.

Now that I’ve tried Innosearch, I’ll most certainly be visiting more.

Having an accessible and easy to use platform that makes the process far quicker than navigating a site that isn’t, means that I can actually enjoy the experience. What’s more, it gives me the independence I want.

As a disabled person, I’d much rather spend my time (and money) somewhere that values disabled customers.

Have you tried Innosearch for yourself? I’d be keen to hear your thoughts.

For you, which retailers are leading the way when it comes to accessibility? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Thank you to the team over at Innosearch for collaborating with me on this post. Not only did I enjoy testing out the platform for myself, it was fun to turn those thoughts into a blog post.

Holly x

***

Announcement- Save your fuzzies from the Fuzz!

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users- PTDGU- Monthly News Update: March2025]

Did you know that guide dogs are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements? They’re also subject to the same licensing rules that are applied to all other dogs. However, in Maine, and in many other states, the licensing fee is waived for service animals. Check to see if your state provides an exemption- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-assistance-animal-laws

***

Announcement- MGM+ Now Offers Audio Description

[From: Dots and Dashes, American Council of the Blind’s newsletter, 3/24/2025]

Joining our list of many streaming services offering audio description is MGM+, owned by Amazon. For some time now, Amazon’s Prime Video has been offering MGM+ original programming and other titles with audio description, but the AD tracks were not available on the MGM+ streaming service itself. That has now changed, and we are able to list 101 movies and series with audio description on MGM+. The streaming service costs $7/month, or $59 per year, with a 7-day free trial. You can subscribe to the standalone app or purchase it as a channel subscription through Prime Video or various other places. The link to our MGM+ listing is now a main navigation link, but here is the direct link: https://adp.acb.org/mgmad.html.

***

Article- Paws Down on Severance! [From: Why your dog freaks out during ‘Severance’ – The Washington Post]

From: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/2025/03/10/severance-dogs-reaction/

Is ‘Severance’ making your dog freak out?

Forget about Lumon’s baby goats for a second. We need to talk about our pets.

March 10, 2025

By Herb Scribner

When it comes to

“Severance,”

there’s a lot we don’t know. What is Cold Harbor? What are all of those goats for? Why does Adam Scott’s hair look like that?

But here’s another mystery: Do dogs hate this show?

Some fans of the

hit Apple TV Plus series

— a surreal workplace thriller that is fast approaching the conclusion of its second season — have noticed their pets getting worked up when “Severance”

is on in their homes. Dogs have barked at the elevators or at the sound of key cards being swiped. One Reddit user described how her dog, who is normally

calm at night, will pace around the home and whimper whenever “Severance” is on TV. On TikTok, several viewers reported that their dog went into hiding

after they watched the show.

“My biggest concern was thinking something was wrong with my dog, and then feeling guilty when I realized it was the show,” says Mikayla Souza. She said her golden retriever, Knox, typically only gets scared of smoke detectors. But when she watched “Severance,” the dog was “pacing, whining, crying, unable

to settle and hiding in the other room.”

“I still love the show,” she said in an interview, “but only watch with AirPods or subtitles now so Knox doesn’t get scared.”

It was a similar case for Chris Padgett. Normally, Padgett’s dog, Rosco, cuddles up next to him when they watch TV. But after watching a few episodes of

“Severance” one night, Padgett noticed his dog was lying on the floor on the opposite side of the house. The next night, Rosco did the same thing.

“I didn’t piece it all together until the third night, when he climbed into my lap and shook,” Padgett told The Washington Post. “I paused the show and

patted him until he calmed down and eventually fell asleep.”

“We’ve only ever seen him shake when getting into the bath or going to the vet,” he said.

John Hickey, a creative director from Palm Springs, California, says his dog, Payton, who rarely freaks out when the TV is on, would act oddly during her

owner’s nighttime “Severance” viewings: She cuddled up next to him. “I thought it was a little strange,” Hickey told The Post. “She likes to normally sleep

on the couch or on the ground.”

The series follows the workers and overlords at Lumon, a company that straddles the line between dull corporate behemoth and sinister religious cult. The

main characters work as data “refiners,” staring at numbers and sorting the ones that seem scary into virtual bins to some unknown end. They and others

working on the same floor (including members of a goat-raising department called Mammalians Nurturable) are “severed” — meaning they’ve had a medical procedure

that divides their consciousness between their work-selves (“innies”) and non-work-selves (“outies”). The elevators at Lumon serve as portals between these

different selves, with characters transitioning from one consciousness to another between floors.

During the second season’s second episode, when the characters go up and down the elevator in quick succession, Hickey says all the beeping triggered Payton.

“My dog freaked out, and she leaped off her bed, leaped to me, was trying to hide behind me,” he says. He went online and saw that he and Payton weren’t

alone.

What in the name of Kier is going on here?

Like a rogue data refiner in Lumon’s subterranean hallways, The Post went looking for answers.

Britt Lower, left, and John Turturro in Apple TV Plus’s “Severance.” (Apple TV Plus)

Unable to contact the Mammalians Nurturable department at Lumon, we asked some pet experts on this side of the screen to help us out. According to them,

there are certain sounds that might come from a TV show that will stand out to dogs: Dogs look for any instinctual sounds — such as the sound of another

dog or a wolf. “A loud, low-pitched sound may instinctively tell a dog that a predator is nearby, causing them to be naturally fearful,” said Jennifer

Skiff, the director of international programs for the anti-animal cruelty group Animal Wellness Action.

Canines also pick up on environmental noises, such as cats meowing or birds chirping, according to Courtney Campbell, a veterinary surgeon. “It can be

very stimulating,” he said. And our canine friends can also hear sounds that we can’t.

“We all know from having a dog whistle when we were younger that they can hear … in higher frequencies. They’re way too high-pitched for us to hear,

but dogs can hear that,” Campbell said.

Jacob Ribicoff, the rerecording mixer for “Severance,” said he did not mix any sounds like that in the show — at least, not intentionally. But the sounds

he did use offered some clues about what dogs might be responding to.

“Even though [executive producer] Ben Stiller and the team tend to favor low-end sounds, I consistently used some high-pitched sounds,” Ribicoff said via

email.

“These would happen around the elevator transitions, the high-pitched beep for the card scan, the elevator dings (which are airplane alert dings), and

the fritzy sound you hear when you see the characters’ eyes fluttering at the moment of transition [between selves],” he explained. “That sound is a combination

of crackly static and tiny, sharp, high-pitched tones.”

Aha!

The sounds of “Severance” aren’t the only aspects of the show that could be getting dogs’ attention. The visual language might also speak to them. Many

writers and critics have noted how often “Severance”

uses blue,

and show cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné

has confirmed the blue palette

is used to show off themes of calmness and order at Lumon. Blue is a color that dogs have a tendency to notice above others, according to multiple experts.

Freya Mowat, a veterinary ophthalmologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine, has done research on

visual perception for dogs. She said a show displayed on older televisions would appear like “old movie screens” to dogs, with individual flickers and a low refresh rate. Modern televisions, though, offer more flow and smooth projection.

In fact, television refresh rates have gotten so good that dogs might not know that what they see on TV is fake, she said. “We totally know it’s a virtual

space and we’re just enjoying it,” Mowat said. “Whereas, I would say for the most part, dogs don’t make that strong reality versus virtual differentiation.”

Whether it explains what’s going on here, that last dog fact feels very “Severance.”

On the other hand, your dog’s reaction to “Severance” may have less to do with the audiovisual effects of the show than its effect on you.

Ribicoff, the sound mixer, described the ways in which its aural landscapes are designed to work on humans. “The key in this show is to go from the ordinary

to the surreal, which can be creepy and unsettling,” he told The Post.

This is especially true in scenes set at Lumon, where “we go from ordinary room tones, fluorescent-light hums, and computer whirring sounds to menacing

environmental sounds drawn from breathing and other pulsating tones,” Ribicoff said.

Watching can be stressful for humans. And dogs can smell cortisol, a hormone produced from stress, experts said — which might make them feel anxiety, too.

In other words, if “Severance” makes you anxious, you might make your dog anxious, too.

“Your actions as the human in the room are often way more salient to the dog than anything else that’s going on,” Mowat said, “because you have an extremely

strong social bond with your animal, and you may be somewhat unaware of that.”

At The Post, while our innies write about the news, our outies are “Severance” watchers who own dogs. I’ve seen my dog bark at Adam Scott’s face during the show and start to howl into the night once the episode gets underway. (That might be the coyotes a few blocks away, but who knows!) The Post’s own

Emily Eng tells me her dog, Scooter, leaves the room to hide and quietly cries whenever she watches the show.

“Scooter will be happy to know that other dogs also react this way and that he’s not just a big baby,” Eng says.

But like the mysteries surrounding Lumon, operation Cold Harbor and the Eagan family, we may never know the answers to why some people’s dogs are so averse

to the show. All we can do is keep refining the data and pointing out which numbers scare us — or our pets.

***

Trivia: This Issue’s Publication month!

[From: www.nationaldaycalendar.com]

April is the fourth month of the year and consists of 30 days. In the Northern Hemisphere, April is a part of the growing season. The sun warms the earth, awakening the plants and blossoms. It is named after the Greek goddess, Aphrodite (Aphros). It wasn’t always the fourth month. Originally, the Roman calendar placed the month second, though it still had 30 days. It became the fourth month around 450 BC. April is the second month of spring and is oft associated with the saying, “April showers bring May Flowers!” This Month’s full moon is called the Pink Moon and represents the pink phlox flower that blooms in April. When the Pink Moon is also the first full moon of spring it is called the Paschal moon.

April is also a terrific month for sports- The official baseball season begins; Golf gets into the swing of things; basketball and hockey are in the midst of their regular season; and professional soccer is heading toward season finales.

Five Fast April Facts

What’s Your Sign?

Those born in April are either an Aries (the Ram) or Taurus (the Bull).

A diamond is April’s best friend…we mean birthstone.
The birth flowers are daisy and sweet pea.
Spring cleaning is associated with several cultures but its place in April comes from the Jewish tradition to prepare the home for Passover. It’s also part of the Christian tradition in preparation for the first day of Lent.
How many people do you know named April?

In the United States, the name is ranked 453rd most common.

The United Kingdom ranks the name slightly higher at 278th most common.

Is April your, or your Pup’s, birth month? If so, you share birthdays with-

Lon Chaney
Susan Boyle
Buddy Ebsen
Marvin Gaye
Emmylou Harris
Billy Holiday
Francis Ford Coppola
Jackie Chan
John Madden
Booker T. Washington
Clarence Darrow
Barbara Streisand
Chipper Jones
Duke Ellington
Willie Nelson
Andre Agassi
Eddy Murphy
Robert Downey Jr.
Paul Rudd
Russel Crowe
Patricia Arquette
William Shakespeare
Jamie Chung
David Letterman
Adrien Brody
Emma Watson
Martin Lawrence
America Ferrera
Ashley Judd
Jack Nicholson
Kal Penn
George Lopez
Djimon Hounsou
Al Pacino
Jay Leno
Uma Thurman
Kirsten Dunst

***

Article- How a new arm of guide dog training is giving wheelchair users fresh independence

[From: ABC News, 3/21/25- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-22/seeing-eye-dog-wheelchair-users-guide-dog/105075930]

By Ruth Brook

[Editor’s Note- Please be aware, the school called “Seeing Eye” referred to in the news article below refers to a guide dog training program in Australia.]

Lily Alford says she and her seeing eye dog Prince navigate the world as a “team”.  (ABC News: Ruth Brook)

Lily Alford lives a rich and busy life — heading to TAFE, swimming, dropping in to see friends and travelling quite a bit.

The 24-year-old, who was born legally blind and uses an electric wheelchair to get about, says none of that would be possible without Prince by her side.

“He’s allowed me to become independent,” she says.

Ms. Alford and her guide dog Prince were matched in 2021, initially as a walking team.

A close up of a yellow Labrador’s face.

Prince adapted well to wheelchair training, according to Lily Alford. (ABC News: Ruth Brook)

But in late 2021, following the progression of a separate neurological condition, Ms Alford started using a wheelchair.

She feared she would lose Prince, but the wheelchair training program at Seeing Eye Dogs meant she could continue working with her furry friend.

“He did really well, he was really adaptable,” she says.

“[We] went from being a walking team to a wheelchair team really easily. He was never afraid of the wheels … he was just always really adaptable in that

way.”

Extra training for dogs to be wheelchair-ready

Vision Australia says its seeing eye dog wheelchair program is an Australian first and part of its efforts to reach more parts of the blind and low vision

community.

Development of the program began in 2019 after the organisation was approached by a person who uses a wheelchair and was looking to be matched with a seeing

eye dog.

Lily Alford, who uses a wheelchair, enters a brick building with seeing eye dog Prince.

Prince is part of a push to widen accessibility for seeing eye dogs. (ABC News: Ruth Brook)

The first client was eventually matched with a seeing eye dog in 2022.

The program is now available Australia-wide and there are five wheelchair users across Australia who have been matched with a seeing eye dog, along with

one more on the waiting list.

Seeing Eye Dogs senior instructor Brooke Anderson says dogs were trained to help their wheelchair-using handlers navigate day-to-day obstacles like road

signs, bins and different footpath terrains.

“Before using their dog guides, they [handlers] were using the cane,” she says.

 ”So, the ability to smoothly travel along a footpath, rather than being stopped every couple of meters because the cane is getting stuck or be able to

navigate around obstacles is quite a big thing for a wheelchair user.”

Brooke Anderson smiles, kneeling down and patting a black dog in a harness.

Seeing Eye Dogs senior instructor Brooke Anderson says specific training is required to support wheelchair users. (ABC News: Matthew Holmes)

The dogs go through a standardized program, which runs for about 16 to 20 weeks, followed by a further four to eight weeks of training to teach the dogs

wheelchair-specific tasks.

Ms Anderson says while the majority of the tasks were universal, there were some unique tactics dogs needed to master for wheelchair-using handlers.

“The distance that they allow for obstacles, so that the gap is a little bit wider for the person to get through, and also how to work alongside the wheelchair

and the sounds that they make as well,” Ms Anderson says.

Program backed by donations

Vision Australia’s training program is funded entirely through donations from the public.

“That’s a huge sort of advantage that we have, is the generous support we have … there’s no other funding streams at the moment, so donations are running

the program,” Ms Anderson says.

She says government support is something the organisation is looking into.

Lily Alford smiles, wearing sunglasses and a grey woolen jumper.

Ms Alford says access to a seeing eye dog has transformed her life. (ABC News: Ruth Brook)

Ms Alford says she was relieved when she learnt that Vision Australia would use donations to fund Prince’s training.

“It was just really exciting for me because I was going to be able to get out in the community again with Princey-bum,” she says.

“I think it would be really good that people who are blind and have low vision and who have mobility impairments know that there is that opportunity to

be independent. 

“You can only go so far with a cane as a power chair user.”

Growing with ‘goofball’ Prince

Ms Alford knows she’ll eventually have to find a successor dog, once Prince retires.

“He is the most funny and sensitive dog … and he’s a goofball,” she says.

Lily, who uses a wheelchair, and seeing eye dog Prince, photographed outdoors from behind.

Ms Alford says Prince has empowered her to live an independent and active life. (ABC News: Ruth Brook)

But for now, the pair will continue navigating through life as a team.

“Prince and I are going to finish TAFE and then hopefully we’re going to move into employment in the community services sector,” Ms Alford says.

“I feel like he is perfect for me, we’ve made lots and lots of life changes together and he is just a very good dog.”

***

Announcement- BITS Unleashing RIM Support

[From: Dots and Dashes, American Council of the Blind’s newsletter, 3/24/2025]

Hey ACB Family:

Get ready to be blown away — because we’ve got some epic news! Ever find yourself wrestling with a tech glitch, wishing for a friendly expert by your side? Whether you’re diving into assistive technology challenges or exploring new horizons with BITS education, we’re here to help you crush those issues!  

We’re taking things to the next level by unleashing our RIM support — now with absolutely no restrictions on time limits. That’s right: forget the old one-hour cap. With our unlimited RIM access, along with support from our all-star education, mentoring, and IT teams, you have a tech-savvy superhero on call, ready to swoop in and save the day whenever you need help (volunteer availability permitting, of course).  

We’re all about empowering you, sharing our knowledge, and unlocking your full potential. It’s like having a pro right beside you, so you can keep reeling in success on your accessibility journey.  

Not part of the BITS family yet? Now’s the time to jump in or renew your membership and keep the magic alive! Check it out at http://www.bits-acb.org/join. A huge shoutout to Microsoft Corporation for making this incredible service possible!  

And if you think this is as far as we go — hold onto your hats, because we’re just getting started. Stay tuned for even more excitement!

***

A Poem

Submitted by GDUI Member Patty L. Fletcher

Hello, it’s Chief Seeing Eye® dog Blue reporting on behalf of my human mother Patty L. Fletcher who I will admit is typing my every word.

Most of you know by now that Mother and I picked up my crate, tote bowls and bags, and moved to Bristol, Virginia, which you can drive to from our old territory in just fifteen minutes by riding in one of those car monsters across the line in the fall.

Winter hit with a big, sneeze in late December and up until the last few days of weather in the 50s and low 60s it’s been nothing but snow and slickness.

We were glad to get a break. Let me tell you. It’s right in the nick of time too, because Mother and I had our first lesson with our O&M (Orientation and Mobility) instructor human, Andrew, to work on memorizing the route to the bakery up the street and back home, which we first began learning when our human trainer, Chris, visited from The Seeing Eye®.

“A piece of doggy cake if you please?”

On Tuesday, the morning of February 4, 2025, while pawing through email, my human mother and I found this poetic treat both dogs and humans can enjoy.

We hope you like it too.

A Mail Carrier’s Narrow Escape

https://abbiescorner.wordpress.com/2025/02/04/a-mail-carriers-narrow-escape-tuesdaytidbit-poetry-inspiration/]

As she trudges up the snowy walk to the mailbox,

something in the bushes catches her eye.

Growling, a huge dog lunges across her path.

Skin and bones with black, matted fur,

sunken gray eyes, ears back, teeth bared,

he snarls, as if to say,

“Make my day.”  

Her heart pounds. — Her gloved hands feel clammy.

“Good boy,” she stammers, stepping back.  

In a flash of inspiration,

she remembers a rawhide bone she’s been saving for her own pooch.

Removing it from her pocket,

she tosses it in the snow in front of the dog,

watches, as he snatches it up,

lies down, chews contentedly.

Better the bone than me, she thinks,

as she steps around the dog, through the snow, to the mailbox.  

Back Story

When I was a teenager in the 1970s, my family had Clancy, an adorable Irish setter, and a mail carrier who either didn’t like dogs or was afraid of them. One warm summer afternoon, as the mail carrier approached our house, Clancy, who was with me on the porch, rushed to meet her, barking, tail wagging in welcome. I’m not sure what happened next, but I heard the mail carrier utter a few choice words I learned from my daddy before hurrying away.

She complained to the postal authority. We had to get rid of the dog or put a mailbox on the curb. We couldn’t appeal this decision. Of course, we did the latter.

Fast forward to 2021. When I wrote the above poem, I had one of those “what if” moments I get as a writer. What if a mail carrier who loved dogs encountered a dangerous one on a cold winter day? This poem appears in the winter issue of The Avocet, and you can download that here. Thank you for reading.

Photo Courtesy of  Tess Anderson Photography

—Team Blue back to say, We hope you enjoyed reading as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

“Remember, you can put the guide in the dog but you can’t take the dog out of the guide.

Don’t pet.”

Team Blue in VA.

***

Announcement- ACB Launches Accessibility & Training Services Program

Dear ACB Members,

We are excited to share news of a new initiative that will strengthen our collective impact: the launch of ACB’s Accessibility and Training Services program. This new program is designed to promote equal access and greater inclusion for people who are blind or have low vision across all aspects of life, including workplaces, websites, applications, products, services, and more.

Your involvement will be key to our success and growth. As ACB members, you bring invaluable real-world experience and insights that will help shape the accessibility solutions we provide. We can work together to ensure that accessibility is not just a requirement, but a fundamental standard.

The program is also designed to help overcome accessibility challenges on an individual level. If you are experiencing an accessibility issue, such as not being able to equitably use a website, application, product, or service, we want to hear from you.

To get in touch, contact Accessibility and Training Services Coordinator, Kolby Garrison, at accessibility@acb.org. You can also learn more on our webpage at https://www.acb.org/accessibility.

Thank you for your support of this exciting new program area! 

Scott Thornhill, ACB Executive Director

***

Announcement- Ask Emily & Garth – A New Advice Column

From Sunday Edition and Barbara Hinske!

That’s right, folks! Friend to Sunday Edition and acclaimed author Barbara Hinske—creator of the Guiding Emily series—is bringing something special to our readers.

Twice a month, Emily or Garth will answer your questions in their unique and insightful voices! We’re looking for questions about:

Guide dogs & the guide dog/handler partnership

Writing & storytelling
Advocacy & empowerment
Decor tips & home hacks
Food advice & fun recipes …and more!

Let’s keep the topics light, fun, and full of personality!

Disclaimer: we are not mental health professionals and cannot provide professional advice. This column is for fun and lighthearted advice, tips and questions.

Send your questions for Emily or Garth to: SundayEditionAC@gmail.com

Subscribe to the Sunday Edition news email list to stay updated on all of Emily & Garth’s witty and entertaining advice!

Subscribe: SundayEditionNews+subscribe@groups.io
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Yours,
Anthony Corona, Host and Producer of Sunday edition
sundayeditionac@gmail.com

***

Article- Think You Understand Your Dog? Think Again.

People interpret a dog’s emotions based on its situation and have “a big blind spot” for the actual animal, a new study found.

[From: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/10/science/dogs-pets-emotions.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=p&pvid=2A3A8900-78C9-4628-AAA6-C090A16E5D19]

[Editors’ Note: We wonder: Are people who are actually “blind” more in tune with how their guide dogs feel than people who rely on visual cues for understanding? Perhaps a different research study is worth considering!]

By Emily Anthes

March 10, 2025

Dogs can’t talk, but their body language speaks volumes. Many dogs will bow when they want to play, for instance, or lick their lips and avert their gaze when nervous or afraid.

But people aren’t always good at interpreting such cues — or even noticing them, a new study suggests.

In the study, the researchers presented people with videos of a dog reacting to positive and negative stimuli, including a leash, a treat, a vacuum cleaner

and a scolding. When asked to assess the dog’s emotions, viewers seemed to pay more attention to the situational cues than the dog’s actual behavior, even when the videos had been edited to be deliberately misleading. (In one video, for instance, a dog that appeared to be reacting to the sight of his leash had actually been shown a vacuum cleaner by his owner.)

“When it comes to just perceiving dog emotions, we think we know what’s happening, but we’re actually subconsciously relying on a lot of other factors,” said Holly Molinaro, who is a doctoral student at Arizona State University and the first author of the new paper, which was published on Monday in the journal Anthrozoös.

That bias could mislead owners about their dogs’ well-being, Ms. Molinaro said. People who want to be attentive to their dog’s experiences and emotions need to “take a second or two to actually focus on the dog rather than everything else that’s going on,” she said.

The idea for the study was born in 2021, when Ms. Molinaro was just beginning her doctoral work in canine emotions but the Covid-19 pandemic had sharply limited her ability to do in-person research.

She was inspired by studies that explore how context clues affect people’s perceptions of others’ emotions. She was also inspired by a distinctly pandemic-era technology: Zoom. The video conferencing software has a feature that blurs out workers’ backgrounds. Ms Molinaro and her adviser, Clive Wynne — a canine-behavior expert at Arizona State — began to wonder if they could do something similar, creating videos that allowed people to see a dog’s behavior without seeing what was unfolding around it. And so, while visiting her parents in Connecticut, Ms. Molinaro began recording videos of her family dog, Oliver, a 14-year-old pointer-beagle mix, interacting with her father. In some of the videos, Ms. Molinaro’s father did things that Oliver was likely to respond to positively, such as show him his leash or

a toy. In others, he did things that were likely to elicit more negative reactions, such as gently scold Oliver or present him with Ms. Molinaro’s cat, Saffron. (“He was not a fan,” she said.)

Then, after a crash course in video editing, Ms. Molinaro made versions of each video that removed all of the situational context, leaving footage of Oliver, alone, on a black background. The researchers asked hundreds of undergraduates to watch both sets of videos and assess Oliver’s emotional state in each clip. When the subjects evaluated the original videos, they rated Oliver’s emotions as more positive in the positive scenarios than in the negative ones. But when the context was removed,

they rated Oliver’s emotions as equally positive in both types of situations.

Then, the scientists took things a step further by splicing together footage from different situations — showing, for instance, Ms. Molinaro’s father presenting

a vacuum alongside footage of Oliver’s response to seeing his leash.

Viewers seemed to be swayed more by the context than by Oliver’s behavior. When Ms. Molinaro’s father was depicted doing something positive, subjects judged

Oliver’s emotions to be positive, even if he had been filmed reacting to something negative.

“There’s no evidence at all that people actually see the dog,” Dr. Wynne said. “They seem to have a sort of a big blind spot around the dog himself.”

The study has limitations, including that it was based on the behavior of just a single dog. People might also perform better when asked to evaluate the

emotions of their own dogs, Dr. Wynne said, and probably would have noticed signs of intense terror or trauma. (The scientists did not subject Oliver to

any extremely negative experiences.)

Still, he hoped that the study would be a wake-up call for pet owners. “I’m taking it to heart in my own life,” said Dr. Wynne, who recently adopted a

retired racing greyhound.

“I’m making it a project to learn how she expresses herself,” he added. “Because if I know what makes her happy and unhappy, well, then I can guide her

life toward greater happiness.”

Sadly, Oliver did not live long enough to see the study published. “But it’s sweet that he’s memorialized in this research,” Ms. Molinaro said.

***

Article- Look who’s in the news!

From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users- PTDGU- Monthly News Update: March 2025)

PTGDU’s Vice President Pauline Lamontagne was featured in the Iris Network’s 2025 Winter Newsletter. Read on to learn of her lifelong work as a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities.]

Meet Pauline Lamontagne

Born in Sanford, Maine, Pauline attended public schools, which was highly unusual at that time, and graduated as the Valedictorian of her Senior class. She

has been legally blind since birth, with no vision in her left eye and limited vision in her right eye. Five years ago, she lost all of her sight in both

eyes.

Pauline started using reel-to-reel tapes in 7th grade, although it was sometimes a challenge to get her schoolbooks recorded on time. After her Junior

Year of high school, The Iris Network had a staff member work with her to learn braille, as she believed it would be important for her to know.

Pauline had to work very hard academically, and while in high school, she began to use a white cane for mobility. She loved sports, and even though her

high school football team lost every game her senior year, she made sure she attended all of them. As a child growing up, she always tried to participate

in everything she could; a counselor from the Division of Blind and Visually Impaired encouraged her parents to allow her to do anything she wanted to,

although she was not allowed to ride a bicycle.

Pauline knew she wanted to attend college and was accepted at the University of Maine at Farmington as one of only 3 students with a severe visual impairment

in its history. Her parents were very supportive, and she was the first generation in her family to attend a post-secondary school. She exceled at college

with a 4.0, majoring in Rehabilitation work. Pauline wanted other visually impaired individuals to know they could achieve a college education.

After college she worked as a Rehab Teacher at The Iris Network, then as a visual handicapped child counselor for the Division for the Blind and Visually

Impaired and next as a consultant with the Bureau of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. In 1981, she was accepted by the University of Maine School

of Law, where she hoped to help empower others and perhaps change some laws. Pauline studied hard and graduated in 1984, making her the first legally blind

student to graduate from the University of Maine School of Law. She passed the bar and was admitted in 1985.

After graduating from law school, she worked as an advocate for the Department of Corrections and then as an attorney with Advocates for the Disabled. From

1989 to her retirement in 2016, Pauline worked for the Department of Education as a certification attorney and then as a Due Process Coordinator for special

education.

Pauline has been a strong advocate for accessibility for individuals with disabilities. She knows there are more employment options and opportunities now

for students with disabilities, however, she states, there needs to be equal pay and not a “sub-wage” for those with disabilities. She believes that transportation

for those with visual impairments is a huge need, and she will continually advocate for improvements.

Pauline served on The Iris Network Board of Directors from 1985-1994 and has rejoined as of 2021.

Pauline met her husband, Gil, at the Department of Education in 1989 and they were married in 1992. They live with their dog, Ava, in Portland.

Thank you for all you do, Pauline!

(The Iris Network Winter 2025 Newsletter

905-2025 – Celebrating 120 years!)

****

Article- Man’s Best Friend plus 2
By Anthony Corona, Host and Producer of Sunday edition

sundayeditionac@gmail.com

Each year, as part of my advocacy, I spend several days in our nation’s capital, preparing for and then walking the hallowed halls where our representatives and senators shape the policies that govern our lives. This year, however, the weight on my heart, mind, and soul felt heavier than ever. Still, I arrived with a purpose. For the first time, I also wore a new professional hat, a role that filled me with pride even amidst the storm of dark and difficult news. In an era where so many voices are stifled or dismissed, I recognize how fortunate I am—at least for now—to still have the opportunity to speak with the offices of my elected officials. While I didn’t feel that our direction this year was as focused on the urgent challenges facing the blind and low-vision community, the broader disability community, civil rights, and, fundamentally, humanity itself, I remain steadfast in my belief that advocacy remains essential. Even when progress feels slow, the fire of advocacy must continue to burn, igniting others to step forward for the future of our children, our grandchildren, and generations to come.

But advocacy is exhausting. Fighting for what is right takes energy, and I have learned that balance is not a luxury—it is a necessity. That’s why, each year, after the long days of preparation and advocacy, my partner Gabriel and I, along with our guide dogs, take time to recharge. Just outside of Washington, in Maryland, we visit the extraordinary people who raised Boaty—my guide dog, my partner, my steadfast companion.

Holly and Eric were Boaty’s first family. They are volunteer puppy raisers for the guide dog foundation, and Boaty was the first puppy they trained. Now, they are raising their eighth future service dog: Rogue, a beautiful, smart, and affectionate black Lab who is already showing signs of greatness.

Coming here after the intensity of advocacy is more than just a break; it’s a homecoming. It’s a reunion with people who have given me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received—Boaty. Over the years, they have selflessly raised seven puppies, preparing them to go out into the world and change lives. Some became guide dogs, some became service dogs, and every single one has brought love, independence, and dignity to the people they now serve.

For us, these puppy raisers are more than just volunteers—they are family. Every year, I witness the sheer joy in Boaty’s reunion with Holly and Eric. He remembers them, he loves them, and he shows his gratitude in the way only a dog can—tail wags, nuzzles, and boundless affection. And then there’s Puppy Gabe, our other guide dog, who has spent these days in absolute heaven—surrounded by toys, treats, a spacious yard to run in, and an endless supply of love. It’s in these moments that I am reminded of the beauty of service, of sacrifice, and of selflessness. The work Holly and Eric do—and the work of countless puppy raisers across the country—is what makes independence possible for so many of us. They invest their time, their love, and their energy into raising these incredible dogs, only to let them go when the time comes, sending them forward to fulfill their destinies. That level of dedication and generosity is something I will never take for granted.

Later today, I will board a plane and return to the real world—the responsibilities, the advocacy, the fight that never ends. But I do so rejuvenated, renewed by the love and kindness of those who have given me so much. As I dictate these words, I send out a call to all of my fellow guide dog handlers: take a moment today to reach out to your puppy raisers. Send a picture, a short video, a story—anything to remind them why they do what they do. Let them know how much their work means, how their sacrifice has granted us independence, and how the love they poured into our dogs continues to shape our lives every single day. Because while a guide dog may be a man’s best friend, there are always more hearts behind the scenes, loving them first so they can love us forever.

Yours, Anthony

***

Crucial Health Information for our pups!

From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users- PTDGU- Monthly News Update: March2025]

Hidden danger. From chewing gum to peanut butter to baked goods to toothpaste, Xylitol is a common ingredient in many foods. While considered safe for humans, this sugar substitute, also known as birch sugar, birch extract, and wood sugar is highly poisonous to dogs. Find out what you need to know about this toxic ingredient.

https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/xylitol-poisoning-in-pets/

Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

Updated: 3/3/25

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is found in everything from chewing gum to peanut butter to ice cream to toothpaste. It’s often listed under other names, including birch sugar, birch extract, or wood sugar. While considered safe for humans, xylitol is highly poisonous to dogs. If a dog consumes xylitol, blood sugar can drop dangerously low, resulting in seizures, liver failure, and even death.

Common signs of xylitol poisoning include:

Vomiting

Lack of coordination

Weakness

Collapse

Seizures

Treatment- If you think your dog has ingested a product containing xylitol, take them to your veterinarian or an animal hospital immediately.

Prevention- The prevalence of xylitol and a lack of consistent labeling can make it difficult for pet owners to determine which products are safe. Be careful when purchasing products advertised as “sugar-free” or “low sugar,” and keep all questionable items out of your pet’s reach.

***

Bad breath?

Stinky dog breath isn’t just unpleasant—it could be a sign of serious dental disease in your dog. Learn the signs and how to make dental care part of your everyday routine.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet: How to Prevent Dental Disease – AAHA

https://www.aaha.org/resources/healthy-mouth-healthy-pet-why-dental-care-matters/?utm_campaign=Your%20Pet&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=345926080&utm_content=345926080&utm_source=hs_email

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet: How to Prevent Dental Disease

As a conscientious and loving pet parent, you pamper your furry pal and ensure they have all they need for a long, happy, and healthy life. But do you

prioritize your pet’s dental care? You should! Oral issues can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life and lead to severe pain, difficulty eating,

and systemic illness.

Published Feb 21, 2024

By Jenny Alonge, DVM, FFCP

Periodontal disease in pets

Periodontal disease, also known as dental disease, is the most common dental issue in pets, with the majority suffering some degree of disease before 3

years of age. It is caused by bacterial deposits (i.e., plaque) on the tooth surface, which, if not removed, can advance under the gum line and damage

the supporting structures of the teeth. The condition has several stages:

list of 4 items

Stage 1 — The first stage is gingivitis, which begins when the bacteria in plaque accumulate on the tooth surface and release toxins that irritate the

gums, causing redness and inflammation. Pets with gingivitis typically have bad breath and sometimes swollen, bleeding gums.

Stage 2 — If not addressed, gingivitis progresses to early periodontitis. This occurs when the infection advances under the gumline, forms periodontal

pockets, and damages bone and soft tissue structures that help stabilize the teeth. At this stage, less than 25% of the tooth’s attachment is lost, but

the periodontal pockets trap more food debris and attract more bacteria, and the condition worsens.

Stage 3 — As periodontal disease progresses, periodontal pockets deepen, and bacteria reach the tooth roots and surrounding bone. This weakens the attachment between the tooth and its supporting structures, leading to loose teeth and possibly tooth root abscesses. At this stage, 25% to 50% of tooth attachment

is lost.

Stage 4 — Pets with advanced periodontitis (i.e., greater than 50% attachment loss) have extensively damaged tissues, ligaments, and bone supporting

their teeth, resulting in tooth loss and serious infection. During this stage, periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affect major organs, such

as the heart, liver, and kidneys, and cause systemic health issues.

list end

Most pets show no signs in the early stages of dental disease, and bad breath may be the only indication your furry friend is affected. As the condition

progresses, signs may include excessive drooling, red and swollen gums, discolored teeth, nasal or ocular discharge, dropped food, and eating on only one

side of the mouth.

Dental disease treatment in pets

To stage your pet’s periodontal disease and determine the best treatment course, your veterinarian will thoroughly evaluate their mouth and oral structures.

They will also take dental X-rays because a significant portion of each tooth is below the gumline and not visible. Treatment will depend on the stage

of periodontal disease.

list of 4 items

Stage 1 — Treatment is relatively uncomplicated and involves dental scaling to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and below the gumline,

polishing the teeth to help prevent future plaque accumulation, and irrigation to flush out bacteria and debris.

Stage 2 — For early periodontitis, treatment includes dental scaling, polishing, and irrigation. It also involves scaling below the gum line and applying

local antibiotics if periodontal pockets are present.

Stage 3 — If your pet has moderate periodontitis, your veterinarian may refer your pet to a dental specialist for advanced restorative procedures to

save the affected teeth. If this is not an option, tooth extraction and systemic antibiotics are recommended.

Stage 4 — At this stage, affected teeth are too diseased to save and cause your pet significant pain.

Extraction is the only treatment option.

list end

Resorptive lesions in pets

Resorptive lesions are a common problem for cats and can also occur in dogs. The condition involves the progressive breakdown of the tooth’s hard tissue,

leading to tooth destruction or loss. Pits or erosions are often seen on the tooth surface, typically near the gumline. The exact cause is unknown, but

contributing factors may include irritation from periodontal disease, tooth damage, and excess vitamin D intake.

Signs of resorptive lesions

In the early stages, pets usually don’t show signs, but the condition is typically painful once resorption progresses above the gumline. Signs include

increased drooling, bleeding from the mouth, difficulty eating, teeth chattering, and behavioral changes such as hiding.

Diagnosis of resorptive lesions

Like other cases of dental disease, diagnosis will start with a trip to your veterinarian. X-rays are required to diagnose resorptive lesions, and your

pet will need anesthesia so your veterinarian can take clear images.

Treatment of resorptive lesions

Treatment depends on the extent and severity of resorption and the specific tooth affected. If resorption is mild and your pet is not in pain, your veterinarian

may recommend monitoring. Advanced cases require root canal therapy and removing part or all of the affected tooth.

At-home dental care for your pet

Preventative care

is the best way to avoid illness and disease. Every pet should have a professional veterinary dental exam at least annually, and most pets need a dental

cleaning every year. These visits are vital to keeping your pet’s mouth healthy, but at-home dental care is also crucial because plaque starts accumulating

soon after your pet eats. This means you need to intervene daily

to promote your pet’s dental health.

Recommendations include:

Toothbrushing

Daily toothbrushing is the best way to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s pearly whites. Use a pet-specific toothpaste since human dental

products often contain ingredients toxic to pets and go slowly, so your pet adjusts to the idea of their teeth being cleaned.

If your pet is uncomfortable using a traditional toothbrush, consider using a finger toothbrush. This silicone brush slides onto the tip of your finger,

eliminating the handle and making the process less intimidating.

Dental treats

Dental treats are specially formulated to help remove plaque and reduce bacterial accumulation. Choose products approved by the

Veterinary Oral Health Council

to ensure the treat is safe and effective.

There are different options to suit each pet’s needs, including harder chew treats for dogs who are heavy chewers and soft treats for young puppies, senior

dogs, and those who may be experiencing dental pain. You can also purchase bite-sized dental treats specifically for cats.

Dental diets

Some pets benefit from prescription dental diets. Ask your veterinarian if one is appropriate for your furry pal.

Neglecting your pet’s oral health can result in serious health consequences.

****

Article- Teacher making hockey more accessible for visually impaired

[From: Access Information News for Monday, March 31, 2025 – Volume 1008)

By Gabriella Galati Mar 23, 2025

https://www.wxow.com/news/teacher-making-hockey-more-accessible-for-visually-impaired/article_5a1ce653-ef97-54c1-aabb-1d8cbe448e7d.html?utm_source=accessinformationnews&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=12232024&utm_term=editorial

Teacher making hockey more accessible for visually impaired]

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A Horsham, Pennsylvania, native is making hockey more accessible for the visually impaired.

In 2022, Kelsey McGuire founded Philadelphia Blind Hockey, the first and only blind hockey team in Philadelphia.

Combining her background as a teacher of the visually impaired with her favorite sport, hockey became accessible to everyone. She trains all the coaches to understand each child’s needs so they have the tools to make their experience seamless.

“This is how we accommodate this. This is how you’re going to describe this skill, this drill,” McGuire explains. “So then they have a better idea of how to picture what they need to be doing, what their feet should feel like, where their body, where their head, where their shoulders need to be to be able to get them all up and moving.”

Missy Jones’ son, Isaac, is a hockey player in the program. She feels so much joy when Isaac takes the ice.

“His coaches understand how to direct him based on things he’ll understand,” Jones said. “It’s been really great to see that he can excel at something, and feel good about himself, and build that confidence.”

McGuire has built this program from the ground level. It’s been a labor of love as she watches these athletes grow and evolve.

“It’s a cool experience because all these kids have never skated before a day in their life,” McGuire reflected. “So to see them be so scared and wobbling all over the place, now they’re doing drills, practicing. It’s so cool to see in a short three years that huge change and difference.”

Philadelphia Blind Hockey has become a community where kids and their families feel embraced.

“It’s so nice because everyone has the same kind of baseline of understanding,” Jones said. “Our kids have some challenges, but we all want our kids to try, and do their best, and they don’t have to be held back because of their challenges.”

The program is set to compete for the first time this week at the Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament. It’s a milestone for Philadelphia Blind Hockey.

***

Announcement- RideShare Updates

Uber update. If you use Uber’s new voluntary Self-ID feature, drivers that attempt to cancel the ride after being notified about your guide dog will automatically receive a second alert that says, “Do you want to cancel your trip? It is your legal obligation to transport riders with service animals. Canceling a ride because of a service animal is against the law.” If drivers proceed with the cancellation, riders will automatically receive an in-app and email message asking if they want to report the incident.
Another Uber update. For those who select Uber’s self-ID option to notify drivers about the guide dog’s presence, realize that the alert only shows up when the driver is arriving at your pickup location. For some riders who previously messaged drivers earlier in the trip, the delay in notification has caused an increase in face-to-face confrontations with drivers who refuse to transport service animals, plus additional time spent waiting for a replacement driver. If your ride experience has been negatively impacted by the timing of the notification, Let Uber know what’s going on.
Lyft updates. Lyft is now offering a self-disclosure option. Unlike Uber, however, Lyft drivers receive the service animal notification right after the ride has been accepted. Lyft does not proactively reach out to the rider after a denial so the rider must initiate the complaint.

***

Article- Surprising Household Pet Poisons

[From: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- 3/20/2025]

In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22, 2025) our friends at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) have released their annual list of the Top 10 Pet Toxins.

Over-the-counter medications (human)
Human food
Prescription medications (human)
Chocolate
Veterinary products
Plants & Fungi
Rodenticides
Household products
Insecticides
Recreational Drugs

This year, APCC fielded more than 451,000 calls, marking a nearly 4% increase in cases involving toxic substances, plants, and poison exposures in animals.

Common signs of poisoning include-

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Collapse
Lack of coordination
Weakness/lethargy
Excessive drooling
Excessive drinking/urination
Unusual behavior

If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, go to your nearest veterinary ER or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (fee applies) or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 (fee applies).

Learn more about poisoning in pets at- https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/poisoning-in-pets/

Poisoning in Pets

Poison: A Definition

A poison is defined as a substance that, when ingested or absorbed by the body, causes illness or death. In preparation for National Poison Prevention Week, I have been tracking pets admitted to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center for poisoning. Reviewing these cases can help pet owners recognize common

hazards and emerging risks—some of which you might never expect your pet to encounter.

Top Five Pet Poisons Treated at AMC

Chocolate
Marijuana
Carprofen
Illegal / illicit drugs
Raisins

Dogs and Chocolate Remain a Toxic Combination- Every patient on my list of poisonings was a dog—perhaps because cats tend to be more discriminating eaters than dogs. Dogs also have a sweet tooth,

unlike cats, which may explain why chocolate remains the most frequent toxin we see at AMC. Two dogs had double poisoning after eating both chocolate and marijuana, a particularly dangerous mix.

Remember: the darker the chocolate, the more hazardous for your pet, as it contains higher levels of theobromine, a stimulant that causes hyperactivity,

vomiting, muscle tremors and seizures.

Medications Mishaps- Medications, both human and veterinary, remain perennial top toxins. Inadvertent medication consumption was sometimes a team effort, involving multiple poisoned dogs from the same household for the same medication, highlighting the importance of safe and secure storage. Carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication group used to treat arthritis in dogs, was the most common medication resulting in admission to our hospital. Some NSAIDS come as very tasty chew tabs for dogs, which might explain their appeal to our canine friends.

Surprising Toxins

Two recent cases demonstrate how unexpected items can pose serious dangers:

Construction Glue: One dog ate construction glue a couple of weeks before admission to AMC. Some of the solidified glue passed in the stool, but an ultrasound

showed some still in her stomach. Our surgeons removed the remaining hardened pieces of glue, and the dog will be ok. We don’t know the exact glue this

dog ate, but it is similar to studies that describe Gorilla Glue ingestion in dogs.

The study describes how Gorilla Glue hardens and expands when it comes in contact with moisture in the stomach, causing vomiting and abdominal pain.

Bread Dough: Another dog was hospitalized after eating bread dough. You may be thinking, people and dogs eat bread every day, so why did eating bread dough land this dog in the hospital? Well, inside a dog’s warm stomach, the yeast in the bread dough metabolizes the flour and sugar from the dough. Yeast metabolism produces ethanol and carbon dioxide. Ethanol intoxication, or alcohol poisoning, can cause coma and death. Production of carbon dioxide gas inflates the stomach like a balloon. The recently admitted dog came to AMC because her family noticed a distended abdomen, and she seemed weak. Her stomach got pumped to relieve the distension and she was discharged from the hospital a day later.

Other Common Pet Poisons-

Lily ingestion in cats
Xylitol poisoning, especially in dogs

By staying informed about these common and emerging toxins, you can take proactive steps to keep your pets safe from accidental poisoning.

If you think your pet has ingested something toxic-

Call your veterinarian OR Go to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (fee applies)
Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 (fee applies).

*****

Article- ACB Advocacy Handout

[From: ACB- 202-467-5081, https://www.acb.org/home]

Sustaining Federal Policies and Programs Empowering People Experiencing Vision Loss to Continue Contributing to America

Blind individuals contribute to society in countless meaningful ways, just like anyone else. We are taxpayers, business owners, employees, consumers, homeowners, veterans, students, and seniors. We excel in various fields such as education, arts, technology, science, sports, and so much more.

However, specific federal policies and programs must be sustained by Congress to empower all Americans experiencing vision loss to continue contributing to our economic and social life. These laws and programs provide education, rehabilitation, employment, and opportunities for a healthy, fulfilling, and independent life.

Essential Laws and Programs for the Independence of People with Vision Loss:

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

This law provides rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. It also prohibits disability discrimination by the federal government, federal contractors, and recipients of federal funds. This law has historically opened the door to countless employment and other opportunities for people with disabilities, including people who are blind or who have low vision.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

This law provides equal opportunity by prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities by private and public employers, state and local governments and public accommodations. It enables blind and low vision people to participate equally and fully in all areas of our economy and society.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

School districts receive federal funding to provide special education and services that blind school-age children need to learn and compete in employment and to access higher educational opportunities.

The Older Individuals Who are Blind Program

This program provides funding to each state for targeted services to seniors experiencing vision loss. These services enable seniors to remain in their own homes and to avoid unwanted, unnecessary, and costly institutionalization in nursing homes.

The National Library Services

The program provides funding for audio and Braille books and other reading material to state and regional libraries for distribution to people who are blind or have low vision. Together with the Free Matter for the Blind privilege under the U.S. Postal Service, students can receive needed materials that set them up for remarkable success.

The Department of Transportation

Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other related laws enforced by DOT enable the blind and low vision community to travel independently to places of employment, public accommodations, and other social events.

***

Announcement – ACB to Provide Advisory Services to NFL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The American Council of the Blind to Provide Advisory Services to the National Football League Regarding Accessibility for Fans Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Alexandria, Va., March 25, 2025 — The American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the National Football League (NFL) are pleased to announce that ACB will now provide advisory services to the NFL in support of its longstanding commitment to accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision. This collaboration underscores the NFL’s ongoing efforts to provide all fans with a full and equal experience when enjoying the excitement of the game of football.

As a leading national advocacy organization with more than 8,000 members and 65 affiliates, ACB has long championed equality and accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision. ACB has played a key role in expanding audio description services, improving digital accessibility, and influencing public policy to ensure that people who are blind or have low vision can fully participate in all aspects of life.

In its advisory capacity, ACB will provide expert guidance and feedback to the NFL regarding special events and its ongoing efforts to continually enhance the accessibility of its digital platforms, including the league’s website, mobile applications, and other digital assets.

“We’re excited to join forces with one of the most iconic sports organizations in the world,” said ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill. “We applaud the NFL’s commitment to accessibility, and we look forward to working together to create a more inclusive fan experience.”

“We are excited to work with an organization as highly esteemed and knowledgeable as ACB to support our longstanding efforts to provide all fans, including those with disabilities, with the best overall experience when engaging with the NFL,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson.

This initiative marks another step forward in the NFL’s commitment to ensuring that fans who are blind or have low vision can enjoy the game with the same level of access as everyone else.

ACB Contact: Scott Thornhill, Executive Director

(202) 467-5081, sthornhill@acb.org

NFL Media Contact: Ian Martin

Ian.Martin@nfl.com

***

IMPORTANT Editor’s note-Content for GDUI News You Can Use is culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies said contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed sources.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use

Visit our website: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Access our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Access our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Access our Twitter timeline at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org

Welcome to Paws for GDUI – News You Can Use! – VOL. V, NO. 1 – February 2025 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the editor- Hello fellow GDUISters

Welcome to 2025 and the first issue of Paws for GDUI News You Can Use! It is tradition to do some rethinking at the beginning of a new year and institute changes as a result. While I eschew the over-used concept of New Year resolutions (so grandly, and loudly trumpeted, yet so quickly and quietly forgotten) I readily admit to taking a step back, while hanging the new calendar, and charting the course of the next 12 months by viewing the past 12 through clear and honest lenses. Having said that, here’s how that will manifest vis time in “Paws.” I have recommitted to timeliness in getting this publication to all of you. Time will tell if I am successful… <slightly sheepish smile>

Additionally, thanks to the brilliance of GDUI’s Board secretary, I am adopting the practice of separating each item in “Paws” with ***. This means, even if you never learned how to navigate with your screen-reader from one heading to the next, you can move from one topic to the next simply by searching for *** to find yourself right at the beginning of the next topic. “Thanks Lynn, that is brilliant, and made reading through the Board packet so very much easier for me!

The content of this issue contains, but is not limited to… health information about and for your dog; details of a contest for blind students; an extensive list of braille/large print calendars (very last item for easy finding, or avoiding *smile*); breaking news about convention 2025; book announcements for adults, and kids; gift ideas; shorts about love; a new take on an old tune; and much more!

I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved in our publication: Share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to us GDUISters!

Alright, enough reflection/instruction, read and enjoy!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

*****

From the President

Hello GDUI members and friends, Happy 2025!

I hope you all celebrated a very nice holiday season with your family, friends and pups! I have learned through the kennel grapevine that there are many new guide dog teams! Congratulations to those who have their first guide dog and to all of you with successor guides! I wish you many happy miles and smiles!

In January 2025, GDUI held our first board and retreat

meeting. During the first portion we handled the usual business items. Then we adjourned the board meeting and began our retreat, where we covered our governing documents, code of conduct, goals for the year, our chat and other email discussion lists and much more. The retreat provided a wonderful opportunity for current and incoming board members and committee chairpersons to get to know

each other.

I want to welcome GDUI’s new board members, Terrie Terlau, Patty Fletcher and Andrea Conner. And, GDUI’s new committee chairpersons,

Don Brown, Chair of Advocacy; Patty Fletcher, Chair of Membership; and Tammy Robbins, Chair of the Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAPP).

We are so fortunate to have these wonderful people join the GDUI team!

Hopefully, we are on the down side of winter and can look forward to spring! This

winter has been quite cold — actually freezing! — making us less active and keeping us from getting out and about with our guide dogs.

As the new year dawns, we are looking forward to the 2025

ACB and GDUI Conventions in Dallas, Texas, and anticipating some well-deserved time spent with old and new friends! Enjoy this issue of Paws! If you have any articles,

stories or something fellow GDUI members would enjoy, please submit them to Andrea Giudice, Editor, for publication in the April issue, by mid-February.

Email to:

dawgmawm@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, GDUI President,

And (retired) Lakota, and Wren

***

The Hidden Cost of “Voluntary” Self-Identification: A Critical Analysis of New

Ride-Share Policies for Guide Dog Handlers

By Don Brown

Editor’s Note: Don Brown is the newly appointed Chair of GDUI’s Advocacy and Legislative Committee. The “Paws” editorial team welcomes Don and wishes to express our gratitude for his commitment to the civil rights that all of us who partner with guide dogs rely upon for safe and independent travel.

The analysis below reflects Don’s thoughts in light of Uber’s recently announced effort to persuade service animal users to identify their intention to ride in Ubber vehicles with their service animals, in exchange for presumably less discriminatory transit by Uber drivers.

Don shared these thoughts with the GDUI Advocacy Committee after he, and many guide dog users from across the country, attended a January 30, town hall meeting co-sponsored by Uber and the National Federation of the Blind, where Uber described their plan of action.]

Recent changes in ride-sharing policies have introduced a troubling new dynamic in the fight for

guide dog handlers’ rights. Under the guise of improved service, major ride-sharing platforms have implemented or are piloting “voluntary” self-identification

programs for guide dog handlers. While marketed as optional, these programs create a concerning two-tiered system of justice that undermines fundamental

civil rights. Notably, these companies have failed to provide any empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of such programs in reducing discrimination.

Understanding the New Policy Framework

The new self-identification programs allow guide dog handlers to voluntarily flag their accounts, indicating they travel with a

service animal. What makes this policy particularly concerning is its connection to complaint resolution: handlers who choose to self-identify receive

access to an expedited investigation process if they experience discrimination, while those who don’t self-identify face a standard, slower complaint resolution

process.

Despite implementing these programs, ride-sharing companies have not released any data showing whether self-identification actually leads to fewer

instances of discrimination or improved outcomes for guide dog handlers.

The Legal Context and Rights Erosion

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),

in addition to many state and local non-discrimination provisions, guide dog handlers have an unequivocal right to access transportation services. This

right exists without any requirement for pre-notification or special identification. The creation of a “voluntary” system that offers better protection

only to those who self-identify effectively undermines this fundamental legal protection.

The False Choice

While ride-sharing companies present self-identification

as a voluntary choice that enhances service, they have provided no substantive data to support this claim. The complete absence of efficacy metrics raises

serious questions about whether these programs represent genuine good-faith efforts to address discrimination or merely serve as public relations measures.

By offering expedited complaint resolution only to those who self-identify, these policies create an implicit pressure to surrender privacy rights in exchange

for better enforcement of existing legal protections. This is not a genuine choice – it’s a false dilemma that shouldn’t exist under current civil rights law.

Why This Matters

The impact of this two-tiered system extends beyond individual ride denials. According to recent surveys, guide dog handlers already

face systematic discrimination in accessing ride-share services. Creating different levels of protection based on willingness to self-identify only compounds

this problem, particularly when there is no evidence that such identification actually prevents discrimination.

Consider the implications

Privacy Compromise: Handlers must choose between maintaining their privacy and receiving prompt investigation of discrimination complaints.
Unequal Protection: Two guide dog handlers could face identical discrimination, yet receive dramatically different response times and attention levels based solely on whether they pre-registered their disability status.
Normalization of Discrimination: By creating “special” handling for self-identified users, these policies implicitly suggest that discrimination against non-registered handlers is less serious or urgent.
Lack of Accountability: Without transparent data on program effectiveness, there is no way to assess whether these policies actually improve outcomes for guide dog handlers or simply create additional barriers.

The Broader Civil Rights Implications

This policy approach sets a dangerous precedent for disability rights more broadly. If successful, other service providers

might adopt similar “voluntary” identification systems that provide enhanced protection only to those willing to pre-disclose their disability status.

This could gradually erode the fundamental principle that civil rights protections should apply equally to all.

A Better Path Forward

Rather than implementing tiered complaint systems based on self-identification, ride-sharing companies should:

Ensure all discrimination complaints receive equally urgent investigation and response
Strengthen driver education about legal obligations regarding service animals
Implement consistent consequences for access denials
Develop complaint systems that protect privacy while ensuring swift resolution
Partner with guide dog handler organizations to create truly inclusive and meaningful policies
Provide transparent data on discrimination incidents and resolution outcomes
Demonstrate measurable improvements in guide dog handler access through evidence-based solutions

Conclusion

The introduction of “voluntary” self-identification programs, despite their purported benefits, represents a concerning shift in civil rights

protection for guide dog handlers. While expedited complaint resolution is valuable, it should be available to all handlers who experience discrimination,

not just those who agree to pre-disclose their disability status.

Transportation access with a guide dog is not a privilege to be earned through registration

– it is a fundamental right protected by federal law. The guide dog handling community must remain vigilant against policies that, however well-intentioned,

create unequal protection under the law or pressure individuals to surrender their privacy rights in exchange for proper enforcement of existing legal

protections. Any system that provides different levels of protection based on willingness to self-identify ultimately undermines the core principles of

disability rights legislation and must be challenged, regardless of its voluntary nature or promised benefits. Without clear evidence demonstrating the

effectiveness of these programs in reducing discrimination, they appear to serve more as a mechanism for deflecting criticism than as a genuine solution

to a persistent civil rights issue.

GDUI, through our affiliation with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), remains committed

to working collaboratively with ride-sharing companies to develop meaningful solutions to address the pervasive and potentially traumatizing discrimination

that the vast majority of guide dog handlers unfortunately face on a far too regular basis. We stand ready to lend our expertise and experience to help

create truly effective and equitable policies that protect the rights of all guide dog handlers.

For Your Calendar

(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off. For more in-depth information search for “Calendar Event Details”)

National Pet Dental Health Month: 2/2025.

Stargardt Summit (Virtual OR In-Person): 2/22/2025, 10:00 AM/ET.

Multi-State Auction! (Virtual): 3/29/2025, 7:00 PM/ET.

****

Announcement- Get your print/braille Valentines today!

Time may be short! (A special announcement from NBP indicates: Due to very slow delivery times via Free Matter this year, please consider opting for paid UPS delivery.)

Our print/braille Valentines are the perfect way to promote braille among family, friends, and classmates.

We have three remaining card designs still available.

New valentines for 2025: You’re One in a Melon!

Set of 20 print/braille Valentines and envelopes, $15.00

Our “punny” print/braille card is a perfect way to tell your friends how special they are!

This year’s Valentine features a green-striped watermelon with a slice taken out and resting in front, and the words “Valentine, You’re One in a Melon!” in watermelon-red across the top. Little red hearts also float around the watermelon and the slice. On the back of the card is a “braille decoder” to help friends and family read the message in braille.

https://shop.nbp.org/products/valentines-2025?se_activity_id=151153705156&syclid=cucgg7k6u9ss739sbavg&utm_campaign=Get+your+print%2Fbraille+Valentines+today%21_151153705156&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Valentines 2024 (Pie Like You…)

Set of 20 print/braille Valentines and envelopes

This playful print/braille card is a perfect way to tell your friends how special they are! This year’s Valentine features a hot, fresh-out-of-the-oven, traditional pie with crust floating on a light blue background above the words “Pie like you berry much!” The point in the exclamation point is a red heart. To the right of the pie is a vertical column with a blueberry, a strawberry, and a purplish blackberry.

On the back of the card is a “braille decoder” to help friends and family read the message in braille.

https://shop.nbp.org/collections/valentines-day-cards-gifts/products/valentines-2024

Valentines 2021 (Chimply The Best) 32 Count

Don’t monkey around! This delightful print/braille card is a perfect way to tell your friends how special they are. This year’s Valentine features a cute turtle telling his adorable chimp friend, “You’re chimply the best!” On the back of the card is a “braille decoder”

to help friends and family read the message in braille.

https://shop.nbp.org/collections/valentines-day-cards-gifts/products/valentines-2021-chimply-the-best-32-count

Valentine gift ideas for classmates, friends, colleagues, or that someone special! Check out our entire Valentine Cards & Gifts collection.

https://shop.nbp.org/collections/valentines-day-cards-gifts?se_activity_id=151153705156&syclid=cucgvjrbfoic73d9kb9g&utm_campaign=Get+your+print%2Fbraille+Valentines+today%21_151153705156&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

****

Calendar Event Details: Stargardt Summit

Please join us at the Carroll Center for the Blind’s second annual Stargardt Summit on Saturday, February 22, 2025! Sponsored by Alkeus Pharmaceuticals and hosted in collaboration with Foundation Fighting Blindness and The Blind Life, this event will bring together the Stargardt community for a day of discovery, connection, and empowerment.

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, ET. Note that Virtual attendance ends at 1:00PM.
Location: Virtual OR In-Person at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, 785 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458

Program Overview:

10:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Speaking Program (virtual and in-person)
Keynote speech from Kenyetta McCurdy-Byrd, followed by three panel discussions filled with expert speakers.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch with a chance to network and explore exhibit tables featuring resources and innovations from our event supporters (in-person only).
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Speaker-facilitated breakout sessions and small group discussion (in-person only).

Deadline to register for the in-person session is Friday, February 14th.

Click the link below to read more about the day’s events, speakers, and to register:

https://carroll.org/events/stargardt-summit-2025/

*****

Calendar Event Details: Multi-State Auction!

[From: The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII • February 2025 • No. 6]

We invite all to have a fun evening with us at 7:00 PM, ET, on March 29, 2025, to enjoy a night of fun on ACB Media Channel 8 as we gather to bid on great items such as electronics (including a Versa Slate), and two top-of-the-line Bose speakers, but wait … there’s more! You will also find exquisite jewelry, fine wine, delightful food items and a wide selection of restaurant gift cards.

A registration form will be posted in March as people must register to bid.

Please join us on ACB Media Channel 8 as we look forward to enjoying an evening of fun and excitement. All proceeds will strengthen our affiliates.

On behalf of affiliates of Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. We can’t wait to see you there! Thank you from the Steering Committee of the Interstate Auction of March 29, 2025.

*****

Book Announcement: The extraordinarily ordinary kittens: a true story told by a rascally, rescue dog named Sneakers

[From the GDUI Chat list]

Happy New Year To All!

The book below is available on BARD. It is, not only delightful, but may also help the ‘Littles’ you love learn about blindness and you.

Safe Travels in 2025!

Shirley & Bonnie

The extraordinarily ordinary kittens: a true story told by a rascally, rescue dog named Sneakers DBC28171

Damato, Nina. Reading time: 38 minutes.

Read by Nina Damato. A production of Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Animals and Wildlife

Introduce your primary grade kiddos to the captivating and heartwarming, TRUE tale of Bocelli and Big Louis Braille, two blind kittens adopted from the shelter, in “The Extraordinarily Ordinary Kittens.” Narrated by the resident rascally, rescue dog, Sneakers, the story unfolds as the kittens explore their new home, showcasing their remarkable ability to thrive without sight. Engaging banter with Mom adds humor, as she insists each new accomplishment is EXTRAORDINARY.

To the contrary Sneakers rebuts with – “They seem like ORDINARY kittens to me.” This captivating book delicately broaches the complex topic of blindness, providing a positive and gentle introduction to it. The book is an ideal tool for preparing children for encounters with individuals with disabilities, offering a real-life portrayal of the message that we are much more alike than different. 2023. For grades K-3.

***

Announcement: The Seeing Eye Advocacy App

Know Your Rights

The Seeing Eye has developed a free app for Apple/iOS and Google/Android to provide information about the U.S. and Canadian laws that ensure guide dog handlers have access to public places and protect them from interference from people and other dogs. The app also contains some educational materials The

Seeing Eye has developed on these topics including the

Guide Dog At Work

campaign and our taxi and rideshare flier.

To download the app from Apple’s App Store, go to this link: https://apps.apple.com/app/the-seeing-eye-advocacy/id6446094763

From the Google Play store for Android, the link is: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thegrandscheme.theseeingeyeadvocacy

If you want to locate the app by using the search function, we recommend you type “The Seeing Eye Advocacy” into the search box for best results.

We hope this will be a useful resource for those of us who are guide dog handlers; guide dog instructors who want to know the laws when they are traveling with dogs and working in the field with students and graduates; business owners; dog owners who want to know how to manage their pet dogs around guide dogs; and anyone else who might need or want the information. We could not have done this without the hard work and determination of staff and the developer we contracted with to design the app. The support and encouragement from our Seeing Eye graduate community has been invaluable during this process.

We will need to make periodic updates to fix bugs and to update information about the laws as they change, so we appreciate your feedback! You can reach

out to us at

advocacy@seeingeye.org.

***

Article: Traveling Blind

By DeAnna Quietwater Noriega

We are in the season when people travel to visit family, or leave winter weather behind to find a bit of sunshine somewhere warm. Here are some of the travel tips I have learned over the years.

If your journey is of short duration, pack light. If you can fit everything in to a small enough bag to carry on with you, then you won’t have to struggle to describe your luggage to a person who doesn’t speak good English.

If you absolutely need a bag that must be checked, mark it in a distinctive way. You could paste on a bright bumper sticker, tie a wide colorful ribbon or scarf through the handle, or purchase luggage that is an unusual color. I have had a friend paint a design on the canvas side of one case and marked another with hearts and flowers meant to be stuck on the bottom of a bathtub to prevent slipping. Be creative and make that travel companion stand out!

In your carry-on luggage, place anything you can’t afford to be without should your checked bag get lost. This might include such things as medications, jewelry, comb, toothbrush and some extra articles of clothing that mix and match with your travel outfit. you might include a change of underthings, a matching vest, blouse, and long skirt.

Many fabrics can be rolled up and jammed in to a small bag and don’t wrinkle. My favorite travel outfits don’t have zippers, metallic buttons or decorative features. Sportswear is designed for comfort and can be surprisingly adaptable to fit the occasion. You might consider something like yoga pants, topped with a soft tunic length sweater, and slip on walking shoes. I like Birkenstock sandals or moccasins.

Wear this outfit with a light jacket or raincoat with zippered pockets Are you wondering why I specified zippered pockets on that jacket? They come in handy for stowing things like your ID, a handful of dollar bills to tip sky caps or people who assist you in making your connections or get you to the hotel shuttle or cab. I also like to keep copies of my travel itinerary in an accessible format in one of those pockets, along with print copies of any required travel forms for my guide dog. Speaking of traveling with a guide dog, consider fitting a couple of servings of dog food in zip lock bags, a collapsible dog dish, pick up bags, a few folded paper towels, a travel size pack of wet wipes and dog treats, in your carry-on bag. That way, you can cope with your luggage missing its connecting flight or wandering off in a completely different direction than you.

Some of these things could fit in to a fanny pack to free up space in your carry-on bag. I use a lanyard pouch for some of these items which has zippered sections for papers, cash and a pocket to hold my cell phone. You can easily put your shoes, lanyard with cell phone and fanny pack together in one tub. My audio book reader also has a lanyard and these small items that you wear aren’t counted as luggage. Nor are special needs medical equipment counted even when they require a dedicated small bag of their own.

Another way to lighten your load is to mail ahead things like dog food. Or gifts for the people you are visiting. If you are going to check a bag anyway, then you don’t need to worry about making sure you have travel sized containers of liquid toiletries. Just pack what you need in the checked bag.

Some of the other things to consider bringing—a raincoat that can double as a robe; a sun visor cap or sun hat that folds up; A small bottle of dish liquid to rinse out lingerie; a mesh laundry bag or basket. There are ones that fold flat and take little or no space in a suitcase and make handling dirty laundry a breeze.

The best thing you can bring is a sense of humor and a determination not to sweat the small stuff.

Flights can be delayed, connections can be missed, and guide dogs can get ill. Keeping a positive attitude and explaining clearly what assistance you require can smooth out some of the inconveniences of travel. If the meet and assist folks show up with a wheelchair you don’t need, use it to carry your bag and explain what help you need calmly with a smile. If the airline personnel try to move you to a different seat than the one you booked, because they think your dog won’t fit in the space you prefer, stay calm. Offer to demonstrate how this works and assure the stewardess that your dog understands the procedure and is comfortable using it. Whatever the snag in your travel might be, remain friendly but firm about what you want and need. Enjoy the adventure and travel safely.

****

Awesome “guide dog song”!- Walk Like a Guide Dog Team (to the tune of “Walk Like an Egyptian”)

By Anthony Corona

Host and Producer of Sunday edition

sundayeditionac@gmail.com

🎵 All the people see us glide, Moving smooth, with my pup as my guide. We’re dodging cracks, we’re dodging poles, Navigating life with

some serious goals. Crosswalk’s clear? My pup knows the drill, Finds

the curb with precision and skill. We’ve got the rhythm, we’ve got the

stride, With a wagging tail, we take it in pride.

(Chorus) Walk like a guide dog team, oh-oh-oh, Glide through the streets like a dream,

oh-oh-oh, Find the stairs, the door, the chair, With my happy pup, we go anywhere.

🎵 Every obstacle’s just a game, Big, bright puppy eyes are never to blame. He stops at stairs, he waits at the line, Wants to make sure his handler’s fine. The city’s buzz can’t break our groove, With a nose to the ground, we’ve got the moves. He’s a pro at work and

full of heart, Every step we take, it’s a work of art.

(Chorus) Walk like a guide dog team, oh-oh-oh, Navigate the world like a dream, oh-oh-oh, Finding the way with a wag and a grin, With my pup by my side, we always win.

🎵 There’s no better joy, no brighter light,

Than a pup who works with all their might. The world’s a puzzle, a fun little quest, With my guide dog, I’m feeling blessed. So if you see us strolling along, Know every step is a dance, a song. We’re a team,

we’re a bond so tight, With my big happy pup, life’s just right.

(Final Chorus) Walk like a guide dog team, oh-oh-oh, Glide through the streets like a dream, oh-oh-oh, Finding crosswalks, stairs, and chairs, With my partner, we’re conquering the squares!

🎵 Walk like a guide dog team… 🎵

****

Announcement: Link to the Blessing of the Animals, 2024

For those who were unable to listen to this wonderful annual event or for those who wish to listen to it again, here is the direct link to the recording within the ACB Community podcasts:

20241229 Blessing of the Animals

Article: Why some Bay Area blind people say Waymos are changing their lives

By Maliya Ellis

[From: The San Francisco Chronicle,

Jan 2, 2025. Source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/blind-people-waymos-changing-lives-19965037.php]

Jerry Kuns, 83, takes public transit as much as he can, but like many San Franciscans, he’ll opt for an Uber or a Lyft if he’s running late. But for Kuns, who is fully blind, ride-hailing is like flipping a coin: At least half the time, Kuns said, his Uber or Lyft drivers won’t identify themselves clearly, even though he messages ahead of time asking them to. The car might be sitting across the street for minutes, but he won’t know it. So increasingly, Kuns turns to a transit option he said is more accessible and makes him feel more independent: Waymo. At the push of a button on the Waymo app, Kuns can honk the robotaxi’s horn or play a melody through its speakers, taking the guesswork out of locating the vehicle, he said. “I call it ‘my ride, my car,’” Kuns said of the autonomous vehicle company. “I don’t have to interact with anybody, it’s gonna take me basically where I want to go, when I want to go there, and it’s all about my choice and I’m not dependent on your eyes to see what’s around me.” Kuns is one of the many Bay Area blind or visually impaired people who say they’re increasingly choosing Waymo over traditional ride-hailing services. While the robotaxis can feel like an unsettling loss of control for some sighted people, many blind riders say the opposite: that Waymos restore a sense of control and agency they thought they’d never experience, or never experience again. The Mountain View company and Alphabet subsidiary, which opened up rides to the public in San Francisco in June and now has nearly 500,000 paid trips a month statewide, has accessibility features that ride-hailing competitors don’t have. During the ride, users can opt in to audio cues that describe when the car is stopping at a light or yielding to pedestrians. And after drop-off, the app offers turn-by-turn walking directions to a rider’s exact destination. Perhaps most importantly, calling a Waymo means certainty that the ride won’t be canceled — a frequent gripe some blind people, especially those who use guide dogs, have with Uber and Lyft. “I’ll get denial after denial, five or six times,” Sharon Giovinazzo, 55, said of her experience using Uber and Lyft. Giovinazzo, the CEO of San Francisco nonprofit Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, uses a guide dog, a sticking point with some drivers. “They say, ‘We don’t want a dog in our car.’” In October, the National Federation of the Blind protested these service denials in front of both ride-hailing companies’ San Francisco headquarters. “Uber and Lyft provide a service that is of tremendous benefit to blind people, but these companies are failing to address discrimination against us that often leaves us stranded,” federation President Mark Riccobono said in a statement at the time. Uber’s and Lyft’s policies prohibit drivers from canceling rides because a rider has a disability or travels with a guide dog, and both companies are piloting a feature for people with service animals to disclose their animal when requesting a ride, according to company spokespeople. “Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated, and our Community Guidelines make this clear,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement. “Discrimination has no place in the Lyft community,” a Lyft spokesperson said in a statement. Waymo has a partnership with Lighthouse and occasionally sponsors events there, Giovinazzo said. Lighthouse was an inaugural member of the Waymo Accessibility Network, a group of disability advocates and nonprofits that has met semi-regularly since 2022 to give the company feedback on accessibility features, according to Rachel Kamen, a spokesperson for Waymo. For some blind people who lost their sight later in life, Waymos give them a taste of a freedom they never thought they’d experience again: the feeling of being alone in a car. Kevin Chao, 33, who is blind, still remembers the thrill of learning how to drive — before he lost his vision as a teenager. Riding a Waymo, he said, is “just super empowering and liberating. I was like, ‘This is cool — a blind person in the car without anyone else.’” Giovinazzo says giving up driving was one of the most difficult consequences of going blind at 31. Now, with Waymo, “I can go wherever I want, whenever I want, and I have full control over that,” she said. Plus, she can even play her favorite music through the car’s speakers, toggling from K-pop to country to R&B.

Blind advocacy organizations also say that Waymo and other autonomous vehicle companies could help solve systemic issues that blind and low vision people face, like isolation and unemployment. The unemployment rate for working-age people with visual impairments is double that of sighted people, according to the American Foundation for the Blind. “I see it as a game-changer for our community when it comes to linking people to employment and community,” Giovinazzo said.

Karae Lisle, CEO of the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which operates three offices in the South Bay, said blind people are often late to their appointments, or wait hours in the lobby for a ride home afterward, because ride-hailing drivers often cancel rides and government services such as paratransit can be slow or unreliable. Though Vista Center’s offices are outside of Waymo’s service area, Lisle said her blind patrons and staff are eager for the robotaxis to expand. “It’s a ‘no fear, we can’t wait’ kind of feeling,” Lisle said. “This is going to change their lives.”

Still, some blind people have accessibility features they’d like to see Waymo add, such as a play-by-play audio tour of sights passing by during the ride or a sighted assistant on-demand for emergencies. And Waymo’s limited-service area and high price point mean it’s not an everyday transit option for most blind people. Chao, who lives in the East Bay, uses Waymo only when he’s in San Francisco. Sometimes, he said, Waymo’s price is two or three times that of a traditional ride-hail, so he’ll go for an Uber or Lyft instead.

Besides offering rides in San Francisco, Waymo is available in Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma. The company has offered rides in Phoenix since 2020 and began limited service in Los Angeles in April. Waymo has expressed its intent to expand to the East Bay and San Jose but has not disclosed a timeline for that expansion. Waymo is the only autonomous vehicle company offering public rides, after General Motors’ Cruise left the robotaxi market in December. The company faced a $1.5 million fine after failing to fully report an October 2023 crash in San Francisco, when one of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles dragged a pedestrian 20 feet after she was hit by a human driver. Amazon-owned Zoox began operating its pill capsule-shaped robotaxis in the South of Market neighborhood in November, but the vehicles are not yet open to the public. Giovinazzo, the Lighthouse CEO, said the nonprofit has already made contact with Zoox and will be one of the company’s community partners when it rolls out its rides. Giovinazzo said she is excited about more companies entering the robotaxi market, though Waymo has set a high bar for accessibility

As for Kuns, he is still a fan of riding Muni and taking long walks in the city he loves. But when it comes to the future of autonomous vehicles, he’s gung-ho. “If there were autonomous scooters,” he said, “I’d be on one.”

Reach Maliya Ellis: maliya.ellis@hearst.com; X: @EllisMaliya; Bluesky: @maliyaellis.bsky.social

****

Story- adventures of a skilled professional guide dog: Adventures in shopping

By: boutique, the brave

(As shared with, and by, Anthony Corona)

The whoosh of the automatic doors welcomed us as we entered the superstore. My tail swished once — just once — to show my excitement. Another day on the job,

guiding Anthony, my human and partner, through the world. His hand rested on my harness, steady and confident. Anthony had a list on the phone in in his

pocket and his heart set on something sweet. I knew from experience that the bakery aisle held his favorite treat: store-baked chocolate chip cookies,

which he’d enjoy later with a glass of ice-cold milk. As we navigated the bustling aisles, I was focused. My ears perked up, and my nose scanned the air,

but my steps were steady. Everything was going smoothly—until it wasn’t.

The sharp, rapid barks hit me first. Then came the sound of a leash snapping

taut and a voice, shrill and frantic, yelling, “Stop! Stop it!”

A fake service animal. Anthony paused. I could feel him assess the situation, his hand

tightening slightly on my harness. The barking grew louder as the other dog dragged its handler closer, lunging and snarling. I planted my feet, calm and

unmoving, keeping my human safe.

“Excuse me, ma’am, can you control your dog?” Anthony said, his voice calm but firm.

The woman waved a hand dismissively.

“He’s fine! He’s just excited!”

He wasn’t fine. The dog lunged again, barking wildly. The woman’s panicked yelling only made the situation worse.

A store employee rushed over, looking frazzled. “Uh, maybe both dogs should leave? This is causing a scene.”

Anthony’s jaw tightened. “We’re not leaving,” he

said evenly. “My guide dog and I have every right to be here, under the Americans with Disabilities Act. That dog,” he gestured toward the lunging animal,

“is not a service animal. Your store is required by law to allow us to shop in peace.”

The employee stammered, glancing back and forth between Anthony

and the barking dog. “I-I’ll get a manager,” he said before scurrying off.

Meanwhile, bystanders were watching. Some looked at me with sympathy, others

at Anthony with uncertainty. I caught sight of a little girl standing nearby, her wide eyes fixed on me.

“Mommy,” she whispered, “can I say hi to the nice

doggy?”

Her mother hushed her, but Anthony overheard. He smiled gently and said, “Thank you for asking politely. It’s not always possible for a guide

dog to meet and greet, especially when they’re working, but I can tell you’re a smart, sweet girl. I hope you’ll tell your friends that it’s important

not to talk to or distract a working dog.”

The girl beamed, her tiny hand reaching out carefully to pat my head. “Hi, Boaty,” she whispered.

I wagged my tail softly, letting her know I appreciated the kindness.

The manager arrived, his tone clipped as he said, “What seems to be the problem here?”

Anthony explained again, calmly but firmly, that we were lawfully allowed to shop while the other dog, clearly not a trained service animal, was causing the disturbance.

“This is unacceptable,” Anthony added. “Please deal with her and let us go about our business.”

I felt his frustration bubbling beneath the surface,

but Anthony never raised his voice. With a quiet command, he urged me forward. “Boaty, let’s go.”

I led him away from the chaos, keeping my stride confident

and steady. Behind us, the manager was trying to calm the shrieking woman, who was still insisting her dog was “emotional support.” The barking faded as

we moved deeper into the store, leaving the employee and manager to handle the situation.

By the time we reached the bakery aisle, Anthony’s tension had

eased. He picked up a pack of chocolate chip cookies and dropped them into the cart. “Good boy, Boaty,” he said, crouching down to scratch behind my ears.

I leaned into his touch, knowing I’d done my job well. A few aisles later, we found the toys. Anthony let me sniff a squeaky bone before placing it in

the cart, a reward for staying calm under pressure. At the checkout, the little girl passed us again, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. I wagged my tail once, a silent hello. As we walked out of the store, the chilly breeze hit my fur, and I let my shoulders relax. I knew I’d handled the situation perfectly, staying calm and focused for Anthony. But deep down, I couldn’t help thinking about how lucky I was. I’ve heard stories from my fellow skilled

professional guide dog friends who weren’t so fortunate. Some have been lunged at, hurt, or scared so badly by fake service animals that they became too afraid

to work. It’s heartbreaking because I know how much our humans rely on us. I just wish more people understood the importance of what we do, and the harm

that fake service animals can cause. But not everyone misunderstands. I thought about the little girl and how calm and kind she had been. It’s rare for

someone her age to ask so politely before approaching a working dog. Even with all the chaos, she stayed friendly and composed. That impressed me. Maybe,

just maybe, she’ll grow up to share what she learned today — that working dogs like me need focus and space to do our jobs. And if more people understand that, the world will be a little safer for teams like mine.

Anthony Corona

[Editor’s note: The following items are taken from The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII • February 2025 and are included because, while I realize many of you also receive that publication, they are wonderful stories of joy and love. I firmly believe we can all use large doses of both, not just month, but all months!]

I Found My True Love in a Newspaper Article

by Tammy Robbins

In late October 2005, my boss sent me an article from our local newspaper about a man who had lost his sight in a motorcycle accident in 1996.

The article focused on the fact that even though he lost his sight, he wanted to go back to work as a mechanic because he felt that he was still perfectly capable of doing that job as a blind person.

After reading the article, I was very impressed with the fact that this man had not given up on himself and was willing to fight for what he wanted.

Having been blind since birth myself, I always admired others who did not give up when they lost their sight. I found myself really wanting to talk with this man and see if there was anything I could do to help him with his goal.

Unfortunately for me, finding him turned out to be a bit more difficult than I thought it would be. At the time he did not have a phone of his own, and there was no easy way to get his address. However, I was not one to give up.

With the help of my 12-year-old son and some resourceful friends, we were finally able to connect after nine long months. When we talked on the phone for the first time, we introduced ourselves. I was very nervous.

After he said, “Hi, I’m Bob,” my first question was, “How’s life in the witness protection program?” After he giggled, we went on with our chat and eventually planned for him to come spend the weekend so we could get to meet in person. At the time, this was the best thing to do as we needed help with transportation and the busses didn’t go to the town where he lived.

When he finally got to my house, it was like we’d known each other forever. We talked all night and into the following morning, and we only went to sleep because we were absolutely exhausted. As the weekend came to a close, we tried to figure out how we could date like normal people, but with transportation and other issues, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

At that point, I suggested that maybe we should give living together a try, and Bob agreed with me. We discussed our decision with my son, and he thought it was the right thing to do. So Bob moved in, and we were married less than one year later.

We got married in a rented hall in a little town in Connecticut with our faithful guide dogs by our sides, and we were surrounded by our family and friends. After we said our vows, I sang “The Rose” and everyone cried, including me.

Some people thought we were crazy, and maybe we were, but we celebrated our 19th year together on July first of this year and we’re still very happy and very much in love.

I guess you can never know where love will come from. I certainly never expected to find my soulmate in a newspaper article.

A Conventional Couple

by Anthony Corona and Gabriel Lopez Kafati

Anthony:

I was so new in my blindness journey when I received an unconventional plea from a friend from my recent guide dog class: Please share a room with me for ACB convention. Having had a not so pleasant experience with the other organization, I was not really stoked to go, but with a little convincing, off to Rochester I went…

Gabriel:

I was getting ready for another busy convention, packed with BPI events that I would have to manage, and filling my calendar with general session commitments, workshops, and social gatherings. I had received a text message from a friend telling me that someone was interested in joining BPI, and that if I could please look out for him.

Once in Rochester, I received another text message from this Anthony Corona, asking me all sorts of questions about BPI and our events. I replied to a few of his messages, but then asked him if he had access to the convention calendar, and reminded him that he could find all BPI and other valuable convention information there.

Anthony: The Meet

Picture it, an AIRA break-out session, and I am in the back of the room giving the poor AIRA representative a hard time over access offers when the next questioner stands and introduces himself! My heart literally skipped beats as this hypnotic, melodic voice begins to build so much more succinctly and intelligently on the point I was trying to get across. In that moment I just knew I had to meet this guy.

Now let me digress a bit and fill you all in on the fact that unbeknownst to me I was already texting with the velvety smooth voiced gentleman when I was hit with the lightning bolt of love at first sound!! I had been seeking information from him with varying degrees of success, LOL. So to my surprise when I reluctantly paid my entrance fee at the door of the BPI mixer later that weekend, when what should nearly cause a stroke in my already rapidly beating heart were the words I will forever hear in my mind and heart. “Good evening, welcome to BPI. I am Gabriel, president.” Could this velvet smooth voice be both the hottie from the AIRA session and the guy avoiding my texts? Oh, it would be a night to remember.

Gabriel:

I remember hearing his voice at an early Saturday morning AIRA session. I said to myself: “He sounds interesting;” however, my predominant thought was: “This guy is stealing my questions!” As it was a very busy time for me, I left the meeting room rather quickly so I could pick up my registration packet next door.

The following evening, during the BPI mixer, I was greeting folks around the room and introduced myself to this gentleman who was sitting in one of the couches at the BPI hospitality suite. I noticed he was confused, perhaps a bit befuddled. After a few minutes into our conversation, I felt intrigued by him. We let our guide dogs, Posh and Boaty, say hi to each other; and then, noticing that there were other guests that required or wanted my attention, I asked him: “Can you hold Posh for a minute?” He happily agreed. As president of an affiliate, I made my rounds and made sure everyone was having a good time, while occasionally checking on him, and on my pup, of course. During one of those check-ins, he told me he needed to take Boaty out, and I said to myself: “Yeah, he won’t be back, but oh well; his loss.”

Anthony:

As the evening progressed, I was treated to a high level of attention from president Gabriel, to my delight. However, there were a few other gentlemen vying for my attention, and suddenly I was overwhelmed. This guy Gabriel was so charming, smart, and boy, did his voice and flirting hit me in all the right spots. Having no idea how much responsibility it is to carry a convention program at that time, I was also wrestling with his lackluster text performance and what that said about him as a person. That and these other guys wanting to help me make the most of convention and my head was spinning. I had to get out for a little fresh air and time to plot my next move.

Gabriel:

As I continued working the mixer, I was multi-tasking with last-minute arrangements for some of the other BPI events, and probably driving Janet Dickelman crazy along the process. Since I had noticed that Anthony was getting some attention from another gentleman, I said to myself: “I really like him, but I am not competing for him, and I am definitely not lapsing on my duties for him!” I guess something in my heart was telling me that I did not want to let him get away, so I decided to take the rest of my planning calls out in the hallway, where I could hear him, in case he decided to make his way back as he had promised.

My mind and attention were split between arranging grocery runs for wine tastings and thinking how long he was taking to come back. I also thought to myself, perhaps he has already made plans with someone else? I had made it clear that my time was all tied up for the following week. I also thought that perhaps it was best for him to spend his first convention with someone who could dedicate more time to go on tours with him and just having typical convention fun. Something in my heart kept telling me that I shouldn’t give up; that this guy had really sparked an interest in me; that I really wanted to get to know him better.

Anthony:

This is as honest as I can get, there really was no decision to make. I was already head over heels for the guy. I just had to go back into that suite and play it cool. I would maximize the flirt and end the night with the goose flesh-inducing Gabe. So I stepped off the elevator and turned into the hall towards the suite and to my utter surprise and delight there was my crush waiting nervously outside the party pacing the floors. Were you waiting for me, I asked. He was!! Nervous chatter and banter led to what has been the very best first kiss of my life!! I was already so hooked on the guy, and bonus I was crazy in love with his perfect princess of a guide dog, Posh. Double Bonus: My guide Boaty was already snout over paws for her and Gabe too! This marked the beginning of a week to remember. Great nights talking, laughing and of course kissing. A little jealous plotting from one of those other gentlemen and the realizing that there was something real to capture and hold onto if we’re both brave enough to do so. Was it really love at first sound? No one will ever convince me otherwise, but I digress… Take it from here, honey.

Gabriel:

I was pacing up and down in front of the BPI suite when I heard that voice! I heard him saying, “Boaty, right, right.” My heart skipped a beat. I started wrapping up my call and tried to sound more surprised to see him back. We engaged in conversation around various topics; I talked about fashion and described my attire to him. The conversation grew more personal, and at that moment it struck me: I liked him! A lot! I had so many commitments and I did not want to make any promises I couldn’t keep, but I wanted to give him a token of my interest, so I said to myself: “Why not?” Before we went back into the suite, I wrapped my right hand around the back of his neck and gave him the sweetest of kisses.

From that moment on, I felt like we were a couple. We stuck together throughout every part of each other’s convention experience. He helped me clean up the BPI suite; he took care of Posh while I took care of organizational business; I introduced him to folks. We had meals together, and we spent endless evenings together. Many times, I was so tired that I simply fell asleep on his shoulder or chest. By the end of the week, it was clear that we could not go back to our respective homes without making plans for the future. Love had indubitably arrived!

Anthony and Gabriel:

Five years and counting, we still reminisce of that night in Rochester. We always think of what we both felt on that moment of our first kiss. We always laugh at how we were both pretending to be less interested in each other than what we really were. Our hearts are filled with tenderness when we remember how we fell in love with each other’s dogs, before falling in love with each other. We have grown and learned so much from each other. One of us has developed a taste for red wine and the other one of us has… developed a hard-to-achieve enthusiasm for performing during karaoke. Together, we have welcomed new members into our family, both human and canine. We are so connected that, as we write this article, we are both noticing the use, or overuse, of the word “we” in this paragraph. We may have even started planning to come back to a convention and have a certain convention coordinator become a wedding officiant. Most importantly, we will always tell this story with the fullest of hearts and the utmost fondness towards a not-so-glamorous yet charming of places as is Rochester, N.Y. We will always remember that we are indeed a “Conventional Couple!”

Meeting Ed

by Toni Eames

While attending the ACB convention in Philadelphia in 1984, I ran into a friend who told me about Ed Eames, a newly blind professor researching guide dog schools. Apparently, he was unaware that not all guide dogs were trained at schools. My dogs Flicka and Ivy had been trained privately. My convention friend Cindy told me I would be doing a disservice to guide dogs if I didn’t educate Ed about dogs not trained by schools.

Guide dogs were my hobby, and I was familiar with most of the CEOs at that time. Not wanting to do a disservice to guide dog owners, I reluctantly contacted Ed.

Ed was a professor of anthropology at Baruch College in New York City, and I was a rehab counselor at a Long Island psychiatric center. Traveling to Manhattan to attend my uncle’s memorial service, I reluctantly agreed to meet Ed. What an incredible meeting it turned out to be! Ed treated me to Chinese food and took me home in a taxi. The attraction was overwhelming, and the conversation was unending!

Since my knowledge base was far superior to Ed’s, he invited me to co-author his book, “A Guide to Guide Dog Schools” (available on BARD). I was partnered with my first guide dog in 1967, and Ed, newly blind, was very new to the guide dog lifestyle. While Ed and I discussed issues for the book, our dogs Perrier and Ivy romped and played.

Our friendship grew into a romance, and we moved into my Queens apartment several months after we met. Traveling together, we attended conferences in Israel, Canada, Japan and England. In June 1987, we were married at the home of our veterinarian. Several months after the wedding, Ed retired and I left my job for our move to Fresno, California. We traded big city life with great transportation for a quiet suburban lifestyle. I delighted in a less stressful way of life, while Ed felt he was not using the hard-earned blindness skills he most recently acquired.

The most fun for me as a professor’s wife was teaching a sociology course in disability awareness. Ed, who was so reluctant to retire, involved us in so many projects that he turned down the offer of additional courses.

Our lives were magical, as we traveled, lectured and wrote articles for dog, veterinary and medical journals. Our second book, “Partners in Independence” (available on BARD), was another bonding time for us. We began working with people of differing disabilities working with service dogs.

Sadly, in 2009, I lost Ed to a massive stroke. The ACB convention was meeting in Fresno, and folks were surprised I attended. However, I attended in memory of my beloved Ed, and to thank ACB for bringing us together!

***

Announcement: Partnership Creates Accessible Home Appliances

[From: The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII • February 2025 • No. 6]

American Printing House has partnered with General Electric (GE) Appliances in the creation of stickers to ensure accessible home appliances and greater independence for those who are blind or low vision.

Last year, GE reached out to APH with an idea for a product after attending an accessibility workshop put on by staff members of APH.

GE appliances had not only learned the importance of workplace accessibility but saw an opportunity to fill a need within their own products.

After learning about APH’s selection of tactile stickers and overlays, GE felt there was an opportunity to solve this problem. The process consisted of developing an idea, producing prototypes, and creating a lot of surveys for the redesign. APH agreed to produce the stickers in-house as efficiently as possible to keep the products at a low price. It was important to GE to ensure the product was not only available, but attainable.

For more information, visit https://www.aph.org/new-partnership-creates-groundbreaking-product/

To check out the overlay kit, visit- https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/spec/WX01X48726

***

Article: Emergency Planning for Pets

[From: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- 1/16/2025, usdaninstitute@amcny.org]

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. These events remind us how quickly life can change, and how valuable it can be to have an emergency plan in place that includes your pets.

Key Reminders:

ID Collars and Microchips: Make sure your pet’s ID collar and microchip registration have your current contact information.
Know Where to Look: Pets often hide in familiar places during stressful situations.
Plan Your Evacuation: Research pet-friendly shelters, hotels, and boarding facilities in advance. Share your evacuation plan with everyone in your household.
Carriers and Leashes: Keep them accessible for quick transport. Practice getting your pet into carriers to reduce stress.
Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit: See our graphic for a checklist of essentials, including, food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and documents. Go through your kit periodically and swap out expired items.
Arrange for Backup Support: Identify a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member who will step in and care for your pets if you’re unable to do so.

***

Article- GDUI’s Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAPP)

[Editor’s note: The article above caused me to think of our DAPP and the GRAB AND GO KITs available on our website. I certainly can’t speak for any of you, and wouldn’t even if I could, but I can speak for me- and I know that regardless of my best intentions (yes the ones currently paving that storied road) I will never purchase my own bag and get this preparedness ball rolling! So, I am all about purchasing a GRAB AND GO KIT and supporting the GDUI DAPP at the same time!]

Because we know that adversity can befall any one of us, leaving us with few resources and even fewer places to turn for help, Guide Dog Users Inc. offers the Disaster Assistance and preparedness Program (DAPP). The Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program is available to GDUI members who are teamed with a guide dog. The DAPP fund was created in June 2011 with the funding provided by a private donation.

GDUI members with working dogs recovering from a catastrophic event can apply for a stipend to purchase dog food and other essential supplies on behalf of their working dogs.

We encourage all GDUI members, who are currently working with guide dogs, to carefully read the instructions outlined on our website- https://guidedogusersinc.org/resources/disaster-assistance-preparedness-program-dapp/

If you find yourselves facing financial crisis in caring for your dog as a result of a natural disaster or catastrophic event, please call or e-mail and ask us for help.

866.799.8436or info@GuideDogUsersInc.org

Note- Now for those GRAB AND GO KITS I was mentioning…

This bag is a great item to help you keep everything prepared in case you need to get out at the last minute.

It is also a nice size to use for packing for your dog’s needs on a weekend away.

This bag has 2 zipper containers for food or treats.
A towel
A Shamy cloth
A collapsible water bottle
2 collapsible bowls
Zipper bags for protecting important documents- The zipper bags are nice to have packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Fill one bag with your guide’s dry food so it is ready to grab & go.

Be sure to change out the food every few months so it is always fresh. The same holds true for your guide’s medications, heartworm, flee & tick, etc.

GRAB AND GO KIT $75 (price includes shipping within the United States.)

Choose from backpack only or backpack/tote combination bag styles.

https://guidedogusersinc.org/shop/#GRAB%20AND%20GO%20KIT%20$75

****

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy! Crockpot Chili!

From: February 2025 Insight Scoop Newsletter- Center of the Blind

75R Granite St., New London, CT 06320

860.447.2048

https://centeroftheblind.org/]

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 – 28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 – 15 oz tomato sauce
1 lg onion, diced
1 – 15 oz can black beans, rinsed/drained
1 – 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed/ drained
3 T chili powder
1 T cumin
1 t paprika
1/4 t cayenne pepper
salt n pepper to taste
1/2 c beef broth or water if you like it thinner

Preparation:

In a skillet, cook the beef with the onion and garlic till browned. Drain excess fat.

Transfer beef to crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and spices. Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or 3-4 hours on high.

Once done, stir and add more spices if needed.

Serve with your choice of toppings such as; shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro and Fritos! Enjoy!

Now… for dessert…Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries!

Add a taste of decadence to your Valentine’s Day with these quick and easy chocolate covered strawberries.

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users(PTGDU) February 2025 Monthly News Update]

Ingredients:

1-quart large strawberries with fresh green leaves

1 1/2 cups high quality milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Wash strawberries, pat dry, and leave out until they reach room temperature.
Cover a large baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper, foil, or waxed paper.
Heat chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, just till it looks soft and shiny. Gently stir chips until melted and smooth.
Hold a strawberry by its stem and swirl it in the chocolate. Be sure to coat all sides. Place on the pan. Repeat with the remaining berries, spacing them so they don’t touch.
Refrigerate the berries for 20 minutes. Then remove them from the refrigerator, and let them harden completely at room temperature. Best if served the same day.

***

Joke: Dog V. Human on Valentine’s Day

Some call it a Hallmark holiday while others just call it hell. Valentine’s Day brings high-stakes expectations no matter your relationship status. If Cupid’s arrow has left you feeling more peeved than passionate this year, why not look to another species to find your Valentine?

Ten reasons dogs make better valentines than humans do.

Dogs don’t need flowers

If you’ve ever been walking your dog when they’ve stopped to smell the roses, you know that while humans see these flowers as a symbol of love, dogs see them as just another thing to pee on. If your Valentine is of the canine variety, consider yourself (and your bank account) lucky. No dog is sitting at home waiting for their human to come bursting in with a dozen overpriced, long-stemmed toilets.

They won’t buy you chocolate

If your New Year’s resolution involved cutting extra calories, a heart-shaped box of sugary chocolates isn’t exactly welcome a month and a half later. Some of us are still working off the results of the junk-food frenzy also known as the holiday season and would really rather get some puppy kisses than chocolate kisses at this point. Even if our pups could walk to the store to purchase a V-Day present, they wouldn’t pick out something we’ve repeatedly told them is poison.

They’re easy to please in the kitchen

Attempting to get to a human Valentine’s heart through their stomach can be a recipe for disaster. A home- cooked meal can be the highlight of the night, but it’s so hard to get right, especially if you’re used to cooking for canine companions with less discerning tastes. Not all of us have the culinary skills to wow a human date, but it’s guaranteed our dogs will love us even if the can opener is the only kitchen tool we’ve mastered.

No reservations required

If you’re the kind of cook only a dog could love, restaurant reservations are definitely required to impress a human date. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to spend 20 bucks on a heart-shaped pizza or drop some serious dough at a fancy five-star restaurant — you need to book way ahead or risk ending up in the drive-thru. Of course, if your dog is your date this V-Day, don’t stress. they’ll totally love a car ride(Totally could be Uber, or public/para transit) and a value menu cheese-burger.

Pups don’t care what you wear

Choosing a dog as your date this Valentine’s Day also means you can say you’re going to slip into something more comfortable and actually mean it. Forget about lingerie or silk ties — your pup loves it when you wear your fur-covered sweat pants. To add extra excitement to your evening, pull your dog-walking jacket out of the closet, and you’ll have your pooch panting in no time.

You know what they want

Your dog’s expectations on Valentine’s Day are the same as they are any other day of the year — they want you to come home, feed them, play with them, walk them, and cuddle them! Having a doggie date is so much simpler than dealing with a human honey. You never have to worry that your heartfelt but inexpensive gift will be met with an extravagant present and a disappointed date. Dogs know that J.Lo was right — love don’t cost a thing (but that doesn’t mean your pup wouldn’t appreciate a new chew toy).

Their presents aren’t pricey

Bones and balls are so much cheaper than diamonds and wristwatches, and thanks to the billion-dollar pet industry, dog lovers have near infinite choices when it comes to showing low-cost love for a canine Valentine. From blinged-out collars to heart-shaped satin beds, there are limitless ways to pamper your Valentine on a limited budget. Best of all, no dog is going to ask for a gift receipt.

They’ll definitely go to bed with you

For many, the big question on a Valentine’s Day date is this: Will I be spending the night alone? Many people in long-term relationships have found themselves in the proverbial dog house after picking up a last-minute Valentine’s Day card at the gas station, but a dog would never banish you to the couch just because you bought their treats at the last minute. They’re just happy to be in the bed in the first place.

Dogs don’t see red — or pink

If the typical Valentine’s Day color scheme of red and pink makes you want to puke, don’t worry — a doggie date won’t care if you choose to forgo the traditional hues on your night together. After all, our pups can’t even perceive pink, so go against tradition, and consider getting your best friend something in shades of blue or brown. I guarantee you they didn’t have their little doggie heart set on a color they can’t even see.

They just love us unconditionally

Dogs are everything a good Valentine is supposed to be. They’re devoted, adoring, and never late for a date. While a dog won’t be Instagramming your romantic Valentine’s Day carriage ride or popping the question over champagne, their commitment to you can’t be questioned. They say diamonds are forever, but the love of a dog is even stronger and worth more than the fanciest sparkler in the jewelry store.

***

Books with BARDCT:

LAB Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter

By Ben Goldfarb. Award-winning environmental journalist, Ben Goldfarb, examines the role of the beaver in ecology and conservation efforts. It’s a powerful story of how one of the world’s most influential species can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, extinction, and climate change. Ultimately, it’s about how we can learn to coexist, harmoniously and even beneficially, with our fellow travelers on this planet. Book# DB 91831

***

Pod Casts/Blogs/ webinars- Check these out!

EyeSpy.org – The largest digital directory dedicated to empowering the blind and low-vision community, including modern resources like media, podcasts, apps, and more. We are here to make your low-vision journey a little bit easier.

No Bones About It- Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Blog https://www.guidedogs.com/blog

Webinar- Seizures in dogs and cats

[Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- 1/16/2025, usdaninstitute@amcny.org]

Our latest webinar is now available to watch online! Seizures in dogs and cats, whether caused by epilepsy or other conditions, can be challenging and distressing for both pets and their families. Watch as Dr. Daniel Cimino, a board-certified neurologist and Senior Veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, discusses the causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for seizures in pets. This webinar is designed to help owners feel more confident and prepared to support their pet’s health and well-being.

Watch Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9kYdAsykmQ

https://seeingeye.org/webinars/

Seeing Eye Webinars

https://seeingeye.org/webinars/

Check out these webinars from The Seeing Eye’s Advocacy and Government Relations Department on hot topics for guide dog handlers. The focus of these webinars

is on specific access barriers and tools for overcoming them.

If you’re a guide dog handler and want to suggest a webinar topic, email

advocacy@seeingeye.org.

******

Announcement: A great gift for yourself, or any dog lover in your life!

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users(PTGDU) February 2025 Monthly News Update]

The key to your heart!

German Shepherd solid bronze Key Ring. Made of solid bronze and attached to a brass key ring, this German Shepherd 3D mini-sculpture is beautifully textured and sealed to preserve the glossy finish and the fine detail. The approximate size of the mini shepherd standing on its base is 3/4 inches by 3/4 inches. The inner diameter of the key ring is 1 1/4 inches. Made in the USA by The Hunting Horn Jeweler. $19.95.

https://www.huntinghorntoo.com/product/solid-bronze-german-shepherd-dog-key-ring/

Key rings with other breeds are also available.

Solid Bronze Golden Retriever Key Ring $19.95

https://www.huntinghorntoo.com/product/solid-bronze-golden-retriever-key-ring/

For more information contact

(203) 733-2793

kathy@huntinghorntoo.com

*****

Announcement- Can a dog catch the bird flu?

[From: Guide Dogs for the Blind’s blog No Bones About It, Friday January 17, 2025

https://www.guidedogs.com/blog/bird-flu

A message from Guide Dogs for the Blind Medical Director, Dr. Kate Kuzminski: Over the past few years, we have heard quite a bit about the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. Since 2020, when today’s HPAI H5N1 was

created through gene-swapping between poultry and wild bird viruses, we have seen this disease spread from a small corner of Europe to a worldwide threat, resulting in the death of over 300 million birds worldwide. As the disease has crossed species barriers, we have seen it move into commercial dairy operations

and wildlife. H5N1 has now been found in 70 mammals, including badgers, lynx, otters, polar bears, elephants, cows, foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, and seals. This leads us to the question – can a dog catch the bird flu?

As with any emerging disease, our knowledge grows over time as new and changing pathogens reveal themselves. We know now that this HPAI H5N1 avian influenza

can impact dogs. We first learned about H5N1 and dogs back in 2004 when a dog died after eating an H5N1-infected duck during an outbreak in Thailand.

Since 2022, we have had a couple of reported cases in the UK and Canada after the consumption of affected meat and wildlife. What is important to note is that even though we are seeing a global outbreak of the disease, reports of confirmed cases in dogs are scant. This suggests that dogs are less susceptible to the current H5N1 virus. At the time of this publication, H5N1 infections in dogs are rare and restricted to dogs with high exposure to an infected bird (e.g., eating a dead bird). Clinical signs of avian influenza in dogs include fever, lethargy, and severe respiratory distress. Dogs can die from

H5N1, but some can also recover. Some may get and eliminate the virus, but we may not even know. A couple of studies have identified antibodies to H5N1

in healthy hunting dogs working with waterfowl. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest dog-to-dog transmission occurs, and no cases of dog-to-human

transmission have been reported.

Overall, the risk of people catching HPAI H5N1 from dogs or cats is currently considered extremely low. To date, there have been no reports of humans acquiring

HPAI from a mammalian pet, and overall, the risk of infection with avian influenza is low for the general public, which has limited contact with infected

birds. What we also know is that avian influenza viruses modify over time. This can impact how a virus spreads and to whom it spreads, and it can also

change the severity of the clinical illness. So, while dogs seem less susceptible to H5N1 than cats, they can still get very sick. We will see more work

done to understand better the potential impact of HPAI on dogs and cats. In the meantime, here are some suggestions to keep you and your dog and cats

safe:

Tips to reduce the spread of H5N1 to dogs and cats:

list of 7 items

Don’t feed raw or undercooked food products.
Don’t feed raw milk.
Keep your dogs away from areas with wild birds and poultry.
Keep dogs away from sick or dead birds.
Wash your hands when handling raw animal products.
Report dead/sick birds to your local public health department.
And obviously, don’t let your dog eat dead birds.

****

Article: Remembering Karen Pryor. A true pioneer in the fields of animal behavior and positive reinforcement training. Her groundbreaking work with clicker training, a method now used by many guide dog schools around the world, helped to bridge the communication gap between humans and animals.

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users(PTGDU) February 2025 Monthly News Update]

REMEMBERING KAREN PRYOR: THE LEGACY OF A TRAILBLAZER WHO IGNITED A GLOBAL TRAINING REVOLUTION

——————————————————————————–

With profound sadness and immense gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of Karen Pryor, a true pioneer in the fields of animal behavior and positive

reinforcement training. Karen’s groundbreaking work revolutionized how we communicate with animals—and each other—leaving an indelible mark on science,

education, and the lives of countless species around the world.

Karen was born on May 14, 1932, and from a young age she exhibited a boundless curiosity about the natural world. Having spent her childhood summers collecting

and observing butterflies and minnows, Karen’s innate curiosity and keen observational skills would shape her future work, creating the foundation for

a lifetime of innovation and discovery. After earning her degree in biology from Cornell University, Karen began her career in marine mammal training at

Sea Life Park in Hawaii, where her revolutionary methods first took form.

In the 1960s, Karen’s work with dolphins became the cornerstone of what would eventually be known as modern clicker training. Using a small handheld device

to mark desired behaviors, she refined techniques rooted in operant conditioning, transforming these scientific principles into humane and effective training

methods. Her groundbreaking book Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training remains a seminal work, widely regarded as essential reading

for trainers, educators, and anyone interested in behavior change.

Karen’s seminars and writings had a profound impact on how we understand and interact with animal intelligence. She challenged traditional views, presenting

animals not as creatures that merely react to stimuli, but as sentient beings capable of complex learning, creativity, and problem-solving. As Karen put

it, “When you see an animal’s eyes light up, when you see an animal that comes zooming out to do its clicker work—and it’s an octopus or a shellfish—it’s

remarkable, really. We just set them up and let them show us.”

When you see an animal’s eyes light up, when you see an animal that comes zooming out to do its clicker work—and it’s an octopus or a shellfish—it’s remarkable,

really. We just set them up and let them show us.”

Karen’s work in writing and publishing led to the creation of Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT) in 2000 with business partner, Aaron Clayton. With Karen’s

inspiration, the organization catalyzed a community of positive reinforcement enthusiasts dedicated to teaching Karen’s principles and methods and advocating

for their adoption across various settings—from companion animal training to competition environments and working animals, including assistance and guide

dogs. KPCT became a leader in effective positive training methods, publishing books and other training resources, offering training products, hosting ClickerExpo

conferences, and establishing the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA).

The ClickerExpo conferences were the first training and behavior conferences of their kind, bringing together trainers, educators, and behavior enthusiasts

to share knowledge, techniques, and innovations in positive reinforcement training. The conferences have inspired countless collaborations and continue

to attract attendees from around the globe.

The Academy’s flagship Dog Trainer Professional education program has certified more than 2,600 canine trainers worldwide, establishing a network of professionals

who continue to uphold Karen’s vision. Through her championing of education and innovation, Karen empowered thousands of trainers and educators, leaving

an enduring legacy. Thanks to Karen, positive reinforcement isn’t just another way to train animals—it is THE way. You’ll find a clicker in almost any

pet store, and a treat pouch on almost every pet guardian. She set the wave of change in motion, and it’s bigger than she ever envisioned.

Thanks to Karen, positive reinforcement isn’t just another way to train animals—it is THE way.

Karen’s influence extended beyond the animal training community. She was a consistent advocate for the benefits of positive reinforcement in many areas

of life, from parenting and teaching to corporate training. Through KPCT, Karen helped launch TAGteach, which extended the principles of clicker training

into more areas of human education and training.

Karen’s work proved that kindness, clarity, and consistency foster trust and understanding across species. She taught us that even the smallest moments

of communication—a click, a treat, a shared understanding—can lead to profound connections. She reminded us to celebrate every step of progress, no matter

how incremental, and to approach each interaction with empathy and curiosity. Karen showed us that we can overcome challenges by finding something to reinforce,

however small, and building from there. Through her example, we learned that when we observe life through the lens of a positive trainer, we are always

seeking, discovering, and learning from the good in this world. Perhaps most importantly, Karen showed us that the world is a much better place when we

choose empathy, kindness, and respect over conflict and division.

Perhaps most importantly, Karen showed us that the world is a much better place when we choose empathy, kindness, and respect over conflict and division.

Karen’s love for the world around her endured throughout her later years, even as she lived with dementia. She spent her days collecting stones, observing

cloud formations, and marveling at the natural beauty that surrounded her. Her children affectionately referred to these moments as her “dementia poetry.”

“Look,” she once said to her son, “the clouds are inventing themselves.” Even in her final years, Karen found positivity in the simplest moments, embodying

the wonder and creativity she had always embraced.

Karen’s parting words in an interview about her retirement from Karen Pryor Clicker Training resonate deeply: “I’m not done yet.” Truly, she is not. Her

teachings and vision continue to inspire the way we communicate, connect, and find joy. Karen is with us—always—in our moments of discovery, in the harmony

we create with our animals, and in the beauty that surrounds us. She is with us when we experience those “aha” moments with our animals, when we walk through

the woods and pause to observe a songbird or appreciate a beautiful cloud formation, or when we appreciate a sunset in its full glory. Her teachings can

be found in the fields, the mountains, the trees, and the clouds. They are beneath stones, in the depths of murky ponds, and within one another. Karen’s

legacy lives on in every wagging tail, every joyful click, and every moment of connection shared between people and animals.

Karen’s legacy lives on in every wagging tail, every joyful click, and every moment of connection shared between people and animals.

Her influence is everywhere, always present.

Karen is survived by her children, grandchildren, and a global community of admirers who will forever be inspired by her wisdom and generosity

In memory of Karen Pryor: May 14, 1932 – January 4, 2025

——————————————————————————–

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Gordon is a seasoned writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience creating impactful content. During her 15 years with Karen Pryor and

KPCT, she collaborated on numerous articles and on Karen’s final book, On My Mind: Reflections on Animal Behavior and Learning. Julie’s expertise in crafting

and promoting educational content has reached wide audiences, including hundreds of articles for Karen Pryor Clicker Training. A passionate advocate for

animal welfare and the human-animal bond, her work continues to inspire pet guardians and dog trainers.

https://karenpryoracademy.com/remembering-karen-pryor-the-legacy-of-a-trailblazer-who-ignited-a-global-training-revolution/

****

Article: How to Take a Dog’s Temperature

By Melissa Boldan, DVM

[From: https://www.petmd.com/]

When they are sick, dogs can run a fever just like people. If your dog is acting like they’re not feeling well, it may be useful to take their temperature to find out whether they are running a fever and need to see their veterinarian.

What Is a Normal Temperature for a Dog?

The normal temperature of a dog runs much warmer than a human’s; their classic “normal temperature” is 101.5 F instead of the 98.6 F in humans. There is a range of normal that can vary among dogs, which has a lot to do with hair coat and what climate that particular breed thrives in.

Additionally, your own dog can experience a change in their normal temperature depending on how excited or worked up they are and what the temperature and humidity are outdoors. Generally, a temperature anywhere from 99–102.5 degrees can be normal.

Sometimes dogs can be hotter when they’re really worked up with excitement or anxiety, like at the veterinary clinic. It’s not unusual for an excited dog who is high-energy and panting to run a temperature of 102.5 after spending time barking at other dogs in the lobby before they make it to the exam room.

Temperatures over 103 degrees may be considered a fever or hyperthermia.

A fever occurs when a dog has an underlying illness that is forcing their immune system to respond. An infection is a common cause of a fever. This can be bacterial, viral, or even fungal. Inflammation (swelling) and autoimmune diseases are other common causes of fevers.
Hyperthermia occurs when a dog’s temperature is high from overheating or overexertion. This occurs with heat stress and can be very serious.

When a dog is running a fever over 103 degrees, they will often pant as they try to cool themselves. Just like people, dogs do not feel well when they have a fever. You may notice them acting lethargic or sad, and they may not eat. Temperatures over 106 can have serious, life-threatening effects on the dog’s body as their organs overheat and begin to shut down.

How To Tell if a Dog Has a Fever

Unlike with humans, touching a dog’s forehead is not helpful to figure out if they have a fever. Contrary to popular belief, the temperature and moisture of their nose is also no help in showing if they are ill. Many people may assume their dog is sick if their nose is warm and dry, but the weather and environmental conditions can alter the temperature of a dog’s nose, ear tips, and forehead.

The best way to figure out a dog’s temperature is with a thermometer. Because your dog’s temperature can vary greatly throughout the day, collecting multiple readings after waking up, going outside to play, and during down time can be helpful in determining your dog’s normal range.

When dogs are running a fever, they may also show some of the following symptoms:

Weakness and lethargy
Acting quiet and depressed
Decreased appetite or refusing to eat
Being uninterested in walking, playing, or things that they normally enjoy
Panting
Glossy eyes
Shivering

Depending on what is causing the fever, a dog may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, urinary issues, ear or tooth pain, lameness, or generalized discomfort.

How To Take a Dog’s Temperature

The most accurate way to take a dog’s temperature is to place a thermometer in their rectum. While there are several commercial temporal (forehead) thermometers labeled for pets, the dog’s forehead is covered in hair, and this method is usually inaccurate.

Step 1: Make sure your thermometer works and is on.

Step 2: Apply a lubricant to the tip of the thermometer. This is not required, but it can make it more comfortable for your dog.

If you do not have any water-soluble lubricant at home, petroleum jelly, Vaseline, or coconut oil will all work just as well.

Step 3: Ideally, have someone else help you hold your dog. Most dogs will find the thermometer surprising, and some do not like having their temperature taken. It is safer to have someone help to hold your dog so that they do not turn around and bite you if taken by surprise.

Step 4: Lift your dog’s tail and insert the tip of the thermometer into the anus approximately 1 inch. When the thermometer beeps (if using digital) or after 60 seconds (if using mercury), remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

Thermometers for Taking a Dog’s Temperature

Although the best way to check your dog’s temperature is with a rectal thermometer, there are several products on the market made for taking a dog’s temperature elsewhere, like the ear or forehead. However, they are much less reliable and readings can be variable. One degree makes a huge difference when figuring out whether a dog has a fever.

Any thermometer can be used, whether it’s specifically marketed toward dogs or is marketed for people. Digital readings are preferred, as they tend to be quicker.

It is a good idea to keep your dog thermometer clearly marked and separate from the thermometer you use for people in your household.

My Dog’s Temperature Is High. What Should I Do?

If your dog has a mildly high temperature but is still eating and drinking normally, going to the bathroom normally, and has good energy, you can likely wait and speak with your normal veterinarian during regular office hours.

If your dog has a high temperature and is lethargic, depressed, not eating, or vomiting, seek emergency care for them right away.

If your dog develops a high temperature following exposure to heat, it is important to seek emergency veterinary care right away. High temperatures can lead to multi-organ failure and potentially death when not treated correctly.

You can try to cool your dog at home using a cool bath, cold wet washcloths, and fans. Allow them access to small amounts of cool water often, but do not force them to drink.

Do NOT give any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications without speaking with a veterinarian.

Never give human medications to dogs without being directly told to do so by a veterinarian. Many human fever medications can have serious, life-threatening side effects in dogs, leading to ulcerations (tears) and perforations (holes) in the bowels, liver or kidney failure, and even death.

The following guide can be helpful to determine next steps:

Temperatures between 101.5–103 can be considered normal.
If your dog has a temperature of 103–104.5 and is acting otherwise normal, you can apply home cooling methods (cool washcloth, fan, small frequent amounts of water offered) and recheck their temperature after 30 minutes.
If your dog’s temperature is over 105 or their temperature is between 103–105 and they also have lethargy, shivering, vomiting, or other signs of severe illness, contact a veterinarian right away to seek treatment.
If your dog’s temperature is over 105 degrees, seek emergency care

*****

Announcement- Introducing the BADIE Blog!

[From: The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII • February 2025 • No. 6]

No one knows the importance of audio description (AD) better than students who rely on it to make filmed media accessible. The Benefits of Audio Description in Education (BADIE) blog and essay contest is an exciting chance for students on the blindness spectrum to share their thoughts about AD.

The Audio Description Project (ADP) and the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) encourage students who are blind or have low vision to engage with audio description. We’ve expanded our essay contest into the BADIE Blog, with multiple opportunities to be published and win great prizes.

The BADIE Blog will accept entries from January through June 2025. Every month, selected submissions will appear on the blog. We’ll all enjoy a summer holiday in July and August, and winners (chosen from the published essays) will be announced at the beginning of the next school year.

How Students Can Submit Their Essays:

Browse the free DCMP library at https://dcmp.org/.
Watch any audio-described film (there are more than 6,000 educational titles to choose from!).
Write an evaluation of the film’s audio description, commenting on the ways the audio description enhanced or detracted from your experience.
Visit https://dcmp.org/learn/595-badie-contest-blog to read award-winning essays and submit your own entry. You’ll also find guidelines and prize details, tips on writing a good review, and information about how audio description is created.

Timeline and Prizes:

Winners will be chosen from the essays submitted and published between January 1 and June 30, 2025.
There will be first-, second-, and third-place winners in each category, as well as a grand prize winner who will be awarded an iPad mini and invited to record an award presentation for the Audio Description Awards Gala.
Teachers of first-place winners also receive prizes.
Entries are accepted throughout the school year, so don’t delay! The last chance to be considered for publication and a prize for the 2024-25 school year is June 30, 2025.

Categories:

Alternate Assessment – students with non-traditional matriculation records

Sophomore – ages 7–10

Junior – ages 11–15

Senior – ages 16–21.

For complete details and to submit your entry go to- https://dcmp.org/learn/595-badie-contest-blog

*****

Big Dreams, Bold Ideas

by Janet Dickelman

[From: The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII • February 2025 • No. 6]

The theme for the 2025 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention is “Big Dreams, Bold Ideas!” It was developed by the Convention Steering Committee. Thanks to all of you who took the time to submit themes. There were some great ones, but the committee felt this best reflected ACB and Texas.

We are thrilled to once again partner with the Blinded Veterans Association. What does this mean to convention attendees? Our exhibit hall will feature all your favorite exhibitors along with new vendors who attend BVA’s convention. ACB members will be able to attend sessions hosted by BVA, and we will share volunteer resources. This is a great opportunity for both groups to get to know each other and work together!

Virtual Convention Dates

The following is a list of events that will be held virtually prior to the in-person portion of the convention. All times listed are Central time.

Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m.: Candidates’ Forum

Saturday, June 21, you won’t want to miss our hugely popular virtual summer auction, proceeded by two days of appetizer auction!

Monday, June 23

7 p.m.: Call to order, reading of standing rules, first credentials report, and other ACB business.

8:30 p.m.: Nominating Committee meeting (room will open at 8 p.m.)

Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday, June 26th at 7 p.m., resolutions will be read and discussed. On Friday, June 27th we will discuss constitution and bylaws changes. Voting on resolutions and constitutions and bylaws will be held on Monday, June 30.

Wednesday, June 25

10 a.m.-noon: Exhibitor open house

Thursday, June 27 through Saturday, June 29:

Virtual-only programming, including affiliate business meetings, ACB committee, special-interest affiliate and business partner sessions

In-Person Convention Information

Committees, special-interest affiliates and business partners may hold events in Dallas Friday, July 4 through Wednesday, July 11. We will have two hybrid rooms, offer two Zoom-only sessions, and provide space for other sessions that are in-person only. In-person-only sessions (excluding mixers and other purely social events) can be recorded by ACB and will be available as podcasts, but they will not have Zoom capability.

General Sessions

This year, opening general session will be held on Saturday, July 6 at 7 p.m. On Sunday, July 7 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. there will be two breakout sessions. We don’t know the topics yet, so stay tuned!

Daily general sessions will be held Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our banquet will be held Thursday evening.

Exhibit Hall

Based on recommendations from our 2024 convention survey and reaching out to our exhibitors, this year the exhibit hall will open on Sunday, July 7 to allow exhibitors to travel to Dallas. Exhibit hall hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Touring Dallas: Our first tours will be on Friday, July 4th and final tours on Friday, July 11th. For a listing of tours, visit the January ACB Braille Forum.

Hotel Details

Room rates at the Hyatt are $99 per night (single or double occupancy), $124 (triple occupancy) and $149 (quadruple occupancy) plus, tax, which is currently 17.2%. To make reservations online, go to https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/DFWRD/G-AMCB.

If you prefer to make reservations by phone call (214) 651-1234, and use group code G-AMCB. The Hyatt is located at 300 Reunion Blvd. The cutoff date to make reservations is Monday, June 9, so don’t delay, make your reservations today!

Staying in Touch

The convention announce list will be filled with information. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org. If you received updates for the 2024 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe.

For any convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, (651) 428-5059 or via e-mail, janet.dickelman@gmail.com.

*****

Compendium of Available Braille Calendars for 2025 For English Speaking Countries

[Editor’s note: I am especially grateful to Robin for undertaking such research as I am always seeking good, functional, and portable braille calendars. I was so excited to find this list and am sharing it here even though 2025 is underway. It is simply never too late to find that perfect calendar or calendars!]

[From Robin Frost via ACB-Conversation@acblists.org

Hi,

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the arrival of various braille calendars either available for free or for a nominal purchase price.

I personally choose to have more than one because I am always interested in how each presents information and which special days each emphasizes. I also like to support braille products whenever possible.

So, for anyone else who’s interested in such I offer the following in case it may be helpful.

This year I’ve also included offerings for our friends in The UK, Australia and Canada too.

More information is below my signature.

Take good care,

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

(NLS) will provide print/braille calendars to NLS patrons.

Calendars are available in two sizes. The larger wall-type calendar will be print/braille. The smaller pocket-sized calendar will most likely be

braille only. To obtain calendars, patrons must contact their network library to receive calendars much like they do for a magazine subscription. Once

patrons are subscribed, they will receive the calendar each year unless they stop their subscription.

Contact your network library for more information.

Calendar codes are as follows:

Pocket-sized calendar CAP1 (C A P 1)

Wall sized calendar caw1 ( c A W 1)

National Braille Press offers

2025 Peanuts Happiness Is Calendar

https://shop.nbp.org/products/2025-peanuts-happiness-is-calendar

SKU: 2025PEANUTS

$17.00

The gang’s all here! All your favorites: Snoopy, Woodstock, Linus, Lucy, Sally, and Charlie Brown. This full-color wall calendar is 12”x12” (hanging on

the wall it’s 12” wide and 24” tall). The braille is included on clear plastic labels that go right over the print pages.

•JBI Library

110 E. 30th St.

New York, NY 10016

212-889-2525

800-433-1531

admin@jbilibrary.org

www.jbilibrary.org

Large-print 11″ × 17″ 16-month calendar in English and Hebrew. The calendar indicates secular and Jewish holidays and includes the weekly candle-lighting

times. Free to eligible individuals.

Braille 11″ × 17″ 16-month calendar in English and Hebrew. The calendar indicates secular and Jewish holidays and includes the weekly candle-lighting

times. Free to eligible individuals.

•Xavier Society For The Blind

https://xaviersocietyfortheblind.org/

offers a braille calendar featuring important days for Catholic worshipers.

Lutheran Braille Workers

PO Box 5000

Yucaipa, CA 92399

800-925-6092

lbw@lbwloveworks.org

https://www.lbwloveworks.org/

Braille 8.5″ × 11″ scripture calendar . Features a Bible verse and tactile graphic for each month. Free.

Large-print (18-point) 8.5″ × 12.5″ calendar . Free.

American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults

1800 Johnson St.

Baltimore, MD 21230

410-659-9315

410-685-2340 fax

https://www.actionfund.org/

https://www.actionfund.org/resources/braille-calendars

Braille 6″ × 6.5″ calendar . Features one page per month, a personal day page, and a listing of major holidays. Free. Patrons can request up to three

braille calendars.

•American Printing House for the Blind

1839 Frankfort Ave.

Louisville, KY 40206

800-223-1839 toll-free

502-899-2284 fax

cs@aph.org

https://shop.aph.org

https://www.aph.org/product/aph-insights-art-calendar-large-print-braille-2025/

Catalog Number: 5-18971-25

$12.00

Print/braille (36-point) 8.5″ × 11″ 2024 APH InSights Art Calendar . Includes holidays and moon phases. Features the work of artists with visual impairments.

•Maxiaids.com

Braille Wall Calendar

https://www.maxiaids.com/product/2024-braille-wall-calendar?gclid=Cj0KCQiAwP6sBhDAARIsAPfK_wZnjbVZNGkAYgmw7dF46Enoe0eH5V9T8Q7U4VdECVxkN0Yi9waCRU4aAst2EALw_wcB

SKU: 151816

Availability: Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days

List Price: $18.99, Our Price: $15.99, You Save: $3.00 (15%)

Keep track of dates and appointments by touch

13-month wall calendar

Raised braille markings for touch reading

Full-size calendar grids

PVC spiral-bound

Measures 8.5 x 11 in. (opens to 17 x 11 in.)

This tends to be the calendar offered by Braille Works and the process of ordering through this vendor is a bit more straightforward than from its actual producer.

•Braille Works

942 Darby Lake Rd.

Seffner, FL 33584

813-654-4050

800-258-7544 toll-free

813-689-8628 fax

info@brailleworks.com

https://brailleworks.com

https://brailleworks.com/braille-calendars/

Braille 11″ × 17″ wall calendar with images. Spiral-bound. Contact vendor for price.

This year it features images of flowers and their descriptions.

•Tactile Vision Graphics

https://tactilevisiongraphics.com/

2025 Braille Calendar and Pocket Calendar Bundle – Tactile Vision Graphics

https://tactilevisiongraphics.com/product/2025-braille-calendar-and-pocket-calendar-bundle/

Original price was: $30.99.$26.00Current price is: $26.00. CAD

Enjoy the luxury of our 2025 Braille Calendar and Pocket Calendar Bundle

Features of the 2025 Braille Calendar and Pocket Calendar Bundle

Our 8.5″x11″ calendar hangs on the wall beside your desk while the pocket calendar fits handily in a purse or briefcase. This year, the wall calendar features SEASONAL IMAGES. Each page shows the raised image of a scene or object: a sculpted frieze with a heart; a Veteran’s medal and some poppies; falling raindrops, and falling snowflakes. The images are simple yet beautiful, seasonal and descriptive. The calendar also includes moon phases at the bottom of each page. As usual, the pocket calendar lists holidays from many traditions. We hope it will be entertaining and informative. Please let us know if there’s a holiday you would like to see included next year and we’ll do our best, space permitting.

Calendars in Braille for the Blind | Braille Superstore

http://www.braillebookstore.com/Braille-Calendars

2025 Mini Calendar

HTTP://WWW.BRAILLEBOOKSTORE.COM/2025-MINI-CALENDAR.1

Item Number: 1205

Price: $5.95SHIPPING: FREE FROM OUR DISTRIBUTION CENTER

12-Page Braille Booklet Good for Backpack or Perse

Product Features

Measures less than 6 inches long.

Each month is on its own page.

Special dates are included at the bottom of each page.

Measures about 7-1/2 in by 5-1/2 in.

Package Weight: about 1.2 ounces.

Product description

This simple, lightweight calendar is easy to take with you. Measuring less than 6 inches long, it is perfect for a backpack, purse, school binder or briefcase.

Even though it’s small, this little booklet still has all the information you’ll need. Each month’s calendar is on its own page, and US special dates are included at the bottom. It’s a real lifesaver in any meeting, being small enough to whip it out whenever you need it. Planning your entire year just got a whole lot easier!

2025 Desk Calendar (Full-Sized Calendar, Complete with Important Dates)

http://www.braillebookstore.com/2025-Desk-Calendar.1

Item Number: 3001

This book for the blind is offered in Original or Unified English Braille.

Original contracted Braille $13.95

Unified English Braille $14.95

Product Features

Easy-to-use full-sized Braille calendar.

A durable spiral-bound book with vinyl plastic covers.

Calendar presents one month per page.

Important dates are listed at the bottom of each page.

Bonus month of January, 2026 included.

Package Weight: about 8.1 ounces.

Product Description

Here’s the perfect gift for anyone on your list! Just about everybody needs to refer to a calendar now and again to plan their week and figure out what’s happening when. And what better way to dive right into the upcoming year than with one of our brand-new calendars?

Each of our Braille calendars is a full-sized, spiral-bound book, complete with attractive sturdy vinyl-plastic covers. Every month has a page all its own, and features a table at the bottom of the page showing all the important dates, holidays and occasions you won’t want to miss. Plus, we’ve included a page for January, 2026, giving you a whole extra month before you’ll need a new calendar.

2025 Day Planner (Comes in 3-Ring Binder – With a Page for Each Week)

http://www.braillebookstore.com/2025-Day-Planner.1

Item Number: 4001

This book for the blind is offered in Original or Unified English Braille.

Original contracted Braille $19.95

Unified English Braille $21.95

Product Features

Elegant three-ring binder with one week per page.

Each page sports a quick-reference date chart, and lists important dates if applicable.

Lots of room provided on each page for you to add important dates.

Removable pages facilitate brailling your own appointments.

A unique, modern design for people on the go.

Package Weight: about 1.5 pounds.

Product Description

Got a busy year ahead? What you need is one of our Braille Day Planners.

Each month is divided onto four separate pages. At the top of each sheet, you’ll find a quick chart showing which date lands on what weekday. Below this, we’ve started a table which you can use to write down all your doctor’s appointments, meetings, study groups, and other important dates. But don’t worry: we’ve specially designed our Braille day planners to give you every line possible to record the date, time and particulars for each appointment.

Your day planner comes in an elegant three-ring binder, which means it’s easy to remove any page you like. Then, using a Braille-writer or a slate and stylus, you can quickly write down each appointment as you book it. Having a day planner to help you keep track of your busy schedule while on the go really comes in handy!

•Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund

3500 N. Elm Rd.

Jackson, MI 49201

517-780-5096

517-780-5448 fax

cindymbtf@gmail.com

http://mi-braille.org

https://www.mi-braille.org/programs.php

Print/braille 4.5″ × 6″ spiral-bound calendar . Includes a separate listing of major holidays. Free (two calendars per person).

Please note multiple people have reported to me a difficulty in contacting and receiving this calendar this year.

•The Adaptations Store from the San Francisco Lighthouse For The Blind

Though they featured a popular calendar in years past none is offered this year. Perhaps they’ll consider bringing it back in the future if requested.

For our friends in Canada, we found the following:

•CNIB

Braille Pocket Calendar 2025 – CNIB SMARTLIFE

WRI-023-000-0250

Regular price

$9.95

Description

This cerlox-bound compact 2025 braille calendar lies flat, making it especially easy to use.

Unique to CNIB

Includes all Canadian public holidays and most days of religious observance

Brailled in Interpoint (double-sided)

Holidays are listed on the left side of the calendar with calendar dates on the right side

Extra blank page for writing notes

32 pages in total

Available in English only

7 inches by 3-1/2 inches (17.7 centimetres by 9 centimetres)

For our friends in the UK, we found the following:

•RNIB Shop

Calendars and Diaries

https://shop.rnib.org.uk/house/stationery/calendars-and-diaries

Braille Pocket Date Calendar 2025 RNIB

https://shop.rnib.org.uk/braille-pocket-date-calendar-2025-94716

Barcode BB1025

Price ex VAT: £7.50

Price inc VAT: £9.00

Overview

Always have your important dates close to hand with this pocket-sized date calendar. Each month is on one page and important dates, such as bank holidays, are listed on the next page.

As well as bank holidays and other national days, we’ve added dates that are of note for braillists, including International guide dog day, and white cane safety day.

Pages are hole punched and held together with two treasury tags to form this pocket-sized book. Braille is contracted UEB (Unified English Braille).

Specification

Pocket-sized.

Two treasury tags secure pages together.

One month per page.

Contracted UEB.

Bank holidays/significant dates listed after each month where applicable.

Size: 137 × 103 × 12mm (5.39 × 4.06 × 0.47 inches).

Weight: 68g (2.4oz).

Recycling information: Paper fully recyclable once treasury tags are removed; plastic packaging not yet recyclable.

This item is eligible for VAT exemption.

Barcode: BB1025

Price ex VAT: £7.50

Price inc VAT: £9.00

Braille Desk Diary 2025 RNIB

https://shop.rnib.org.uk/braille-desk-diary-2025-94714

BB0825

Price ex VAT: £10.50

Price inc VAT: £12.60

Overview

Keep track of events, appointments and other commitments with our A4 braille desk diary – ideal for home or work.

Each page in the blue A4 PVC padded ring binder shows one page per week, with room for notes and appointments. You can also plan ahead using the important dates list for the following year. As well as bank holidays and other national days, we’ve added dates that are of note for braillists, including International guide dog day, and white cane safety day.

Braille is contracted UEB (Unified English Braille).

Or choose the refill-only option (BB08R25) so you can reuse your existing ring binder.

Specification

A4 PVC blue ring binder.

Contracted UEB.

Loose leaf internal pages.

One week per page.

Bank Holidays or significant dates listed.

Room for notes.

Refill pack of plain paper available (BP57).

Size: 265 × 315 × 45mm (10.43 × 12.4 × 1.77 inches).

Weight: 1.092kg (2.41lbs).

Recycling information: Paper fully recyclable; binder reusable; plastic packaging not yet recyclable.

Important

This is the full diary and ring binder set; for the refill pages only please order BB08R25.

This item is eligible for VAT exemption.

Barcode: BB0825

Price ex VAT: £10.50

Price inc VAT: £12.60

Braille Desk Diary Refill 2025 RNIB

https://shop.rnib.org.uk/braille-desk-diary-refill-2025-94715

Barcode: BB08R25

Price ex VAT: £6.00

Price inc VAT: £7.20

Overview

If you already have one of our A4 ring binders from a previous year’s braille desk diary, simply insert these 2025 diary pages and you are all set for the new year.

One page per week, with Bank holidays and significant dates listed; there is also information about Bank Holidays and significant dates for future years. As well as bank holidays and other national days, we’ve added dates that are of note for braillists, including International guide dog day, and white cane safety day.

Braille is contracted UEB (Unified English Braille).

Specification

Refill pages for the Braille desk diary.

Contracted UEB.

Loose leaf refill internal pages.

Cover card.

One week per page.

Bank Holidays or significant dates listed.

Room for notes.

Compatible with A4 PVC blue ring binder.

Size: 241 × 203mm (9.5 × 8 inches).

Weight: 573g (1.26lbs).

Recycling information: Paper fully recyclable; plastic packaging not yet recyclable.

Important

This is a refill product and the ring binder for the diary is not provided; for the full diary and ring binder set please order BB0825.

This diary can only be returned if it is in “as new” condition and has not been written in, or if it is faulty.

This item is eligible for VAT exemption.

Barcode: BB08R25

Price inc VAT: £7.20

Braille Pocket Organiser 2025 RNIB

https://shop.rnib.org.uk/braille-pocket-organiser-2025-94717

BB1125

Price ex VAT: £8.75

Price inc VAT: £10.50

Keep on top of events and appointments with this sturdy braille pocket organiser.

This small, blue PVC padded ring binder with a month-per-page calendar also has 60 blank pages for your notes and appointments. As well as bank holidays and other national days, we’ve added dates that are of note for braillists, including International guide dog day, and white cane safety day.

Braille is contracted UEB (Unified English Braille).

Or choose the refill-only option (BB11R25) so you can reuse your existing ring binder.

Specification

PVC blue ring binder.

Contracted UEB.

Loose leaf internal pages.

One month per page.

Refill-only option available (BB11R25).

Size: 152.4 × 114.3mm (6 × 4.5 inches).

Recycling information: Paper fully recyclable; binder reusable; plastic packaging not yet recyclable.

Important

This is the full organiser and ring binder set; for the refill pages only please order BB11R25.

This calendar can only be returned if it is in “as new” condition and has not been written in, or if it is faulty.

This item is eligible for VAT exemption.

Barcode: BB1125

Price ex VAT: £8.75

Price inc VAT: £10.50

Braille Pocket Organiser Refill 2025 RNIB

https://shop.rnib.org.uk/braille-pocket-organiser-refill-2025-94718

Barcode: BB11R25

Price ex VAT: £4.50

Price inc VAT: £5.40

If you already have one of our pocket organiser ring binders from a previous year, simply insert these 2025 calendar and blank pages and you are all set for the new year.

Calendar is one month per page. Also included are 60 blank pages for your notes and appointments. As well as bank holidays and other national days, we’ve added dates that are of note for braillists, including International guide dog day, and white cane safety day.

Braille is contracted UEB (Unified English Braille).

Specification

Refill pages for the Braille pocket organiser.

Contracted UEB.

Size: 139.7 × 101.6mm (5.5 × 4 inches).

Weight: 219g (7.72oz).

Recycling information: Paper fully recyclable; plastic packaging not yet recyclable.

Important

This is a refill product and the ring binder for the pocket organiser is not provided; for the full organiser and ring binder set please order BB1125.

This diary can only be returned if it is in “as new” condition and has not been written in, or if it is faulty.

This item is eligible for VAT exemption.

Barcode: BB11R25 Price ex VAT: £4.50

Price inc VAT: £5.40

For our friends in Australia, we found the following:

•Vision Australia

2025 Braille Calendar

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/2025-braille-calendar.html?srsltid=AfmBOooVqb5WN_GW7MyQW3CAKSJKCyQMwe5iYp6Lh4Huy4HxQeP2Ygh0

Product code

ESC25BC

$24.00

Description

Braille and standard print on high-quality paper makes this calendar great for capturing all your important dates.

Features

The braille calendar is A4 in size.

In a portrait format and has 12 months, from January 2025 to December 2025.

Benefits

Always keep on schedule.

Keep track of meetings and events.

Allows you to keep on track.

Specification

Dimensions

Product Dimensions

Length 42 cm

Width1 cm

Height 29.7 cm

Package dimensions

Weight 0.14 kg

In the box

1x Braille Calendar

2025 Braille Diary

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/2025-braille-diary.html?srsltid=AfmBOorOj7m2TjsZiFnoB9cAlFZMOg5eHC21Xct5oGStKQ0NjI1c2FHN

Product codeESC25BD

$32.00

Description

Braille with standard print on high-quality paper makes this diary great for capturing all your important dates.

Features

The braille calendar is A5 in size.

In a portrait format and has 12 months, from January 2025 to December 2025.

Benefits

Always keep on schedule.

Keep track of meetings and events.

Allows you to keep on track.

Order for you or your loved ones today.

Product Dimensions

Length 42 cm

Width1 cm

Height 29.7 cm

Package dimensions

Weight 2 kg

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use

Visit our website: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Access our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Access our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Access our Twitter timeline at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org

Paws for GDUI – News You Can Use! – VOL. IV, NO. 6 – December 2024 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the editor

Hello fellow GDUISters

It is that most amazing of all month’s, the one that has my very favorite holiday… National Candy Cane Day!!! Okay, seriously, I truly love Christmas! It is not for the gifts received (although I do love giving presents), and not for the religious themes (sorry Daddy)- rather it is the traditions of my family! They revolve around music, food, gatherings, inside jokes (where is that mince pie anyway?), shared memories, a tree decorated with ornaments that span 5 generations and all 7 of my guide dogs, and of course, the magic of the season!! It is true that stress, frustration, irritation, and anxiety also try to finagle invitations to all the holiday events I find myself at, however, they can’t dim the delight I take in all things Christmas in Andrea World! Okay, I am never able to completely deny their siren call, but the abundance of joy, love, fun, yumminess, and appreciation for what and who I have in my life is so much bigger than they (“they being stress, frustration, irritation, and anxiety) will ever be!

The hustle of this season and the extreme emphasis on gift giving can overshadow other features of this time of year. Everything is moving faster, demanding more of our time and attention, insisting on being bigger and better (and more expensive), and more automated! The joy of playing with a wooden truck, a simple doll or stuffed toy, sitting together and reading an actual book- these things seem lost in the fray. Yes, I sound like my grandmothers did when talking about the innerwebs! *smile* The point, for me, is to try to slow down, take a deep breath, and truly unplug for a bit. To really recognize the people(family and friends) who make my life rich and my heart full!

Well, now that I have gone all philosophical, enjoy this issue and stay safe this holiday season!

I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved in the publication of “Paws.” Please, share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or something written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to us GDUISters!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President

Greetings GDUI Members and Friends!

Thanks to everyone who supported the GDUI Holiday fundraiser! What a terrific way to cross lots of names off your shopping list, support GDUI, and not even have to leave the comfort of home!!

As we all navigate the joys and sometimes complicated emotions of this season, remember to be kind to yourselves and give extra pats to your pups!

Happy Holidays,

Sarah and Wren

For Your Calendar

(Some items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a little further OFF in the future)

12/10/24, 10:00 PM, ET: Submission deadline for Blessing of the Guide Dogs

12/12/24, 7:00 PM, ET: Many Faces of BARD

12/15/24, 11:59 PM, ET: submission Deadline for Sunday Edition and FIA Holiday show

12/19/24,12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, PT: Heart of Influence webinar (Live Stream Virtual Event)

12/22/24, 6:00 PM, Et: GDUI Holiday Tales, ACB Community event (virtual)

12/29/24, 5:00 PM, ET: Blessing of the Guide Dogs (virtual)

Announcement: Many Faces of BARD

The next edition of the Many Faces of BARD will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024. The topic will be “Advanced Searching: A Deep Dive into the NLS Catalog.” The program will begin with a presentation by Dominick Spinelli, head of the NLS Collection Development Section. After the presentation, we will entertain questions about the presentation or anything else relating to BARD.

The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time and last for one hour. NLS will record this program. The session can be joined by going to https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1619779493?pwd=ATouY0yZdgcnFyoUtqHT43HkSoJwGc.1

If you’re using your telephone to participate in the call, dial

1.669.254.5252 and use meeting ID 161 977 9493.

For Spanish, dial 1.646.964.1167, and use the same meeting ID.

The passcode is 7323464.

Announcement: Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams:

Live Stream Virtual Event, December 19, 2024

Join us for another inspiring episode of the Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Show Date: December 19, 2024

Time- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, PT

Where-Live Stream Virtual Event

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from integrity-based leaders in-

Disability-Owned Businesses
Corporate Supplier Diversity
Disability Advocacy
Disabled Entrepreneurship
Assistive Technology Innovation

Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, and Sean Callagy, founder of Unblinded Sales Mastery, will host an engaging discussion on disability inclusion and innovative business practices.

This monthly event brings together visionaries who believe in creating collaborative solutions and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.

Tune in to expand your network, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversation shaping a more inclusive future!

To watch the show, visit:

https://drkirkadams.com/webinars/heart/

We post each show here shortly after it airs live.

To learn more about this, or a future show, visit this Website: https://drkirkadams.com

Announcement: Welcome the Holidays with Sunday Edition and Friends in Art!

The holidays are almost upon us, and Sunday Edition host Anthony Corona is inviting Friends in Art back on Sunday, December 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern time. The show will be dedicated to musical or spoken word holiday themed content.

How to submit your recording:

The deadline to submit is December 15. The family-friendly contribution must be five minutes in length or less. Performances can be: spoken word, a cappella, piano or guitar accompaniment; all other musical performances must contain the required meta-data in order to be played at the holiday showcase. The file name must include your last name and the title of the piece, i.e., “Santa song jones.”

Send your submission to showcase@friendsinart.org

and include “submission for Sunday Edition” in the subject line.

Deadline for submissions is midnight Eastern time on December 15, 2024. Late submissions will not be included.

Here’s Ho-Ho Hoping to hear from you.

Questions or comments? Contact FIA president Annie Chiappetta, president@friendsinart.org.

Announcement: GDUI Holiday Events, Fun, Community building and virtual!!

Hello, I’m Patty Fletcher, your new membership committee chair. I’d like to personally invite every member and friend of GDUI to the following two events.

These events are open to everyone member or not.

Please mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate the holidays with joy and remembrance.

SAVE THE DATES! Guide Dog Users Incorporated – GDUI HOLIDAY GATHERINGS WITH THE ACB COMMUNITY!

Guide Dog Users Incorporated. (GDUI Holiday Tales – Tails Sunday December 22, 6 PM eastern

Join Guide Dog Users Incorporated for a virtual fun-filled hour of storying as we share our favorite Guide Dog Holiday Tales – Tails.

Guide Dog Users Incorporated – GDUI 2024 Blessing of the Guide Dogs Sunday December 29, 5 PM eastern

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI), along with two lovely and generous long time GDUI members who created and recorded the Blessing, Audrey Gunter and Laurel Jean Walden invites you to the 2024 Blessing, scheduled to be held virtually on Sunday, December 29, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m. eastern time.

Please join us as we offer a general blessing for all current and future guides and honor by name those who have retired within the past two years. We will also feature our much-loved “Audible Candlelight” memorial, calling out the names of those guides who have passed on into Glory.

Many thanks and tail wags to all who have submitted names for our 2024 Blessing via Zoom. US Eastern Time. We want to be sure that everyone has had an opportunity to submit names, so we’re extending our deadline to Tuesday, December 10.

In addition to our general blessing, we will be honoring individual names of the following.

Newbies (teams newly matched within the past two years)
Retired guides
Guides in Glory (who have crossed over “Rainbow Bridge”)

Also, if you would like to remember someone whose life represents a significant contribution to the blindness community in general or the guide dog movement specifically, we will take time to remember these names during “The Blessing.”

Feel welcome to submit these names by Email to retired51837@msn.com or phone (between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM US Eastern Time) at 843.571.073 7. We are grateful for your participation and look forward to seeing you on Zoom.

If you’re reading and you’re not a member of any of our ACB or GDUI email groups, you may write to: community@acb.org to receive the schedule for events.

Or if you’d rather not receive that daily email you may write to me: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com for that information.

*I’m looking for people who would like to serve on the membership committee with me.

This year, as a member of the board, and membership chair my goal is to strengthen and grow our organization so we may band together and eradicate discrimination against those who choose to walk with a guide by their side forever.

We can’t win if we don’t stand together.

Announcement: Behind Our Eyes Writers with Disabilities launches third addition of their anthology

Behind Our Eyes 3: A Literary Sunburst

From the back cover:

the third anthology of its kind, six sections comprised of memoirs, fiction, and poetry share slices of life from the perspectives of those living with disabilities. While unique challenges are incorporated into some of the works, this compilation speaks to universal themes and common experiences, involving loss and grief, adversity and fear, love and passion. Tantalizing recipes accompany several works; such as those for edible salad bowls, lemon herb bread, cinnamon rolls, and frozen yogurt pops for dogs. This engaging collection promises three enriching opportunities: readers are challenged to question outdated notions of disability; invited to appreciate perspectives that differentiate us from one another; and encouraged to embrace the threads that make up the fabric of our collective human experience. Readers, disabled and not, will be inspired to hold up a mirror to their own experiences, and recognize that, reassuringly, we are all in this together.

Kelly Sargent, Creative Nonfiction Editor, The Bookends Review and author of Seeing Voices: Poetry in Motion

Editor bios:

Kathryn G. (Kate) Chamberlin, B.S., M.A., and her husband have lived and raised three children plus two grandchildren atop the drumlin in Walworth, NY, since 1972. With the assistance of computer screen reader software, this former Elementary teacher, developed a Study Buddy Tutoring Service, presented her Feely Cans and Sniffy Jars Workshop, became the published author of three children’s books, edited a literary anthology featuring 65 writers with disabilities, and is a free-lance writer. As empty nesters, Kate and her husband enjoy having lunch out, country walks, and mall cruising or walking on their side-by-side treadmills during inclement weather.

Visit her website at: www.katechamberlin.com

Marilyn Brandt Smith worked as a teacher, psychologist, and rehabilitation professional. She has edited magazines and newsletters since 1976, and was the first blind Peace Corps volunteer. She lives with her family on a southern Kentucky farm. Her first book, Chasing the Green Sun, published in 2012, is available from Amazon and other bookstores and in audio form. She loves writing flash fiction stories, and was the primary editor for the first Behind Our Eyes anthology, as well as “Magnets and Ladders” from 2011 through 2013. She enjoys college basketball, barbershop harmony, and adventure books.

Visit her website: http://www.marilynspages.com.

Mary-Jo Lord writes poetry, fiction, and memoirs. A selection of her work was published in Almost Touching, a Plain View Press anthology. Her work can also be found in the anthologies Behind Our Eyes, Behind Our Eyes: A Second Look, and in past issues of “Magnets and Ladders.” She was also published in “Dialogue Magazine,” on the blog, “Walking by Inner Vision,” Mary-Jo has been the Coordinating Editor of “Magnets and Ladders” since 2014. She has a master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University, and is retired from Oakland Community College. Mary–Jo lives with her family in Rochester, Michigan. She has been blind since birth.

Announcements: News from ACB

[Retrieved from “Dots and Dashes,” The American Council of the Blind’s newsletter, December 2, 2024]

Exercise Your Creativity and Help Make National Park Brochures Accessible

Join the 2025 Descriptathons and help make national parks more accessible! ACB, the National Park Service, and UniDescription (UniD) are recruiting volunteers on the blindness spectrum to create audio descriptions for selected national park brochures. Teams are composed of people who are both sighted and blind or have low vision, all of whom will collaborate to describe maps, paintings, and visual images within park brochures. All meetings are held remotely, so you might find yourself learning about a park in your state or across the continent.

The Descriptathon will take place February 25–27, 2025. Volunteers are expected to attend all three full-day sessions. Participants will likely spend ten hours of prep time in the five weeks before the kick-off on February 25 (approximately two hours a week). During this prep time, team members will learn about audio description, how to use the UniD tool to describe their brochure, and get to know their teammates. Four to six hours might be needed to finalize the brochure description after the three-day event. Volunteers should have solid computer skills and be comfortable learning new technology.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in the creation of accessible materials and demonstrate the power of “nothing about us without us.” It’s a chance to meet new people, develop technical and communication skills, learn about national parks and audio description, build confidence, and have fun.

If this sounds great and you’re ready to commit and join a team, please complete this short online form- D11 Registration form

or email brett.oppegaard@hawaii.edu

and tell him ACB sent you!

California Elects First Legally Blind Representative in 12th District

Lateefah Simon is the first legally blind woman to be elected to Congress representing California’s 12th Congressional District, which is home to over 750,000 people across Alameda County, and includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, and San Leandro. You can find her biography here: https://www.lateefahsimon.com/about

Disabled Americans rely on rideshare apps but say they still face discrimination

Kenya Hunter

[From: https://apnews.com/article/uber-lyft-disability-blind-rideshare-fad7cce25f60721d5fb679815f796a4e]

[The Editors of Paws for GDUI News You Can Use wish to thank Ron Brooks for sharing the article which appears below with us. Ron Says:

I’m sharing the text and link to an Associated Press article, from the AP’s Health Reporter,

Kenya Hunter. It’s a good discussion of the challenges those of us who travel with service animals often face when attempting to use services like Uber

and Lyft. As one of those disabled Americans who travels with a service animal, and who has spent time in front of my home, in airport rideshare pick-up

areas, in parking lots, and elsewhere, trying to figure out transportation options after being illegally denied because of the presence of my Seeing Eye

Dog, York, I’m grateful for the light that Hunter has shed on this important and ongoing challenge. I’m also grateful to her for highlighting UZURV – The

Adaptive TNC, where service animals are always welcome, and where drivers who deny them are not. My personal life experience as a blind traveler, who chooses

to travel with a guide dog, is a big part of why I chose to join UZURV, and it’s just one reason of many, that motivates me to show up and give my best

each day. Please check out Hunter’s story, and share it. And if you want more information on UZURV’s approach for ensuring a welcoming environment for

service animals, you can find our Service Animal policy at the following link:

https://uzurv.com/service-animal-policy/.

Ron Brooks,

Phoenix, Arizona]

Disabled people who use rideshare apps Lyft and Uber say their experience is not a seamless task of pressing a few buttons and being whisked to their destination minutes later. Instead, people who use wheelchairs and guide dogs have watched drivers cancel rides, charge cleaning fees for guide dogs or outright refuse

to take them where they need to go. The rideshare companies plan to push app updates soon to address cancellations and misunderstandings, but advocates

and disabled users say they want to see drivers be better educated about how to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and want the companies

to put in stricter discrimination policies. The new app features are just “window dressing,” said Lynn Dubinsky. “This option puts the burden back on the

client rather than on the companies themselves to directly address (discrimination) with their drivers,” said Dubinsky, who works for a guide-dog training school in San Rafael, California.

Uber and Lyft have been the target of past federal lawsuits that allege they didn’t follow ADA laws; Uber settled its suit in 2022 and Lyft settled a separate one in 2020.

While rideshare apps aren’t the only option for disabled people across the U.S. — public transit

agencies must also have ADA-compliant buses and trains and offer paratransit options like shuttles — the disabled community relies on rideshare more than

others, according to 2022 U.S. Bureau of Transportation statistics. That’s the case for Amber Sherrard, who is blind and has a guide dog named Della. The

32-year-old Denver resident has grown accustomed to drivers refusing to transport Della, whom she prefers to bring along instead of using a cane, which

she says is less safe. Once, she ended up getting a ride from strangers at Denver’s airport because a rideshare driver wouldn’t allow Della in the car. Uber’s

app update will give users a way to identify as blind or deaf. Lyft will allow users to tell a driver they have a service animal — something that Uber

launched as a small pilot program earlier this week in the U.S. and Canada. Both rideshare companies have hotlines for people to report drivers who refuse

to allow them into their cars with a service animal. Sherrard said she’s skeptical that the new app features will help, since she usually informs drivers

about her guide dog and figured out how to add that she’s visually impaired to her profile name to cut down on cancellations.

“Just like every other person in America working multiple jobs, trying to survive, I don’t have the time,” she said of drivers who’ve denied her rides. “I have just as many bills as

anyone else. I have just as many working hours as everyone else. I have just as many errands and things to do to survive as anyone else.”

Robert Silva has had issues with rideshare drivers because of his folding wheelchair, which he has used since losing his right leg in a car accident. The 34-year-old from

Alameda, California, said he once tried ordering a rideshare five times in an hour and a half to go to Disneyland before a driver accepted his request.

“They just see me in a wheelchair, first thing, and they’re expecting that there’s going to be a lot of baggage there,” said Silva, who usually can get into

a vehicle without assistance. “I’m sure when they see me they think it’s going to be a lot more work than it actually is.”

Uber and Lyft said their disability policies include following the ADA and not denying rides to people solely because they have a guide dog. The companies also said new drivers are made aware of the policies during onboarding, and that established drivers get occasional reminders of disability policies. If drivers wrongfully decline to accommodate

riders because of a service animal, they face a potential ban.

Under the ADA, U.S. cities that have public transportation must provide paratransit at a

comparable cost to the regular transit system.

Cathy Johnston, 70, uses Atlanta’s MARTA Mobility paratransit program so she doesn’t have to leave her power wheelchair behind for a foldable wheelchair like she does when using Uber or Lyft. It’s not as timely as rideshare; Johnston said she’s had to wait up

to 45 minutes — even after scheduling it at least 24 hours in advance.

“It makes me mad because hey, I have things I have to do,” she said.

In recent years, 36 transportation programs in 15 states and Washington, D.C., have bolstered paratransit offerings with Uzurv, a rideshare company that specializes in

door-to-door service for people with disabilities. The company says it immediately bans drivers who discriminate against disabled riders.

Portland, Oregon, lost a third of its cab fleet because of a drop in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soon after, TriMet, the city’s public transit operation, signed

a contract with Uzurv.It’s been an “out-of-the-box” solution that Eileen Collins Turvey, TriMet’s director of accessibility programs, is satisfied with

— so much so that she hopes to make it an on-demand service next year.

But first, she wants to be able to expand all paratransit contractors’ ability to

serve wheelchair users.

Everyone Needs a Little Dark Chocolate in Their Day (Or, The Almond Joy team for Christmas!)

By DeAnna Quietwater Noriega

Author of Fifty Years of Walking with Friends

[From: https://www.dldbooks.com/dqnoriega/]

On November 29, 2009, I was driven two hours to St. Louis to board a plane to Newark and was taken to a place that had welcomed me seven previous times. I was just out of high school when I first traveled to New Jersey. Having never flown on a jet plane before, I thought of the journey as a fabulous adventure. Numerous pet dogs had been a part of my childhood, so it only made sense to join my steps with a canine friend as I set off to conquer the world.

Now I was a grandmother who still found it hard to believe that she had actually become a grownup. I didn’t let myself get excited. I dwelt on the here, this minute, telling myself to get it done, and tried not to think about the pain that was with me. Sweet Olsen! We walked in tandem for only two years. I fought the empty feeling of your absence at my side. It was like a yanked wisdom tooth, leaving a bloody hole where a tooth should have been.

This last class of the year was limited to those who had already trained with a dog from The Seeing Eye. There were 17 people who had come from all over the country to train with new guide dogs.

Sue M., my instructor, said my new dog had a name that started with the letter R. She said that four of us had dogs with names ending in the letter A. One dog’s name ended in an O. When Sue kept saying “he” when telling me things about my prospective dog, I guessed the chances were that the O was mine. She said he was unusual. I teased her that she was planning to give me a Sharpei named Rambo. Rollo? Roscoe? (Okay, so that name ends with an E.) Reno and Rondo were possible, too.

Sue brought me Reno! I wondered if he would take a gamble on me. He was a little Labrador Retriever with eyes of gold and dark chocolate fur. Who wants milk chocolate when you can have rich, dark chocolate? It’s loaded with antioxidants to keep me young.

Our first walk was different. He was smaller, but had a nice pace and pulled into the harness. He wanted to play with his leash and chew his tie–down cable. It takes time for new dogs to decide if they can take you on as a friend. I struggled to find my balance and to synchronize my steps to match his.

I knew we could adjust to each other, but I sensed he was worried. Sue was still behind us. I needed him to trust me, and I had to try to trust him back. At first, I wasn’t doing it right. My shins were stiff and ached with each step. I was unconsciously walking tentatively, with tense muscles. I instructed myself, “Put more enthusiasm in your voice, please. Don’t step out in front of him; let the boy move first.” I didn’t remember it being this hard to learn to dance before, but I knew it must have been.

On our first night, I got up once to go to the bathroom. Reno beat the heating register with his tail. The Cocoa Puff puppy was no sleepy Labby boy.

Lukas who was an apprentice in my second class in 1978 , taught us the concept of clicker training, which uses a clicker to signal good behavior, followed by a treat as reinforcement. Leash corrections were still a tool for dealing mistakes, but now there was more emphasis on positive techniques. As usual, Lukas made me laugh and feel like I was in the presence of one of my insane brothers. Love and friendship never dimmed by time and distance are a part of returning to this enchanted Shangri–La, where human and canine animals learn to combine forces to become greater than they would be separately.

This time, there was dark chocolate and one nut to make an Almond Joy team. I caught my heel on a raised slab of sidewalk and took a sliding header on our second day together. Poor Chocolate was worried and wasn’t pulling into his harness. I asked my husband, Curt, to send my walking shoes instead of the boots with heavy treads. I didn’t need snow boots, since the sidewalks were clear. I had to get my act together to make progress. It felt as if I was doing the soft–shoe shuffle while Reno was trying to waltz.

A few days later, we were still choppy in our movements, but I managed to follow and let Reno lead without rushing him. It wasn’t perfect, but at least we were finding the beat, and if we weren’t quite in step, we were hearing the same tune. My class picture, of the five of us working with Sue, was interesting, since we had one Black Lab, one Golden Retriever, one Yellow Lab, one dainty Shepherd, and the dark chocolate truffle.

Sue, my instructor, said she understood the difficulty of going from a Lab to two Shepherds and then back to a Lab. I think my biggest issue was the change in size. There is also a difference in how the two breeds move, but my last three dogs were close in height. After three large dogs, I was working with one who was at least three to four inches shorter. He did have a bouncy walk, rather than the flowing walk of my two Shepherds, but the shorter height was also matched with a decrease in body length. Sue gave me a shorter handle, which brought me closer to his shoulder when we walked, and that was helping. At least it felt more like the usual “two left feet” issues that you have whenever you have to learn to read the body language of a successor dog.

Reno didn’t have the confidence to be decisive when I needed to move over to make a straight street crossing, but he was beginning to be happy in his work. I tried a simple modification on the harness handle to take some of the play out of it until we got our new harnesses. In addition, we were issued our dog boots and a collar bell. The boots were to be put on the dogs if they needed to walk across hot tarmac during hot days and to protect their paws from salt and snow–melting chemicals in winter.

After dinner, we worked on food distractions. Sue walked past each of us, tossing garlic bread sticks down on the floor in front of us. One pup caught it in midair. Others dived after the treat and were corrected until they could remain sitting quietly beside their handlers. It’s important that our dogs learn to ignore anything we don’t give them. Scavenging for dropped food can lead to inattention, upset stomachs, or surfing tables and counters for unauthorized snacks. My pup wanted to hide. He pressed his forehead against the back of my calf and was drooling. He wanted the food but also wanted to avoid the temptation.

We started a longer route and did some freelance work to practice escalators, revolving doors, and narrow, crowded aisles. I had a chance to buy some lightweight socks to make my street shoes more comfortable and some bath salts to do some hot soaks for sore muscles. I needed to work on my voice when giving commands. Reno was happier with a more forceful style than I had used with the timid Shepherd boys.

I was having some trouble getting the pup to find the down curb and to stop at the up curb. We did some nice work around barriers, and he was not at all dog distractible. We went to the courthouse and worked on lots of twisty turns through people and up and down stairs. I was still off on my following and reading his body language. At this point, most of the problems were mine.

Reno and I took the train a short way. He trembled while we waited inside the station, and I wondered if his tight, short coat was not enough protection in the cold. We went to PetSmart. This gave us a chance to work on sniffing, dog distraction, and close aisle work. I bought Reno a collar tag, which was a brass bone with his name and my phone number on it, a propeller squeak toy for Christmas, some oatmeal and baking soda shampoo, and ear and teeth wipes. He did beautifully with all the challenges, including sitting quietly near the cat enclosures and walking past hamsters and birds. Actually, all of Sue’s dogs did a great job, with only one dog sniffing dog food bags and one breaking a sit when a large Lab charged him.

We got our vet lecture, and I sandwiched in some boot practice and obedience. Reno acted as if the boots held his paws glued to the floor. I put them on him and he lay on his side, claiming to be in force–field restraints and unable to stand. When I fixed his dinner, he clomped in slowly and started to eat. I was able to lift each foot and remove the boot while he ate standing on three legs. Later, he walked slowly and carefully to and from the lounge three times. I returned empty feed pans to the counter. Reno seemed to think the boots were magnetized, for walking on the outside of space ships. In the afternoon, Chris Sutton came over with a power wheelchair, and we were able to give Reno some time to get used to it. Later, Sue used a manual chair in the lounge to try to get his unease down some more. This was part of my freelance work, because my employment at an Independent Living Center demanded that my dog get used to being around wheelchairs. emphasis was placed on freelance work to fit the dogs for the varied situations they were going to experience once they went home.

The Christmas trees went up. It appeared that the staff had brought toys and food items in for distribution to the community. The toys went under the tree, but Margaret kept the food in her office. I think there was also some sort of book drive going on. Click and treat techniques were being taught as an optional tool. One of the instructors taught some of us how to play with a dreidel, and we participated in a lighting of the Hanukkah candles.

After breakfast, Sue, Tom, and I worked with Reno on wheelchair de–sensitivity. We made good progress. Then it was off to New York city, where we practically walked our feet off. There were crowds, subways, and city buses, and walking past as many notable city locations as our feet could stand. There was Penn Station for escalators, Times Square, Columbus Circle, 34th Street, and Fifth Avenue. We walked past Tiffany’s, Bergdorf’s, Macy’s, and the NBC and ABC studios. We did some Christmas shopping in the kiosks at the edge of Central Park. We encountered rolling racks, street vendors selling soft pretzels or hotdogs, and Broadway ticket scalpers. We heard Christmas music and singers, and there were horse-drawn carriages giving us a traffic check. We stopped for lunch before tackling the eight blocks to the Port Authority to find the car for the drive back to the school.

On the last day before we were to go home, I walked a bit in the country, but it was really cold. I started packing. Dr. Cohen sent Reno a goodbye card and a box of homemade dog biscuits. He also got a series of drawings from one of the children in his puppy raiser home. This wonderful dog had obviously imprinted several hearts on his way to me. In the afternoon, there was a trip to town and some walking for Reno and me to work on curbs, followed by hot chocolate and buying funny pasta for presents. The shop had a rack of packages of pasta in the shapes of dog bones and paw prints.

Shannon wanted us to have our packing done so she could weigh bags. Naturally, my big case was too heavy, and my small one was light. We worked to even them out. I had to get a box to mail home the snow boots and extra jacket so the rest would fit in the suitcases. I got Karen to check my bags online and print out the boarding pass. I had my exit interview, which gave me a chance for goodbye hugs for old friends Jim and Ginger and a kiss on the cheek from Lukas. It was time for this ladybug to fly away home.

I was up early to finish jamming things in the smaller of my two cases, since that was the one that was under the weight limit. I sat on it to get the zipper to close. I had a last breakfast with four of my classmates. Then there was the trip to the airport with an apprentice named Kaylin. I was the first to leave.

I was in the bulkhead row with no one else; Reno sat up or rested his head on the seat beside me. He trembled and drooled a bit. I carefully ignored his unease and tried to seem calm and assured. When we landed, I slipped his harness on and accepted my carry–on bag from the stewardess. We quickly left the plane, and I sat at the gate, waiting for a meet–and–assist person to arrive. My cell phone let me talk to Curt, and when I was finally allowed out of the secured area, he found us. We collected my bags and left for the two–hour drive home.

Reno met the family, and we began the rest of our lives with a slow, gentle introduction to my grandchildren, two family dogs, and the cat. The next day, we were off to the office for a half day, ending with a restaurant meal with co-workers for our office party. Except for one friend who was still smarting on my behalf for the loss of Olsen, all were impressed with the Reno puppy. Jill said he wasn’t as pretty as Olsen. She loved German Shepherds, too. Reno and I were still slightly out of step, but we had only each other, now, to try to make the communication flow easily and naturally. The magical door to the safe zone that The Seeing Eye provided with its trainers had closed, and the world awaited. We stepped off together to discover what it held for our Almond Joy team.

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

All of the following would make a terrific addition to any holiday event you are hosting or attending, or a delightful treat for yourself!

EASY Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Christina Marsigliese

[From: https://scientificallysweet.com/easy-homemade-chocolate-truffles/]

Silky smooth and luscious dark chocolate truffles are perfect for the holidays or to satisfy that chocolate craving!

Prep Time, 10minutes

Cook Time, 3minutes

Chill Time, 2hours

Servings, 35 truffles

Ingredients

8 oz 227g dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids)

¾ cup 180ml heavy 35% whipping cream

½ teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder for rolling

assorted sprinkles for rolling

Instructions

Step 1. Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.

Step 2. Combine cream and instant espresso (if you choose to use it) in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Small bubbles

will begin to form around the edges of the pan.

Step 3. Remove from heat and pour immediately over chopped chocolate. Cover the bowl and let stand without stirring for 2 minutes.

Step 4. Gently stir mixture in a circular motion using a rubber spatula, starting from the center and working your way out to the sides, until it transforms

into a smooth and glossy mixture. Let the ganache cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.

Step 5. Scoop up heaping teaspoons of ganache, roll them into smooth balls between the palms of your hands and then roll them around in cocoa powder or

sprinkles to coat them evenly. Store in the fridge but serve at room temperature.

(The following three just require the microwave. That makes them your editor’s choice! Yes, all three!)

Easy Chocolate Mousse

[From: https://www.thekitchn.com/chocolate-mousse-22949276]

Prep time, 15 minutes

Cook time, 1 hour

Serves, 4

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups cold heavy cream, divided

1 cup good-quality chocolate chips or coarsely chopped chocolate (6 ounces)

Garnish options: grated chocolate or crunchy toppings, such as chopped nuts, toffee, or brittle

Instructions

step 1. Heat 1/2 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Add 1 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine. Set the bowl aside for 5 minutes for the chocolate to melt.

step 2. Whisk the contents of the bowl together until smooth. Set aside to cool while you whip the remaining cream.

step 3. Place the remaining 1 cup cold cream in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or with a whisk by hand until soft peaks form. Transfer

1/2 cup of the softly-whipped cream to a small bowl and refrigerate to use as topping the finished mousse before serving. Continue whipping the remaining cream until stiff peaks

form.

step 4. Use a large rubber spatula to fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture. Do this in three additions. Work swiftly and gently, and don’t stress if there

are streaks of cream in the chocolate mousse.

step 5. Divide the mixture between 4 ramekins or cocktail glasses. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours, before serving, topped with a Dollop with the reserved softly

whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate or chopped hazelnuts, if desired.

Note: While it isn’t mandatory, adding something a little crispy or crunchy to the top of chocolate mousse (think: crumbled toffee or brittle, even crispy

breakfast cereal) really sends it over the top flavor-wise, and cements its status as the only dessert recipe you need, ever!

These next two are submitted by the retirement Mom of, Anders, this Editor’s last guide and former member of the Paws editorial team! (You big Lummox, you are so missed!)

NO-COOK FUDGE

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups / 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate morsels

1 can / 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish options: grated chocolate or crunchy toppings, such as chopped nuts, toffee, or brittle

Instructions:

Line an 8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, to make it easier to remove the fudge

Combine morsels with condensed milk in a microwave-safe dish, cook on high for 30-second intervals, stirring each time until melted smooth.

Stir in the vanilla extract, and chopped nuts if desired.

Spread into prepared baking pan, add any desired toppings

Refrigerate for 2 hours, then lift from pan and cut into pieces

Store in refrigerator.

NO-COOK BARK (Toto says this is his choice because it is in his “language”!)

Serves, 1 or more (you won’t want to share!)

Prep time: 5 minutes plus an hour for it to chill

Cook time: 2 to 3 minutes per chocolate flavor

Serves: depends on how well you share

Ingredients:

Chocolate – 2 or more ounces per chocolate flavor (I use the whole bag of chips)

Garnish options: almonds, crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, candy sprinkles, toffee, or anything else you like

Instructions:

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper

Put chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 second intervals, stirring each time until chocolate is melted smooth

Pour the chocolate onto the baking sheet and sprinkle with nuts, candy, sprinkles, etc.

Get creative! Add a second color of chocolate, or a third! Use various toppings for different flavor combinations

Allow the bark to cool fully – ideally in the fridge or freezer for an hour or more – then break up into pieces and place in airtight container(s) for gifting.

Pod Casts/Blogs- Check these out!

Eyes on Success

Website: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/

This half-hour weekly podcast and radio program discusses products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across North America, via several internet streaming services, and to everyone else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries on all the inhabited continents. Eyes On Success is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey. Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people’s accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to overcome barriers. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and other assistive devices. In all cases, the focus is on success.

Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was Viewpoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.

Listening To Eyes On Success

You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying, “play the Eyes On Success podcast.”

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).

Connecting with Eyes On Success

Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net.

Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic “announcements only” list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com.

Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you’ve heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com

podcast@email.hadleyhelps.org

New- Managing the Holidays with Vision Loss

The holiday season can bring added stress when adjusting to vision loss. Navigating get-togethers and interacting with family and friends may be a bit trickier this year. We have some tips for you to consider as you plan.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/managing-holidays-vision-loss

In case you missed these other episodes-

Losing Vision, Reconnecting to Nature and the Spirit of Giving

Join us as we chat with Ron Peterson, a retired scientist and Hadley community member, who found a way back to doing what he loves, nature walks and volunteering after losing his sight to glaucoma.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/losing-vision-reconnecting-nature-and-spirit-giving

Emotions, Mental Health, and Vision Loss

Vision loss can be emotionally overwhelming. In this episode, we chat with a clinical psychologist who is legally blind herself, Dr. Ann Wagner. She shares how learning from and connecting with our emotions can bring about healing and transformation.

Disaster Preparedness with Vision Loss

Preparing for a disaster is important for everyone. But for people with vision loss, it requires some extra thought and planning. In this episode, we share some ideas on how you can prepare.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/disaster-preparedness-vision-loss

To Find All Episodes

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts#podcast-episodes

The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities. With classes like- Learn the basics of NVDA. From getting started with the program to customizing the speech to learning helpful shortcuts- Hadley’s workshops have you covered.

Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who “get it.” And you don’t need to come to Hadley. Hadley’s help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail.

Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 70,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 200,000 workshop interactions. And our workshops have 98% satisfaction ratings. We reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.

Hadley is a proud partner of the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program.

Hadley’s help conveniently meets learners where they are. Free of wait lists. Free of office visits. Free of charge.

(800) 323-4238

info@hadleyhelps.org

https://hadleyhelps.org/

Ready to get started? Get Started- https://hadleyhelps.org/learn

Announcement: If you missed the fireside chat with Judge David Tatel, luckily it was recorded!

The Carroll Center for the Blind

https://www.carroll.org

This special event was hosted by our Carroll Alumni and Carroll Families programs. It was truly memorable to witness Judge Tatel’s reflections on resilience, career, and personal journeys. If you weren’t able to attend or would like to listen again, we’ve provided the recording here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKLEi1c-9j4

If you haven’t had a chance to read Judge Tatel’s memoir yet, you can purchase the Kindle, Audible, or Hardcover version here

https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Vision-Memoir-Blindness-Justice/dp/B0CKNKPQT5?crid=1JT8IJ5GVKAOX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.96uGXET6QHCU9VPP3aQSCoOGLyAgG0Xq6Ci9sXzIBh2hPofvj4GHBti-EoNmsk-ZyCg6Okmz8rEGZ5t0zt8AHrALzbGkNxQC78zHzRIMWKP_NUVurqCDAr81iGUGI7GBoNULLPv1GLjYKd4aHUn9Xg.SzOnE18S8z7eakYCBLkcAQsezxpNQcTBUH2_mN1-1BE&dib_tag=se&keywords=david+tatel&qid=1721667568&sprefix=david+tatel%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

The book is also available through BARD. To find it on BARD, search for: DB 122023, or contact your local Braille and Talking Book Library for assistance.

Snippets from Access Information News. The world’s #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information

(Access Information News for Monday, December 2, 2024 – Volume 991)

Wicked Star Marissa Bode Encourages People To Be Kind About Her Character’s Disability | DigitalTrends.com | December 1, 2024

Marissa Bode, who portrays Nessarose in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked,’ addressed ableist comments about her character’s disability, urging audiences to practice kindness and understanding.

How A Cousin’s Disability Inspired A Drive For Inclusive Housing | FT.com | December 1, 2024

Micaela Connery co-founded The Kelsey, a non-profit creating disability-inclusive and affordable housing, inspired by her cousin Kelsey Flynn O’Connor. The organization has developed inclusive communities and advocates for broader systemic change, aiming to transform housing accessibility for people with disabilities.

The Tactile Times Online, Fully-Accessible Advent Calendar Is Back For 2024 | TactileTimes.org | December 1, 2024

The Tactile Times has relaunched their fully-accessible, online advent calendar for braillists worldwide, featuring 24 surprises such as Christmas jokes and classic festive music. This screen reader-friendly calendar also includes a live countdown to Christmas day, spreading holiday cheer to all users.

‘Out Of My Mind’ Review: Disney+’s Faithful Adaptation Of Sharon Draper’s Novel | Variety.com | November 27, 2024

Disney+’s ‘Out of My Mind’ faithfully adapts Sharon Draper’s novel, offering a heartfelt portrayal of a young girl with cerebral palsy navigating a world that often underestimates her capabilities.

Cyber Safety: Some Considerations Worth Our Attention

[Editor’s note: The following two items seem to naturally ‘go together,’ the first in case you work in the field of assistive technology and therefore may find your privacy negatively affected, and the second because cyber safety is a concern that all of us must address!]

macOS Sequoia Complications: VoiceOver Issues Could Affect Technicians’ Privacy

[From: Pneuma Solutions]

Recent changes in macOS Sequoia have created some challenges for our Remote Accessibility Module, which allows seamless assistance without revealing the technician’s disability. Due to changes in how VoiceOver settings are managed in macOS Sequoia, visually impaired technicians may experience issues that disrupt their ability to perform tasks discreetly. We’ve identified these problems and are working with Apple to find a long-term solution, but we need your help to make sure this issue is prioritized. If you’ve experienced difficulties using RIM on Sequoia, we encourage you to contact Apple’s Accessibility department — accessibility@apple.com — and politely but firmly advocate the prioritization of an API that allows for safe, controlled adjustments to VoiceOver. Together, we can push for better accessibility and maintain the tools that empower visually impaired professionals, while fully preserving their dignity by preventing non-consensual disclosure of disability.

https://pneumasolutions.com/

For Support, call: 650.249.1000

Online Safety for Blind Computer Users: Staying Secure in an Ever-Changing Digital World

New Book By Kim Nova and Chris Nova,

Available from National Braille Press,

In one braille volume, or BRF and Word download: $15.00

In this important and timely book, the folks from Mystic Access tackle the scarier side of the internet, showing blind computer users how to increase their security online. They cover a wide range of dangers, such as online scams and malware, and offer solutions to help you protect your identity, your personal information, and your finances. Chapters explore the ins and outs of antivirus programs, VPNs, password managers, multi-factor authentication, and much more! Stay safe out there!

iOS 18 Reference Card

By Anna Dresner, Updated by Paul Martz

Available from National Braille Press,

In one braille volume, or BRF and Word download: $12.00

Don’t miss this quick, handy guide to VoiceOver gestures (including touch and tap gestures, 3D Touch and haptic touch, flick gestures, and iPhone X and iPad slide gestures); iDevice buttons; typing and editing with a Bluetooth keyboard; and using a braille display — all in one handy booklet. Keep it within reach.

National Braille Press is the expert for producing high-quality, accurate braille. Whether you need ADA signage, accessible documents, or B2B solutions, NBP has what you’re looking for.

With almost 100 years of experience and a forward-thinking vision, we’re ready to solve your braille needs to the highest standard.

617.266.6160

b2b@nbp.org

https://www.nbp.org

Magnifiers & More

Established in 2002 by Deborah Kogler, is Northeast Ohio’s only retail store dedicated to providing products and consultations for individuals with low vision, blindness, and vision disabilities. With over forty years of experience in eye care, Deborah founded the company to create a one-stop shop for vision aids, including specialized tools for managing conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.

The store offers a wide range of over seventy-five magnifiers, talking items, large print products, special lights, electronic aids, Braille items, glare control solutions and More.

A key figure in the company’s story is Murphy, Deborah’s Golden Retriever and original CEO, “Canine Executive Officer,” who was the store’s mascot and greeter for 15 years. Today, Jeffrey, another Golden Retriever trained as a service dog, serves as the CFO, “Canine Fun Officer,” delighting customers and supporting Deborah.

Deborah’s journey into vision rehabilitation was inspired by her grandmother’s experience with macular degeneration, sparking her passion to make vision aids accessible. She continues to advocate for and educate those living with vision disabilities, both locally and internationally.

Magnifiers & More is committed to helping people improve their quality of life through practical solutions and compassionate support.

Magnifiers & More

7775 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060

Phone: 440.946.3363

Fax: 440.946.8899

info@magnifiersandmore.net

https://www.magnifiersandmore.net

Innosearch.ai

YouTube Review By Sam Seavey: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-rjL-HAwaZY.

Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:

➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.

➜ Uncover the Best Deals: Never miss a door buster, coupon, or clearance sale again.

Get notified about the best prices and offers.

➜ AI Summarized Trusted Reviews: See what others are saying and make confident purchases.

➜ All in One: Innosearch brings millions of products from top online retailers directly to you, allowing you to shop the best deals with easy checkout and personalized AI assistance.

➜ Shop with Confidence: Rest assured, Innosearch has you covered with free shipping and returns on every purchase.

➜ Know Before You Buy: Innosearch equips you with expert buying guides, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.

How To Shop: Simply create a free account and start shopping today!

https://www.innosearch.ai

Here’s a Fun Holiday Song about Guide Dogs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ricVxZHFe-4

Article: How to Pet-Proof Your Christmas Tree

[From Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education- PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- 12/5/2024- usdaninstitute@amcny.org]

[The editors want to thank Janet Ingver for faithfully sharing these very informative items with us and with GDUI’s email discussion lists whenever they appear. Janet makes this valuable information accessible for those of us who rely on screen-readers and screen magnification, and we are very grateful. Thank you, Janet!!]

As fun and festive as the holiday season may be, it can be a confusing and dangerous time for our pets. Decorations pose unique risks and that includes Christmas trees.

If your celebration includes setting up a tree, be sure to take precautions to keep pets safe. Here are 8 tree-trimming tips to keep in mind-

Skip the tinsel: It’s dangerous if ingested.
Choose sturdy ornaments: Fragile glass baubles can break and cause injury.
Sweep pine needles: Prevent upset stomachs or blockages.
Cover the tree stand: Keep pets away from water that may contain harmful chemicals or bacteria.
Anchor the tree: Prevent tipping accidents caused by playful pets.
Skip edible decorations: Treats like popcorn garlands are too tempting for pets.
Place lights wisely: Keep them out of reach to avoid shocks or burns.
Don’t put gifts under the tree: Ribbons, bows, and food-filled packages can be tempting—and dangerous—for pets. Store gifts securely until Christmas morning.

Follow these simple steps to keep your Christmas tree festive and pet-safe!

IMPORTANT Editor’s note: Content for Paws for GDUI News You Can Use is derived from a variety of sources. Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies said contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use

Visit our web site: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Access our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Access our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Access our Twitter timeline at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

Paws for GDUI – News You Can Use! – VOL IV, No. 5 – Fall 2024 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the editor

Hello fellow GDUISters

Somehow it is already November- 2024 is hurdling along at breakneck speed! I love fall with the cooler nights, crisp breezes and the smell of wood smoke in the air. The brisk days make Toto feel frisky, however, he is highly suspicious of the endless piles of leaves strewn all willy nilly along the sidewalks. They are definitely questionable, as he can’t see to the bottom of them and any number of dangers could be lurking in their depths!

This issue is a slight departure from the usual format- instead of having been published in early October (and being called the October issue) it is coming to you in early November (hence its title of Paws for GDUI News You Can Use- Fall Addition!). Thank you for your understanding of the change in publication dates- any and all responsibility for the delay falls squarely, and completely, on my shoulders. (Sorry fellow editorial team, your leader got bogged down in weather and tech complications but I surely don’t want that to tarnish your sterling reputations!)

Please check the calendar section, as it is full of great information about upcoming events, some of which are very soon. Enjoy the announcements, articles, recipes and other tidbits found in this, the fall addition of Paws.

I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved with our publication. Share a favorite podcast, affiliate news item, an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper, something you wrote yourself, or something written by someone else, a helpful app or other resource, even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to US, GDUISters!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President

Hello GDUI members and friends

Whatever kept you busy during October, and especially on Blind American’s Equality day, I hope it was fun and informative! I always enjoy hearing about the interesting and diverse ways our members recognize and honor all that the dual platforms of employment and equality offer!

October was an especially busy month. The culminating activity turned out to be the Ride-Share Rally in San Francisco, where my new guide dog, Wren, guided me perfectly and I was so pleased to represent GDUI to oppose continued discrimination by ride-share companies, Uber and LYFT, against so many of us who rely on our guide dogs for independence and safe travel. Our companions, Director, Olivia Norman and Guide Dog School Liaison, Ryan Hooey, who also represented GDUI at the rally, and ACB Immediate Past President, Kim Charlson, took our responsibilities for advocacy very seriously! We marched and we chanted, we joined guide dog users from all over the United States, and from both the NFB and the ACB, as well as puppy raisers, and trainers from several schools, and a number of guide dog handlers who choose not to affiliate with any consumer organization. . We believe and hope that our advocacy will remind Uber and LYFT that the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits their drivers from discriminating against those of us who travel with guide dogs, and we guarantee that this rally was not the only or the last time that the ride share companies will be hearing from us!(When their drivers stop discriminating against us, we will stop advocating for change!)

I am proud personally, and organizationally, to have been a part of such a historic event!

In addition to planning for and participating in the Ride-Share Rally, we in GDUI were busy hosting our annual business meeting, sponsoring two candidates forums, and managing another successful, universally accessible election for GDUI officers and directors. Thank you for your votes! And congratulations to all of our candidates who prevailed!

I have also been working with our fabulous Fund Raising Committee to sponsor another holiday fund-raising event with Sherwood Forrest. Details are available in this newsletter, and on our website, and we are very excited to be able to offer such lovely holiday wreaths, centerpieces, and even a couple of reindeer to grace your homes and become much appreciated gifts for your families and friends.

Have a fun, yummy, laughter filled thanksgiving and give your pups a pat!

please feel free to reach out to me at president@guidedogusersinc.org or, info@guidedogusersinc.org, if you have questions or suggestions or are thinking about getting more involved in GDUI! I would love to hear from you.

Kind regards,

Sarah Calhoun, GDUI President, and Gallant Hearts guide dog, extraordinaire, Wren

For Your Calendar

[Please Note: Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off.]

11/13/2024, 7:00 PM, ET: RideShare Virtual Town Hall. See ZOOM Information below.

11/14/24: Last day to order items in the GDUI holiday fundraiser

11/23/24, 1:00 PM, ET: – GDUI board meeting

11/29-30/24: ACB Media Holiday Sneak-a-Peek Appetizer auction

11/30/24, 10:00 PM, (ET: Submission deadline for the “Blessing of the Guide Dogs” Event

12/1/24, 6:00 PM, ET: ACB Media Holiday auction

12/6/24, 10:00 AM, ET-4:00 PM, ET: Third Annual Blind Health Expo (virtual)

Announcement- *Hurry!!! ending soon!!!** GDUI’s holiday fundraiser

IMPORTANT!! The last day to order is Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Do you hear what we hear? We hear sleigh bells! Can you believe the holidays are already right around the corner. We are going to help you celebrate them! Brighten your home with these beautiful holiday displays. These make great holiday gifts for your family and friends too!

Guide Dog Users, Inc., is holding our popular festive and fragrant holiday fundraiser by offering a beautiful pair of 10” gold and silver Reindeer, and live evergreen holiday decorations, a 22-inch wreath and a 12-inch diameter centerpiece.

Below are descriptions of each item, with their prices. All prices include shipping. Depending on your state, sales taxes may be added to the total cost.

Gold and Silver Reindeer Gift Set

Two gold and silver metal reindeer, 10” tall, adorned with snow dusted faux wreaths and winter sweaters. $39.

22-inch Mixed Evergreen Gift Wreath

An aromatic combination of noble fir, incense cedar and berried juniper. Touches of color provided by red faux holly berries. A red burlap snowflake bow is included for easy attaching. Guaranteed fresh delivery within the two weeks after Thanksgiving. $50,

Gift Centerpiece With LED Candle

Cedar, noble fir, pine and berried juniper arranged in an oasis block and bowl for your table. Accented by snowy white cones and red faux holly berries. Includes a 10-inch tapered LED candle. Size is approximately 12 inches. Guaranteed fresh delivery within two weeks after Thanksgiving. $50.

When you are ready to order, go to this link:

https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/guidedogusersinc

You will be directed to another page, then link on:

https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/guidedogusersinc/products

Then select those you wish to purchase.

If you need help placing your order(s), please contact Sarah Calhoun at 636.942.5956, or by email at president@guidedogusersinc.org

Alternatively, contact our office manager, Lynn Merrill, at 866.799.8436 and she can help you place your order(s).

We appreciate your support! Happy Holidays!

GDUI Fundraising Committee

Rideshare Virtual Town Hall

Hello guide dog community, We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Rideshare Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday,

November 13, 2024, at 7 PM Eastern. This will be a solution-oriented discussion around our challenges with rideshare denials, covering some important milestones

and possible solutions moving forward. We will have some questions for our panelists, and then open it up for questions/constructive comments

from the audience. If you would like to submit questions in advance, please send them by the end of the day on Friday, November 8. Questions can be sent

to:

gebgradcouncil@gmail.com.

You do not have to be a Guiding Eyes graduate to attend; all are welcome! The Zoom information is at the bottom of this invitation. Our panelists will be our very own Melissa Carney, Community Outreach & Graduate Support Manager, Melissa Allman, Senior Specialist of Advocacy and Government Relations at The Seeing Eye, Claire Stanley, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs at ACB, and Raul Gallegos, president of the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU), and a Guiding Eyes Graduate. The GEB Graduate council recently compiled a helpful document providing guidance and tips for addressing and reporting rideshare denials. Fellow guide dog handlers gathered information to counter ongoing infringements on our civil rights by rideshare drivers and companies. These best practices seek to hold drivers accountable and promote safety for guide dog teams confronted with drivers who do not understand or refuse to comply with the law. While the tips do not represent permanent or foolproof solutions, those who have implemented them have found varying degrees of success. Click on the following link to download the document:

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guidingeyes.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F09%2FAddressing-Rideshare-Denials-Sept-2024.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

During our town hall, we will briefly discuss this new resource. We hope you can join us for this informative and substantive discussion. Please share

with anyone who might be interested. This issue requires our collective ideas and potential strategies, so let your voice be heard. We look forward to

chatting with you on the 13th! The Guiding Eyes Graduate Council

gebgradcouncil@gmail.com

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://guidingeyes-org.zoom.us/j/84754970866?pwd=lCmvQ61WL7iHLzX4LgVdSUkic9TmWb.1

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 7 PM Meeting ID: 847 5497 0866Passcode: 488820One tap mobile+16469313860,,84754970866#,,,,*488820# US+19292056099,,84754970866#,,,,*488820#

US (New York) Dial by your location• +1 646 931 3860 US• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)• +1 309 205 3325 US• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)• +1 301 715 8592

US (Washington DC)• +1 305 224 1968 US• +1 564 217 2000 US• +1 669 444 9171 US• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)• +1 689 278 1000 US• +1 719 359 4580 US•

+1 253 205 0468 US• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)• +1 360 209 5623 US• +1 386 347 5053 US• +1 507 473 4847 US Meeting ID: 847

5497 0866Passcode: 488820 Find your local number:

https://guidingeyes-org.zoom.us/u/kdyyf9UFi

Article: a dog guide school almost forgotten

[From: The Blind History Lady

Peggy Chong, https://theblindhistorylady.com/]

Note: To subscribe to the Blind History Lady’s fascinating e-mail list, send an email to

theblindhistorylady@gmail.com

Masters Eye

October is White Cane Awareness Month. In past years I have written about the cane. Today is about a dog guide school almost forgotten.

Someone once told me that history is to those who write it. I knew what he meant at the time but have come to realize that statement is so true in so many ways. Today we have many sources to receive our news and information from. It is getting harder and harder to determine on face value which source has done in-depth research on any issue and if it is as accurate as possible.

The blindness community has terrific researchers and references. They work with the material, archives, and professionals available in the blindness field. As many of us know, what little history we have is in print, written for the sighted. The braille/New York Point diaries, letters, files, reports of the past, written by and for the blind are all but gone as family, friends and even agencies for the blind cannot read these formats. So, researchers can only work with what they know about.

Today, I want to highlight a piece of history that pre-dates many of the written articles regarding Dog Guides in the United States. Most of the records from this school were burned in a fire in 1935. Few graduates of the program left written testimony of their dogs and the school. All we have are a handful of personal stories and a few newspaper articles to help us to unearth the first Dog Guide school of our country, Master Eye Foundation of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

John “Jack” Sinykin, (1891-1984) a Russian, Jewish immigrant from St. Paul, Minnesota owned a successful cosmetic company with endorsements by famous Hollywood actresses. While riding a train between Chicago and St. Paul, he saw a blind veteran of the recent World War asking for assistance in his travels, Jack remembered his dog who saved his life several years back when Jack was thrown from his horse in the middle of nowhere, on his father’s ranch in South Dakota and thought how a dog might have helped that blind man. Jack already was well-known for his ability to train dogs.

Jack began to investigate dogs and blindness. Germany had a successful program for almost ten years, training dogs to guide blinded veterans. He contacted them and in 1925, the first two of his more than 3,000 dogs trained for the blind came over from Germany.

Lux came first with no instructions. The dog was extremely agitated by the trip to such an extent that Jack had to take the kennel with Lux inside to a small, private room. Lux only understood German. Jack found a friend who gave him a few German words to calm the dog. Jack almost had second thoughts. He could not bring the dog to his house out of concern for his small child and family dog at home. In a few days, Lux relaxed with the constant companionship of Jack.

Lambert Kreimer, the most successful trainer of dogs for the blind in Germany, arrived several months later. Jack and Lambert worked with the other dogs, helping to enhance Jack’s techniques for guiding the blind.

While waiting for the dogs to come to his La Salle Stables in Wayzata, Jack gave careful thought as to who the first few people to receive his dogs should be. The blind recipient needed to have a high profile to help promote the idea of a guide dog for a blind person. That blind person also needed to be successful in the use of the dog. Jack chose blind Senator Thomas Schall of Minnesota.

Jack traveled to Washington D. C. and approached the blind senator in a hallway and laid out his plans. At first, Schall was skeptical. He had been blind 20 years by now and had designed his own methods of travel and blindness techniques. Schall agreed to meet with Jack and later came to La Salle stables to meet and train with the dogs.

Senator Schall was impressed. Schall learned the German words that Lux trained under until Lux grew accustomed to and understood the English commands. Schall now walked alone to and from places he wanted to go both in Minneapolis and in Washington D. C. Lux and Schall became a team for the next seven years until Lux died in 1933.

The second dog, Eric, was partnered with Colonel Fred Fitzpatrick, (1880-1962). Fred retired in 1919 after 20 years in the Military, a hero of the 1916 Mexican War and World War One. Fred lost his sight about 1923. He headed his own Mortgage firm and was serving as sheriff of Salina, Kansas when he received his dog in 1927.

More German Shepherd dogs were being raised and trained at La Salle Kennels. The third dog, Junker, was assigned to Ruth Hoefer of Michigan, and the fourth, Blackie was paired to Dr. Francis Naegeli, an osteopath of Durango, Wisconsin.

Jack wanted every blind person who wanted a dog as a guide, no matter their race, religion, employment status, or income. He spent his own money to bring the first dogs and trainers to Minneapolis and expanded his own 50-acre stables to include kennels to house and train the dogs. If a potential recipient could not afford to travel to Minnesota to train with the dog, he financed their travel and housing during their stay. After the first few dogs demonstrated the dramatic impact on the lives of the blind men and women who received his trained dog guides, the Twin Cities Jewish community became regular and significant contributors to the Master Eye Foundation (MEF).

The MEF school raised funds through donations and collaborating with a pet food company. For every few labels from Perk Dog Food cans mailed back to the foundation’s post office box in Minneapolis, the Perk Company donated money to the MEF.

Dog guide schools that followed in the next few years, required the blind person to pay $150 towards their first dog. Their philosophy was that if the blind person paid a significant part of the cost of the dog, the blind person would appreciate the dog and take better care of it. Yet, most adults could not afford the dog on their own. They went to family, community groups, churches, or charities to ask for funding to travel to New Jersey to obtain their guide dog. This brought a higher public profile to the other schools.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in New York warned of several fraudulent schemes regarding the blind and dog guides. Although the AFB never said the Perk labels were fraudulent, their articles had a dampening effect in the many states where Perk was sold.

Celebrity contacts in Hollywood through his wholesale cosmetic company such as V. E. Meadows and Eve Parshall, raised funds for the foundation. Jack traveled to Hollywood several times in the 1930s when proposed legislation to allow dog guides for the blind into public places was introduced in the California State House. He held press conferences to emphasize his support. The Hollywood contacts hosted glamorous dances, even during the depression for the foundation.

William A. Christensen, owner of a manufacturer’s distribution firm and chiropractor in Hollywood California received Almo from MEF. William later founded the National Eye Dog Association that began training dogs primarily for WWI vets living in California. Almo was the first dog ever awarded a medal of honor by the city of Los Angeles after awakening his master, alerting William to a fire in the hotel they were staying at. Almo was credited for saving several lives that day.

One of Jack’s most famous students was Geraldine Lawhorn, a Black, deaf-blind actress and pianist. Blondie, her dog, received the most public attention after Senator Thomas Schall.

Yet thousands of owner and guide partnerships that went unmentioned in the media. MEF did not have a PR department, advisory board of influential and wealthy contributors, or the regular support of the blind themselves. A few pictures remain in archives at the University of Minnesota showing blind men and women, white, Indian, Black, and Asian. Sadly, no names grace the backs of the pictures.

Jack trained dogs for the blind personally until several months before his death in 1984. His son continued for a few more years but the training of dogs for the blind ceased. The assets of the MEF were purchased by Can Do Canines, a dog training school focusing on service dogs for the deaf.

Jack, all but forgotten.

The Blind History Lady | 14152 E Linvale Pl, 201, Aurora, CO 80014

theblindhistorylady@gmail.com

www.theblindhistorylady.com

Article: Why You Should Keep Pets Away from Compost!

[From: Schwarzman AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- 10/3/2024]

Compost can be dangerous to pets at every stage, from decaying matter that produces harmful mycotoxins to toxic items that can cause serious illness or even death if ingested.

Some common items to watch out for include-

Moldy food
Coffee grounds
Onions and garlic
Grapes
Spoiled meat
Flowers like lilies, daffodils, and tulips

Additionally, compost may contain items such as corn cobs and fruit pits which can pose choking risks or lead to gastrointestinal blockages if swallowed.

To Keep Your Pets Safe-

✔️ Use pet-proof compost bins to prevent access.

✔️ Store compost securely indoors before disposal.

✔️ Be aware of both toxic items and choking hazards.

✔️ Watch for signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, tremors, or lethargy.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Article: Prevent Poisoning in Pets

[From: Schwarzman AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education PET HEALTH https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/poisoning-in-pets/

Poisoning in Pets- Updated: 3/8/24]

It’s not something we like to think about, but there are a number of items in and around our homes that are poisonous to pets. With any potential dangers or toxins, it is important to keep them out of paws’ reach. While accidents can happen, the less accessible these items are, the less likely your pet is to get into them!

Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023 Based on calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC):

888-426-4435

Over-the-Counter Medications (human)
Human Food
Prescription Medications (human)
Chocolate
Veterinary Products
Plants
Household Products
Rodenticides
Insecticides
Recreational Drugs

Common signs of poisoning include::

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Lack of coordination
Weakness/lethargy
Collapse
Excessive thirst/urination
Unusual behavior

Treatment: If you think your pet has ingested something toxic call your veterinarian ,go to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (fee may apply), or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 (fee applies).

It’s important to seek out help immediately – poisons can work fast! Try to determine what your pet has ingested and how much. Bring the container/item with you or take a picture of the ingredient list. Keep track of signs of illness (vomiting, shaking, etc.) so you can share them with your veterinarian. Be honest with your veterinarian about what your pet may have consumed

Announcement: Blessing of the Guide Dogs submissions

Dear GDUI Family and Friends:

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI), invites you to the 2024 Blessing, scheduled to be held virtually this December, 2024 during the week between Christmas and the New Year! (The official date and time will be announced soon, so please stay tuned to your inbox or social media for updates. )

Please submit the names of your newly-matched, retired or departed guides whom you would like to be remembered during this time and specify the category in which they should be listed. If you choose to offer a brief description of those guides to be included, we will do our best to also share these as much as time permits. As always, if you want to additionally highlight the name of someone who has played a significant role in your life or in the life of the Disability/Blind/Guide Dog User community, we will do our best to include as many special recognitions as possible.

Names may be Emailed to Audrey at

retired51837@msn.com

Or phoned in, between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM, ET, at

843.571.0737.

Please note that all submissions must be received by midnight (US Eastern Time), Saturday, November 30, 2024.

We can’t wait to see you on Zoom and, as always, we look forward to staying in touch!

Blessings,

Audrey, Bernie and Laurel

NLS Notes

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) provides braille and print/braille calendars to its patrons free of charge!

Calendars are available in two sizes. The larger wall calendar is print/braille. The smaller pocket-sized calendar is braille only.

The calendars are set up like a magazine subscription. Once a patron is subscribed to one of the braille calendars, they will receive a calendar each year unless they stop their subscription.

To learn more or to request calendars, contact your local branch of the NLS.

Open Beta Registration for My Talking Books on Alexa

NLS is ready to open beta registration for the new My Talking Books skill on Amazon Alexa-enabled smart speakers.

NLS patrons who register for open beta will be onboarded on a rolling basis starting on September 25th. Patrons who wish to register for the open beta should fill out the Patron Registration Form at- www.surveymonkey.com/r/mtb-open-beta

For patrons who are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is additionally required to fill out and sign the Parental Acknowledgment Form at- www.surveymonkey.com/r/mtb-parental-acknowledgment

Announcement: New Video Release: Navigating the Service Animal Landscape: Insights for businesses & managers

from Advocates for Service Animal Partners,

Most people are aware that disabled individuals have the right to be accompanied by a service dog. But have you ever wondered about the rights that businesses have under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, when it comes to service animals? It’s a fascinating topic that underscores the importance of understanding and accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities. It seems to be a very overlooked fact, but do you know that, when it comes to service dogs, businesses have rights under the ADA, too! Advocates for Service Animal Partners remains on the cutting edge of service animal advocacy. Our latest partnership with Renee Michaels and the team at SevenDreams Films has created an authoritative primer to help businesses navigate the service animal landscape. Renee Michaels is an Award-winning Actress/Writer/Director/Producer who also happens to be a Service Dog Handler! This video is a must-see for any business and its staff with direct customer engagement. It will not only help you learn to identify a legitimate service animal, it will share information about the proper behavior you can expect from a service animal, the legal limits of service dog access, as well as how to protect yourself in the event you must exclude a service dog from your premises. Click on this link to view the video, “Navigating the Service Animal Landscape: Insights for businesses & managers”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIqfaBToKXQ

ASAP is currently in production of two more videos concerning service animal etiquette and the problem caused by misrepresenting pets as service dogs. If you would like to be among the first to receive future releases and other news concerning service animal issues, please become a partner.

About ASAP

Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP) is dedicated exclusively to securing, protecting, and advancing the civil rights of disabled individuals who use service dogs to mitigate their disabilities. ASAP is the only organization in the United States providing direct support, intervention, and mediation for service animal handlers. ASAP operates the only 24-hour national hotline to assist service animal handlers and the businesses we patronize understand their mutual rights and responsibilities under state and federal laws. Individuals needing assistance and information can call toll-free 855-ASAP211 855.272.7211 and speak directly with an advocate trained to resolve access challenges as the result of the choice to use a service dog to mitigate their disability. ASAP211 is provided at no charge as a public service to the disabled community.

Please support ASAP211, the only service animal hotline!

Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP) is a nationwide network of volunteer service animal advocates. Our goal is to encourage, educate, and support service animal handlers through printed and electronic publications, Informational webinars, recorded educational materials, and direct advocacy support, intervention, and mediation. ASAP also provides in-service training to employers, governmental entities, private companies, housing accommodations, and the airline industry about the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of access under state and federal law. For more information about the rights and responsibilities of service animal handlers and the businesses we patronize, please contact us-Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc.

386.272.7411 (386-ASAP411 )

Advocacy411@gmail.com / http://ServiceAnimals.info

Article: Meet Your Match with Memory Puzzles

[From: Shapes Access Information News for Monday, September 30, 2024, Volume 982

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/ain2024/09302024/index.html?utm_source=accessinformationnews&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=09302024&utm_term=editorial]

Are you a new braille reader, interested in learning about shapes, or a puzzle fan looking to put your skills to the test? Designed for ages 3 and up, Memory Puzzles: Shapes is a new tactile braille matching game perfect for individuals who are blind, low vision, or who have typical sight.

To play, remove the puzzle’s 52 components from the included durable carrying pouch and place them on a table, desk, or on APH’s Trifold Board. The pieces are flat and consist of the shape’s name in braille and raised print, the raised tactile shape, and grooves on one side so it can connect to its partner piece. A wavy orange line in the center and a square orange braille indicator in one of the upper corners also helps users orient the piece and attach each pair. When the game is done, users will have 26 sets of shapes ranging from a circle, square, and triangle to more complicated figures, such as an octagon, hexagon, or polygon, among others. If the puzzle gets dirty, the pieces can be soaked in soapy water or mild bleach wash and left on a towel to air dry.

Memory Puzzles: Shapes helps young learners develop their braille literacy, tactile learning, gross motor, matching, and problem-solving skills all while memorizing what each shape looks like. Older students benefit as they utilize these shapes in geometry class and develop their spatial reasoning abilities. Adults in rehabilitation settings new to braille strengthen their skills as they play an engaging game.

Memory Puzzles: Shapes was a joy for APH Product Specialist Bobby Fulwiler to bring to life alongside Philip Einsohn, owner of The Puzzled Co. “Philip is a former kindergarten teacher. He’s very witty, young at heart, and extremely passionate about education,” Bobby said. As a former educator himself, Bobby quickly joined Philip in his dream to create an entertaining learning tool. Developed with inclusivity in mind, The Puzzled Co. uses Waterjet cutting and tactile printing to make Puzzles for EveryBody™. Each product is manufactured in-house by Waterjet Works, a family-run, Dallas-based, parent company. APH is proud to work with a vendor dedicated to leveling the playing field for all.

Teachers and students provided positive feedback about Memory Puzzles: Shapes. One educator said, “My children loved how they could problem-solve and identify shapes on their own.” Another agreed, saying, “The student loves recognizing braille on a material the student is accessing. ‘There’s braille!’ was expressed with each piece.” A third mentioned how their student enjoyed the matching game. They said, “[My student] is very competitive, and he loved the memory part of the game. He likes to challenge himself, so he always wanted a full desk of puzzle pieces (4 rows and 4 columns) as the game was set up. He especially liked the colorful shapes, as this student has very low vision, and the contrast was extremely helpful for him.”

https://www.aph.org/meet-your-match-with-memory-puzzles-shapes/?

Purchase Memory Puzzles: Shapes today and check out the included list of suggested activities for more ways to play

$99.00 (Federal Quota Eligible)- Catalog Number: 1-08001-00

https://www.aph.org/product/memory-puzzles-shapes/

Announcement: Leaving? Best be certain you’ve done the paperwork

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU) October 2024 Monthly News Update]

Planning a trip to another country? Before you go, you’ll need to complete certain paperwork or tasks for your dog. Meeting these requirements takes time and is often time specific/sensitive, so check the APHIS Pet Travel Website for your destination country’s entry requirements or contact your veterinarian for help as soon as you decide to travel. Also, while it is not common, be certain that there are no restrictions on reentering the United States with your guide, from whichever international country you are visiting.

APHIS Pet Travel Website- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

Article: A world of hurt

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU) October 2024 Monthly News Update]

What’s Wrong? Common Pet Pain Signs

AAHA-accredited veterinarian- Published Sep 18, 2024

https://www.aaha.org/resources/whats-wrong-common-pet-pain-signs/

Pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but they do show signs that can help us detect their discomfort. Recognizing your pet’s pain is critical to ensuring they receive timely and necessary veterinary care.

Appetite changes- Decreased food or water intake can signal underlying pain. Pets may be uncomfortable chewing, swallowing, or lowering their head to their food and water bowls, or they may associate eating with nausea or abdominal pain. Decreased thirst or appetite, especially lasting more than a day, can be concerning and warrants a veterinary visit.
Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move- Limping, favoring a limb, or stiffness when rising can indicate your pet has joint pain. These signs can be caused by an injury, arthritis, or orthopedic disease. If your pet is reluctant to move or avoids certain actions, such as climbing the stairs, jumping up or down, or walking across slick floors, they may be trying to prevent joint pain.
Unusual behavior or personality changes- Pain can cause noticeable changes in your pet’s personality or behavior. Some pets may become more withdrawn and avoid social contact. However, others may seem more irritable, fearful, or aggressive, or otherwise act out of character. Don’t punish your pet for behavioral or personality changes, as this can damage the bond you share with them. Instead, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Increased vocalization- Unusual whining and whimpering in dogs or yowling in cats can suggest underlying pain. Painful pets may be frightened or confused about how they are feeling and seek attention through vocalization. While some pets are naturally more vocal, a sudden increase in whining or yowling—especially during physical interactions, such as petting or lifting—should be treated as potential pain signs.
Under- or over-grooming- Painful pets may over-groom a specific area, such as a joint, to alleviate discomfort or irritation. Other painful pets may stop grooming altogether or avoid certain areas—such as the mid back or between the hind legs—because they are uncomfortable and cannot reach the area. Increased and decreased grooming can also lead to secondary health concerns, such as skin infections and irritation.
Labored breathing- Labored breathing, panting out of context (i.e., your pet isn’t hot and hasn’t participated in physical activity), and unusual breathing patterns can signal pain. In some pets, labored breathing can indicate serious health problems, such as heart or lung disease. Because these conditions can progress rapidly, immediate veterinary attention is recommended for all pets with labored breathing.
Restlessness and fatigue- Painful pets may become restless and anxious as they struggle to get comfortable. These pets may pace, circle, or frequently change positions or locations. Alternatively, lethargy—or abnormally elevated sleeping habits—can also indicate pain. If your pet seems overly tired or agitated, they may be trying to manage hidden pain or discomfort.
Changes in how your pet stands, sits, or lies down- Pets, like us, will change their posture according to how they feel to avoid discomfort and protect any painful or weakened areas. Common posture changes include an arched or hunched back, tucked tail, sitting with one leg cocked to the side, flopping into a down position instead of gradually reclining, and struggling to transition from one position to another.

Pain doesn’t merely hurt—it affects your pet’s quality of life. Left untreated, chronic or ongoing pain can lead to harmful changes in your pet’s body and mind, resulting in significant—sometimes permanent—complications. Since pets can’t tell us where they hurt, try to stay alert for pain signs and behavioral changes. If you think your pet may be in pain, visit your veterinarian for a comprehensive exam and pain evaluation.

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

Easy Apple Spice Cake

[From: SE CT Community Center of the Blind- The Insight Scoop Newsletter, October 2024,

insightscoop@centeroftheblind.org]

Cake:

15-oz box of spice cake mix (any brand)
21-oz can of apple pie filling
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

Note: do not add any other ingredients from the back of the cake mix box.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray an 8×13” baking dish with baking spray. In a large bowl, add the cake mix, eggs, pie filling, and vanilla. Note: Cut the apples into smaller pieces if needed. Stir well until everything is combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 minutes or until done. Cool before adding the frosting.

Frosting:

8 oz of cream cheese, room temp
1 stick butter, room temp
3 cups of confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add confectioner’s sugar one cup at a time and beat well. Add vanilla and beat till blended. Frosting should be thick. Add more sugar if needed. Spread frosting over the entire cake. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Pumpkin PUP-Sicles for Dogs

[From the Fidelco guide dog foundation]

[Shared in Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU) October 2024 Monthly News Update]

(This pumpkin-filled recipe was created by Fidelco staff for their guide dogs in-training to enjoy at the end of the day.)

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree

½ cup peanut butter

½ tablespoon honey

3 cups prepared instant potatoes

1 ½ cups dog’s favorite kibble

6 tablespoons water

6 (12 oz.) plastic cups

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin with the peanut butter and honey and stir until well blended. Then layer the following into each plastic cup:

¼ cup kibble

½ cup instant potatoes

5 tablespoons pumpkin mixture

1 tablespoon water on top

Place cups in freezer until frozen. Remove from plastic cup before serving!

Note from Toto-I heard Mom saying how yummy this sounds- the only thing she would do is switch out my kibble with her favorite “kibble” Captain Crunch!

Article: Slim down your hound

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU) October 2024 Monthly News Update]

Slim Down with Your Hound: How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

AAHA-accredited veterinarian- Published Aug 21, 2024

https://www.aaha.org/resources/slim-down-with-your-hound-how-to-help-your-dog-lose-weight/

All pet owners want their dogs to be happy, healthy, and full of energy. However, like people, dogs can struggle with weight issues. Obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint damage. Fortunately, you can help your dog lose weight with the right approach. Here are some practical and proven tips to help your furry friend reach a healthy weight.

Consult your veterinarian

Before starting any weight loss program for your dog, consult your veterinarian. They can provide a comprehensive health assessment to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your dog’s weight gain. Your veterinarian also can recommend a target weight and a customized plan to help your dog lose weight.

Adjust your dog’s diet

Overfeeding is a common cause of weight gain in dogs. Use a measuring cup to feed your dog the correct portion size based on their ideal weight—not their current weight. Keep in mind that the feeding guidelines on package labels are meant as a starting point, and you should expect to make adjustments according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. Treats can add a significant number of calories to your dog’s diet. Limit your pet’s treats and choose low-calorie options. Consider using vegetables like carrots or green beans, which are packed with health benefits and low in calories, as treats.

Increase your dog’s physical activity

Regular walks are a great way to help your dog burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Aim to walk at least 30 minutes each day, but adjust the duration based on your dog’s fitness level and breed. Increase the speed if appropriate for you and your canine companion, or let your dog run free in a large fenced-in area. Provide extra exercise opportunities with more playtime, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or playing with toys, to your dog’s routine. Playtime not only helps your dog lose weight, but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Additionally, consider agility training, which can provide your dog fun and effective exercise. Set up an obstacle course in your backyard or join a local agility class for new and exciting activities for your dog.

Monitor your dog’s progress

Keep track of your dog’s weight by weighing them regularly. This can help you monitor their progress and adjust their diet and exercise routine as necessary. You can more accurately determine if your dog’s weight is healthy by using a body condition score (BCS) chart. A BCS chart helps you evaluate whether your dog is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight.

Stay consistent

Consistency is key to successfully helping your dog lose weight. Stick to the feeding and exercise plan, and don’t give in to your pet’s begging or feed them table scraps. This may be challenging at first, but consistency will yield the best results in the long run.

Make your dog work for their meals

Use puzzle toys that force your dog to work for their meals and use their mind and body as they eat. Food puzzles, silicone mats, and slow-feeding bowls can encourage your pet to focus on their food and help them feel full.

Join a canine weight-loss support group

Online support groups for pet owners with overweight dogs can offer motivation and support. Sharing experiences, tips, and success stories can keep you committed to your dog’s weight loss journey and give you special insight into methods that work. Also, look for local meet-ups or groups that organize dog-friendly activities. Group walks, hikes, or play dates can be a great way for you and your dog to stay active and socialize. Helping your dog lose weight is rewarding, and can significantly improve their health and quality of life. By following these tips and working closely with your veterinarian, you can develop a successful weight-loss plan for your furry friend. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to formulate the ideal weight loss plan for your dog.

Announcement: SFL Celebrates Golden Anniversary

[From: The ACB Braille Forum• Volume LXIII • October 2024 • No. 3]

Ski for Light, Inc. (SFL) will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Soldier Hollow, January 26 through February 2, 2025. Ski for Light, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, hosts an annual, week-long event where adults with visual or mobility impairments learn the basics of cross-country skiing.

Participants will stay at the Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, and ski on expertly groomed trails at Soldier Hollow, near Midway, Utah. Each visually or mobility impaired participant is paired with an instructor guide for a week of skiing, sharing and learning.

Join the celebration by participating as a skier, a guide or a volunteer. Applications and additional information are available at www.sfl.org.

https://www.sfl.org/

Announcement: Advocates for Service Animal Partners Offers state Law Cards

Advocates for Service Animal Partners is excited to announce we are now offering printable state and federal service animal law cards. These small cards feature the summary of one state law concerning service animals and service animals in training on one side with a summary of the ADA regulations concerning service animals on the reverse. These great informational cards are perfect to pass out when people ask you about your service dog, for you to leave on tables in public places, share with businesses you patronize, or leave along with your tip in a restaurant. They might also be helpful during those times you are denied access when accompanied by your service dog!

These templates were created using the Avery template #5871 generally available at all office supply stores and from Amazon. Simply add the paper to your printer, open the template file, print the double-sided cards, and tear them apart. Each box contains 200 perforated cards. You now have one of the smallest, most powerful tools to bridge the knowledge gap among the public concerning service animals. I do this and pass out cards all day long! HINT: I write my information on the card in Braille and people are even more interested in my cards! I’ll bet they show them to all their friends and it sparks a conversation!

There is absolutely no fee for these law cards; however, Advocates for Service Animal Partners relies upon your support to continue offering our ASAP Service Animal Hotline- 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211). While on the download page, please consider making a pledge of support to help keep the hotline there when IT IS needed most. All contributions are used exclusively to support and enhance ASAP211.

To download your law cards, see which law cards are available, request cards for another state, and donate to fund this work, please visit

https://serviceanimals.info/LawCards.html

About ASAP

Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP) is the only organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to supporting, protecting, and advancing the civil rights of disabled individuals who use service animals to mitigate their disability and live full, productive, and independent lives. ASAP is a nationwide network of volunteer service animal advocates. Our goal is to encourage, educate, and support service animal handlers through printed and electronic publications, Informational webinars, recorded educational materials, and direct advocacy support, intervention, and mediation. In support of this mission, we also work to educate employers, governmental entities, private companies, housing accommodations, and the airline industry about the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of access under state and federal law. For more information, please contact

Marion Gwizdala, President

Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc.

386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)

Advocacy411@gmail.com

Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO

(He/His/Him)

Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)

Office: 386.ASAP411 (386-272-7411)

Hotline: 855.ASAP211 (855.272.7211)

Advocacy411@gmail.com

ServiceAnimals.info

Facebook.com/asap411/

Book Suggestion: Walk in My Shoes: An Anthology on Usher Syndrome

[From: SE CT Community Center of the Blind- The Insight Scoop Newsletter, October 2024]

BR21946, Length: 2 volumes

DB86887, Reading Time: 7 hours, 34 minutes

Subject: Disability

A unique collection of 27 powerful stories by individuals who have witnessed or experienced the tragedy of losing not one, but two senses: hearing and sight. The condition is caused by a rare genetic disorder called Usher Syndrome, which results in hearing loss combined with the vision impairment Retinitis Pigmentosa. From various backgrounds and occupations, the writers all meet the challenges of Usher syndrome with courage, persistence, and humor. 2016. Book # DB 86887

Interesting Research:

[From: VEMI Lab – University of Maine (VEMI September Newsletter!]

The Future of Transportation Innovation

VEMI research collaborator General Motors presented before a public meeting of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, outlining the company’s vision for zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion and highlighting research partners including the University of Maine. (8:39 to 16:00):

https://www.youtube.com/live/EHdMG8WJZwU?si=hu2Lh9mWH-1StvOr

Postdoctoral research associate Dr. Paul Fink presented VEMI original research at September’s AutoUI, the International ACM SIGCHI Conference on Automotive User Interfaces and Interactive Vehicular Applications. The paper, titled “Accessible Maps for the Future of Inclusive Ridesharing” covered the development and evaluation of a new tool to improve map accessibility in transportation apps. Co-authors are recent VEMI alums Hannah Milne, Anthony Caccese, Maher Alsamsam, and Jake Loranger, along with VEMI chief research scientist Dr. Nicholas Giudice and collaborator Dr. Mark Colley of Ulm University. Read the full paper here- https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3640792.3675736

To keep up with VEMI news or be notified of research participation opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter by visiting our website- https://umaine.edu/vemi/

Announcement: New and Improved Voices Available for the NVDA Screen Reader

[From: The ACB Braille Forum• Volume LXIII • October 2024 • No. 3]

NV Access is the creator of NVDA, a free, open source, globally accessible screen reader for blind and low-vision people. A new add-on (also free) implements a speech synthesizer driver for NVDA using neural TTS models. As a result, upgraded voices are available. Find the add-on package here: https://github.com/mush42/sonata-nvda/releases/latest.

Need help? Contact Michael Bayus at michaelbayus1@gmail.com with “Sonata Neural TTS Voices” in the subject line.

Announcement: Link to order free Covid tests

Free COVID tests again available

Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

As of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.

Here’s what you need to know about your order:

Each order includes #4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)

Orders will ship free

https://special.usps.com/testkits

Announcement: Blind Health Expo 2024 – Accessible Pharmacy Services

Friday, December 6, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, ET.

The 3rd annual Blind Health Expo is the world’s largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, and services for individuals, organizations, and companies in the health, blindness, and disability communities. We would love for you to join us as we spend the day virtually exploring resources and discussing available services and products.

FREE to attend
100% virtual
Hundreds of exhibitors!
Vision Healthcare Awards 2024
Learn and discuss with companies and organizations When: Friday, December 6, 2024 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM Eastern Time Where: The Blind Health Expo 2024 is a 100% completely virtual event

Click Here for Blind Health Expo 2024 Information

https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo-2024/

Who: Scroll down to read our growing list of 2024 Exhibitors!

(excerpted list of posted 2024 Exhibitors)

The American Association on Health and Disability American Council of the Blind Diabetics in Action (ACBDA)

American Printing House for the Blind

Asset Based Consulting

Association on Aging in New York

Audio-Reader

Blind Institute of Technology (BIT)

The Blind Kitchen

Blind Professionals Network

Braille Institute

The Chicago Lighthouse

Computers for the Blind

En-Vision America

Glam Canes

The Glaucoma Foundation

Guide Dog Foundation

Guiding Eyes for the Blind

iBUG Today

Leader Dogs for the Blind

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Lighthouse Guild

Lions Center for the Visually Impaired

The Low Vision Store

Orbit Research LLC

Penny Forward

Recording Library of West Texas

Safety Positive Foundation

Usher Syndrome Coalition

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada

Click here to check out our Blind Health Expo 2023 Exhibitor Directory: https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo-2023/

Click Here to Register to Attend Blind Health Expo 2024: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedZ-pjdWivnuuOpXx0uuNaIRiH0nNSPg-s-Vf6HI9jjiW4jg/viewform

If you have any questions, please email info@AccessiblePharmacy.com

Sincerely,

Your friends at Accessible Pharmacy

Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC

888.633.7007, info@AccessiblePharmacy.com, www.AccessiblePharmacy.com

Article: What Does Your Pet’s Tongue Color Mean for their Health?

[From: PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- Schwarzman AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education, March, 28 2024]

https://www.amcny.org/blog/2024/03/27/pink-yellow-white-or-blue-what-your-pets-tongue-color-means-for-their-health/

Even though dogs and cats don’t speak, their tongue is a critical organ, and one that can help direct your veterinarian during a physical exam. While a normal tongue is pink in color, yellow, white and blue tongues are concerning and indicate that something is wrong with your pet. To learn what these different colors mean, as well as other clinical signs your veterinarian looks for, read on.

Pink, Yellow, White, or Blue: What Your Pet’s Tongue Color Means for their Health

Because I am a veterinarian, my friends constantly send me photos, videos and links to information about animals of all types. Recently, one of my friends sent me a link to a company that uses artificial intelligence to determine the best food for your dog by analyzing a photo of your dog’s tongue. I told my friend I did not think this was a valid method of choosing food for their dog and that they should rely on input from their dog’s veterinarian. BUT, in the next email, my friend asked, do veterinarians ever look at the tongue for medical assessments? A great question, and one I will answer in today’s blog post.

Dog and Cat Tongues Have Important Functions

Even though dogs and cats don’t speak, their tongue is a critical organ. It brings food into the mouth, grooms their coats, facilitates social interaction with other animals and with you! The tongue also allows animals to explore their environment. In dogs, panting and evaporation of saliva from the surface of the tongue helps keep them cool since dogs don’t sweat to cool off.

An Animal’s Tongue Color is Important

During a physical examination, the first thing your veterinarian will notice about your pet’s tongue is its color. In panting dogs, this is easily done. However, this is not so easy in shy or reluctant cats. Every cat owner and veterinarian knows firsthand the challenge of opening the feline mouth.

Once the tongue is visible, your veterinarian will hopefully see a pink tongue, which is normal. Yellow, white, and blue tongues are concerning, though they help direct the veterinarian in their physical examination and diagnostic evaluation. A yellow tongue, as in the photo above, indicates jaundice, which is most often a liver problem. A white tongue occurs in anemia, or a decrease of red blood cells. A blue tongue indicates a lack of oxygen from a heart or lung disorder. However, in some dogs, like Chow Chows, a blue tongue may be normal.

Bleeding from Your Pet’s Tongue

Dog and cat tongues are very mobile and have a large blood supply. Any injury to the tongue will likely result in bleeding. You see the underside of a dog’s tongue with an injury from chewing on a bone. Dogs who raid trash cans commonly slice their tongues on tin can lids. Curious puppies will chomp on electric cords, and the resulting electrical shock can cause a severe burn to the tongue and serious facial swelling.

Checking Your Pet’s Tongue for Cancer

However, there’s another cause of bleeding from pet tongues – oral tumors. During nearly every physical examination I perform, I check both the top and bottom of the tongue for abnormalities. Fortunately, tumors of the tongue can be treated if found early. The type of tumor will dictate the exact treatment protocol, whether surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

East Bay Braille News

by Prof. Vileen Shah

(Editor’s Note: Professor Vileen Shah is the Director of Braille Education at the East Bay Center for the Blind in Berkeley, Calif.)

[From: The ACB Braille Forum- • Volume LXIII • October 2024 • No. 3]

“If we should look for the greatest benefactor of the sightless — the individual who has given them a perpetual source of delight and profit, the choice would certainly fall upon Louis Braille. Braille has been a most precious aid to me in many ways. It made my going to college possible — it was the only method by which I could take notes of lectures.”

— Helen Keller, in “Braille, the Magic Wand of the Blind”

Deprivation of sight should not result in deprivation of literacy when there is an option available. Learning to read and write in braille is the most viable way of gaining literacy back for blind and visually impaired persons. Keeping this in mind, the East Bay Center for the Blind in Berkeley, California launched its “Learn-at-Home” braille initiative in 2021, allowing blind and visually impaired individuals to learn braille at home. The loss of sight comes with multiple challenges.

Several blind and visually impaired individuals wish to learn braille, but cannot go to the location where this service is available. The “Learn-at-Home” braille project offers a solution to this problem. You can sit at home and teach yourself how to read and write braille by using our four braille courses. We provide audio instructions on a flash drive that walks you through several steps, allowing you to use braille workbooks and learn how to read braille slowly and gradually. Insert our flash drive into your computer or NLS Digital Talking Book device and listen to it. Follow its instructions and move your fingers on the braille workbooks that we provide. You will soon learn how to read using your fingers. This magic touch method will, down the road, make you literate, allowing you to read the books, periodicals, manuals, and materials of your choice. It will also allow you to write notes, articles, shopping lists, recipes and more in braille, and the charm is that you can read them by yourself. You will feel a deep sense of greater independence once you start reading and writing in braille.

The four braille courses that the East Bay Center for the Blind offers are as follows:

Braille 101 teaches you how to read uncontracted braille

Braille 102 teaches you how to read contracted braille

Braille 103 teaches you how to write in braille using a slate and stylus and/or braille writer. It covers writing words, sentences, paragraphs, articles, notes, shopping lists, recipes, drawings, and more.

Braille 104 is a braille proficiency course that helps you enhance your proficiency in reading and writing in braille.

The Center provides this braille education tuition-free, and it’s available for all adults nationwide. Any adult interested in learning braille can fill out our online enrollment application and receive the course materials as “free matter for the blind.” Use this link to fill out our enrollment form: https://www.eastbaycenterfortheblind.org/braille-class-signup/.

If you know basic braille and would like to consolidate your contracted braille skills, you may want to sign up for Braille 102. As of now, we are able to offer Braille 101 and 102. It will be our sincere efforts to make Braille 103 available starting this December or January 2025. We will then design braille proficiency courses. We have received requests for such other courses as UEB braille math code, braille music and more. Once these four courses are ready to roll in, we will surely focus on preparing and offering more courses. The feedback we have received so far for Braille 101 and Braille 102 encourages us to work hard and design more braille courses.

Dr. Kathleen King says, “One of the several benefits of the East Bay Braille 101 curriculum is the very terminologies I am using. East Bay provides a full curriculum for Braille 101 which includes numbers and punctuation. The fact that Braille 101 with East Bay integrates this learning provides a more seamless instructional path for the learner, and it has been my experience that it led to being able to read more quickly. The quality of the printed manuals is quite different as well. The dots are clearly sharper on the Braille 101 materials. They must be using a more high-end embosser which enables the beginner to differentiate among letters more easily, in my limited experience.

“Braille 101 also has integrated a great deal more repetition in each lesson book. Not only do you practice what you’re learning for that lesson, but at the beginning of the book, you also review what was previously presented. This repetition is essential for new braille learners, as we are learning to identify not only the shapes, but the individual dots of the letters.

“There are several instructional aids included in the Braille 101 material as well. These include the use of the dotted lines between words so that learners can identify the separation more easily. In addition, once words are presented, they have extra spacing between letters. This is enormously helpful for the beginner who, like myself, gets very confused when the letters start being ‘crunched’ together in words with regular spacing. Adult learners look for how they can use their learning in everyday life. Braille 101 is focusing on developing reading skills that can be used in elevators, on signs, and any other reading material that learners will encounter.

“I especially appreciated introducing the number sequence right after the letter ‘J’ in the Braille 101 program. Logically it fits here, but also it integrates the learning so that it’s not a set of skills hanging out separately. Moreover, learning the numbers is useful in everyday life and introduced much sooner in Braille 101. At this point, I cannot overstate the value of having a tutor guide you through your lesson evaluation. Getting feedback on my performance is indispensable. Learning what I am doing wrong and being encouraged to adopt additional strategies and tips during such sessions brings the learning to a personal space of adoption.”

Yet another student, Bette Barford, writes, “Declining vision and the loss of the use and joy of print literacy is just that, a true loss. How fortunate that last fall a friend told me of a course in beginning Braille being launched by you and your colleagues at East Bay Center for the Blind: Learn at Home Braille 101. In a few short months this newbie senior learner progressed from ‘why do it?’ to ‘just do it’ to ‘I did it.’ The mass of white dots was decipherable. I was hooked. I eagerly awaited the brand-new Braille 102 Contracted Braille course which was nearing the end of its development.

“It was worth the wait! There is not enough praise for these two thick volumes of strange dots on white. In studying and reviewing and reviewing, I see that the Braille experts have created an incredibly well thought out and doable wealth of practice material. The many, many new symbols of this shorthand Braille are being gradually introduced so as not to be overwhelming.

“As a former teacher of reading, I see the adroitness and sometimes humor in the composition of our practice sentences and even the words within. The flash drive included gives both tutorial and valuable feedback on reading the practice material. As an added bonus, there’s the weekly I Learn Braille Zoom meeting. Here we get tips and tricks from Braille experts, share experiences with fellow student explorers, and play fun games that make us think in Braille.

“Oh, the homework … its preparation and submitting is both lengthy and exacting. But how it prevents forging ahead with half-formed concepts and inadequate tactile experience!”

In addition to offering braille courses, we also run two weekly webinars promoting braille literacy, each on Thursdays and Fridays. Our Thursday webinar is called “I Love Braille,” in which participants discuss braille-related issues at all levels. Our Friday sessions, titled “I Learn Braille,” are geared to helping beginner learners. We allow participants to practice braille letters and words with lots of fun activities. We have received positive and encouraging feedback for these Zoom meetings. These webinars are available to all, blind or sighted, who would like to participate. Episodes of both webinars are archived on our web site, www.eastbaycenterfortheblind.org.

Here are the links to login:

Join I Love Braille:

Time: Thursdays, 12 p.m. ET, 9 a.m. PT

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86887261556?pwd=ZmlHb1VJS1o5MXJQeTBBaUZNRUtYUT09

One tap mobile: +13126266799,,86887261556#,,,,*123456#

Phone: +13126266799

Meeting ID: 868 8726 1556

Passcode: 123456

Join I Learn Braille:

Time: Fridays, 11:30am ET, 8:30am PT

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89350428550?pwd=SWR0TnBzK3h6NFFxNUpvbjkzbHdCZz09

One tap mobile: +13126266799,,89350428550#,,,,*123456#

Phone: +13126266799

Meeting ID: 893 5042 8550

Passcode: 123456

Our entire “Learn-at-Home” braille project is financed by blind and visually impaired people and their well-wishers. Donations to this project can be made online using our PayPal service or by check to be mailed at 2928 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703. For more information, call (510) 843-6935 or send email to shah@eastbaycenterfortheblind.org.

The East Bay Center for the Blind is a community-driven organization run by, for, and of the blind and visually impaired individuals. Some of its multiple activities include: meditation, exercise, technology classes, braille classes, Bingo games, book club, story writers’ group, speaker series, Arduino and more. Whereas the center focuses more on local activities, its “Learn-at-Home” braille project marks a departure from its routine focus and aspires to be international. It is our earnest hope that the blind and visually impaired community will support our miniature initiative to grow giant and continue to help promote braille literacy.

Finally –

A Dog’s Bedtime Prayer

[From: A Dog’s Bedtime Prayer – Fetch! Pet Care]

Now I lay me down to sleep,

the king sized bed is soft and deep.

I sleep right in the center groove,

so my human beings can hardly move.

I’ve trapped their legs, they’re tucked in tight,

and here is where I’ll pass the night.

No one disturbs me or dares intrude,

till morning comes and “I want food!”

I sneak up slowly to begin,

and nibble on my humans chin.

For morning’s here, it’s time to play,

and I always seem to get my way.

So thank you universe for giving me,

the human person that I see.

The one who hugs and holds me tight,

and shares their bed with me at night!

IMPORTANT Editor’s note

Content for GDUI News You Can Use is culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies said contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Paws for GDUI- News You Can Use

Visit our web site: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Our Facebook page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Our Facebook group can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Our Twitter timeline can be accessed at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

Download or subscribe to the GDUI Juno Report podcast here: http://acbradio.org/gdr.xml

Support GDUI when you use this link to shop at Amazon.com:

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1871119.

To join the GDUI-Announce List, visit this link: http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/gdui-announce.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

Paws for GDUI – News You Can Use! – VOL IV – No. 4. August 2024 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the Editor

Hello fellow GDUISters. Oh, Toto and I had so hoped that it would be less stupidly humid and ridiculously hot when we were preparing this issue, not so much!! Hopefully all of you humans and dogs out there are managing to get some work in while avoiding the worst of the hot, horrible weather!

This month, Paws brings helpful information about travel, summer safety, a yummy recipe (I wish it would magically appear at my house), and so much more!

I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved in the production of this newsletter: Share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to us GDUISters!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President

(Via the editor)

Greetings, I am writing on behalf of, and without her prior knowledge or authorization*smile*, our esteemed President. She is busy training with a successor guide. She is working with Gallant Hearts and will, undoubtedly, have many stories to tell.

If she were writing this, I am certain she would be reminding everyone that there are many openings on the board- so running for one of them, and if not that, then casting your own, personal vote, is most important! She would also talk about how wonderful the convention was! Because I am going all rogue here, I am going to include parts of the convention report which Maria H. shared with the board, as one of the collection of committee reports (Forgive me Madam President and Maria H)-

The 2024 GDUI Convention was a great success! One hundred and six people registered for the GDUI convention.

On Thursday, June 27, GDUI again offered the Guide Dog School Update as a double session. Our new Guide Dog School Liaison, Ryan Hooey, hosted representatives from 16 North American schools (even two more than last year). This is always an event highlight.

On Saturday, June 29, GDUI and the International Relations Committee co-presented a session called Guide Dog Programs Beyond our Borders.

With representatives from Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association where it was late Saturday evening, and Stapell Guide Dogs in Australia, where it was early Sunday morning. I wish to thank Bhavya Shah and Maria Kristic from the IRC.

On the afternoon of Saturday, June 29,

GDUI held our Awards Ceremony, and Barbara Hinske was our guest speaker. Awards Committee members, Lolly Lijewski, Becky Davidson and Lynn Merrill, presented awards to Chris Mattoon, Marc Gillard, Barbara Hinske and Pauline Lamontagne.

GDUI received the following message from Barbara: “My plaque arrived today and it is absolutely beautiful. The images of the man and woman with their guide dogs is lovely. I am so honored to be the recipient of this award. The kind words about my series touch my heart.

I’m going to hang it in my office tomorrow and will post photos of myself with the award all over my social media. Please know how grateful I am for this recognition, and pass my thanks on to others.”

When Lynn asked Lady A to select the winning drawing ticket number for Garth, the ticket Turned out to have been purchased by Barbara! Barbara was tickled when Garth arrived by mail in a re-purposed Chewy box.

For Your Calendar–

(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a way off) deadline for applying to ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Program 8/17/24, at 11:59 PM, ET.

Last day to submit completed application for any of the 2024 GDUI Board positions WHICH ARE UP FOR ELECTION in October

8/23/24, by close of business.

Last day to pay GDUI annual dues in order to be eligible to vote in the 2024 GDUI elections

8/26/24.

Registration closes for the 24th Audio Description Institute

9/2/24.

First day of 24th Audio Description Institute (Virtual)

9/9/24, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, ET.

Last day of 24th Audio Description Institute (Virtual)

9/13/24, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, ET.

Deadline for donating items to the ACB Media Holiday Auction

10/7/24.

GDUI annual membership meeting

10/19/24.

2024 GDUI Elections begin

10/20/24, 12:00 AM, ET.

2024 GDUI Elections end

10/27/24, 11:59 PM, ET.

GDUI board meeting

11/23/24.

ACB Media Holiday Sneak-a-Peek Appetizer auction

11/29/24.

ACB Media Holiday Sneak-a-Peek Appetizer auction

11/30/24.

ACB Media Holiday auction

12/1/24.

Article- Watch the Olympics with Audio Description

[From: Dots and Dashes, July 29, 2024]

The Olympic Games started on Friday evening, 7/26/24, with the opening ceremony. Here is all the information you need to access audio description and catch the Olympic spirit.

Where and when can I watch the Olympic and Paralympic coverage with audio description on television?

“All coverage on NBC, including daytime, primetime, and late night, and the Gold Zone whip-around show on Peacock, will feature audio description provided by Descriptive Video Works. In a first for a U.S. broadcaster, audio description services for NBC coverage will be provided in stereo, enhancing the quality of sound for viewers. For the Paralympic Games, NBC Sports will provide live audio description for all broadcast and cable programming, including those aired outside primetime hours, as well as on all simulstreams.”

This means that for the Olympic Games, all broadcast programming including the opening and closing ceremonies, regardless of when it airs, will have live audio description on the SAP channel on the NBC network; for the Paralympic Games, all broadcast programming including the opening and closing ceremonies, regardless of when it airs, will have live audio description on the SAP channel on NBC and other cable networks. The Audio Description Project’s daily listing of TV shows with description is listing the Olympic coverage — look for 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Please consult the ADP’s audio description on television information page for general guidelines on how to access SAP.

Whom do I contact if audio description is not being passed through on television?

If you are not receiving audio description or you’re experiencing an issue with audio description on NBC television, please send an email to ADFeedback@nbcuni.com.

Please include the following information in your email:

Your name
The city, state, and zip code where NBC is being received
Your television provider (example, over-the air with antenna, or the name of the cable, satellite, or internet provider)
The NBC TV station you are reporting (example: WMAQ, Chicago 5)
What is the cable or satellite set-top box that is connected to your TV? Or the internet connected device used with your TV (example: Roku, Apple TV, etc.)
What is the programming you are inquiring about and the date and time of the issue you are noting? (Example: NBC Olympic Primetime Show, July 26, 9:15PM EDT)

Can I stream the Olympic and Paralympic coverage live with audio description?

“Improved web content accessibility, including keyboard navigation, color contrast and support for screen readers, will be available on NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock. Livestreams and replays which offer audio description will have English audio description as a language choice within the players on these digital platforms.” For most content on NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, and the NBC Sports app, a provider sign-in will be required; for the Peacock platform, a subscription is required to view content.

On NBCOlympics.com, you can activate the “Personalize your schedule” button on the Schedule page, and personalize by sport, interest (such as “Audio Description”), and viewing method. Additionally, the streams with audio description can be found by searching for “audio description” on NBCOlympics.com, filtering by the “Audio Description” topic in the NBC Sports app, and looking under the “Audio Description” heading of the Olympics section on Peacock.

“All of this audio description and closed captioning will be available to Comcast Xfinity customers who experience the Games on the Xfinity X1 platform, including on the live Olympic Games coverage delivered in 4K, on Xfinity Stream, and on Xfinity Flex.”

To easily find all events streaming with audio description, consult the schedule on NBCOlympics.com. To view only a chronological schedule of streams with AD, consult the live stream schedule on NBCOlympics.com. There is also a page that lists the replay streams for the Olympics with audio description.

Can I stream the Olympic and Paralympic Games on-demand after the fact with audio description?

All television coverage live streams can be replayed on NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock after the fact. For the NBC Olympics platform, please consult the replay streams with audio description page. Alternatively, search for “audio description,” navigate to the “REPLAYS” level-two heading, and choose the stream you want to watch.

How do I access audio description of a live stream or replay?

“Livestreams and replays which offer audio description will have English audio description as a language choice within the players on … NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock.”

For further information, read the full press release at https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversal-enhances-accessibility-for-its-coverage-of-the-olympic-games-paris-2024.

Article- Pool Safety for Dogs

Not all dogs can swim: how to protect your dog from drowning

[From: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- July 18, 2024,

https://www.amcny.org/blog/2019/07/17/not-all-dogs-can-swim-how-to-protect-your-dog-from-drowning/]

The Animal Medical Center’s intensive care unit recently cared for a dog that nearly drowned in the family’s swimming pool. This brings up a common misconception about our canine companions: that all dogs can swim. In this post, I’ll discuss a few practical steps you can take to protect your dogs from the water.

Drowning in Dogs

A recent review of “submersion” incidents in pets had a few interesting findings. Falling into a swimming pool was the most common body of water dogs fell into. Dogs also fell through thin ice on frozen lakes and ponds. One really unlucky dog got stuck in the mud on the bottom of a small pond and nearly drowned.

Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and many are unaware of the dangers a pool can pose. Every summer, unsuspecting dogs fall into pools when no one is around to help.

The fact that most dogs nearly drown in the family’s swimming pool suggests there are interventions to decrease your dog’s drowning risk. Follow these essential tips to keep your dog safe around the pool.

Don’t let your dog swim alone

You wouldn’t swim alone, and neither should your dog. This is a cardinal rule. Don’t break it.

Swimming lessons

Since not all dogs are born swimmers, a swimming test is necessary if you have a backyard pool. First, suit up and coax your dog into the shallow end to test their swimming prowess. Do this when you have extra help in case you need to haul your dog out of the pool if he doesn’t intuitively know how to swim. If he paddles happily around the pool, the next step is to teach him where the stairs are located so he can get out of the pool when he gets tired or if he falls into the pool. Stand on the stairs and use treats to encourage him to come toward you and walk up the stairs. Be sure to do this a few times and give a refresher course every now and then.

Pool barrier

Most swimming pools are surrounded by a fence. If your dog can’t swim, then it should be a dog-proof fence. If your pool doesn’t have a fence, consider having an invisible fence set up around your pool to keep your dog away from the slippery edge. There are also devices to alert you to unwanted swimmers in your pool. The technology behind pool alarms is mind-boggling. There are motion sensors, wave sensors, subsurface disturbance sensors, and wristband sensors. It seems to me the wristband sensor could be strapped onto a collar quite easily.

Life jacket

If swimming lessons fail and a pool fence will spoil the esthetic quality of your backyard, consider a doggy life jacket. Our friends at the American Kennel Club have recently reviewed dog life jackets.

Since most dog drownings occur during the summer months, today is a good day to start making your dog pool-safe and your pool dog-safe.

Announcement- GDUI elections are coming up!

GUIDE DOG USERS, INC.

3603 MORGAN WAY

IMPERIAL, MO 63052

Toll Free: 1-866-799-8436

July 1, 2024

Dear GDUI Members and Friends,

GDUI elections are coming up! Here’s what you need to know about our 2024 elections and how to participate, as a candidate, and as a voter.

The 2024 GDUI Elections will begin at 12:00 AM, ED, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, and end at 11:59 PM, ET, on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

GDUI is seeking candidates for the following positions in our October 2024 elections:

President – 2-year term
First Vice President – 2-year term
Second Vice President – 2-year term
Secretary – 2-year term
Treasurer – 2-year term
Two Directors – 3-year term
One Director – 1-year term
Please note: For the director positions, the 2 candidates for director receiving the greatest number of votes in the election will be seated in the 3-year full-term director positions, and the candidate for director with the third highest number of votes will be seated in the 1-year interim director position.

All GDUI members in good standing are eligible to run for a position on the GDUI Board. By the deadline of Friday, August 23, 2024, interested candidates should submit, via e-mail to the Nominations Committee, a completed application form (available below and online)

Please note: This document will be shared , as submitted, in its entirety, with all GDUI members entitled to vote in this election.

You can reach the Nominations Committee at this e-mail address:

elections@guidedogusersinc.org.

GDUI members who have paid their dues by this year’s record date of Monday, August 26, 2024, will be eligible to vote in the October elections. If you have not renewed your membership, now is the time to do so.

This will allow you to vote to fill the open board positions, as well as to accept or reject any proposed bylaw changes that members have recommended.

A membership in GDUI costs just $15.00 per person per calendar year and includes an annual subscription to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use, our informative newsletter.

Dues may be paid, by credit card, online by going to:

https://guidedogusersinc.org/membership/

or by calling 866.799.8436. You may also pay by mail, by sending a check made payable to GDUI, to our postal mailing address:

GUIDE DOG USERS, INC., 3603 Morgan Way, Imperial, MO 63052.

Important dates to remember!

In order to be eligible to vote in the 2024 GDUI election, your 2024 GDUI dues must have been received on or before the record date of August 26, 2024.
If you wish to run for any of the 2024 positions which are up for election, we need to receive your completed application by Close of Business on Friday, August 23, 2024.
We will hold two telephonic candidates’ Forums prior to the election. Dates and phone numbers for these calls will be announced soon.

We encourage members to submit questions for the candidates. Please submit your questions to the Nominations Committee, by the close of business on Friday, September 13, 2024. Email your proposed questions to:

elections@guidedogusersinc.org

Include “Forum Question” in the subject field of your e-mail message.

If you are thinking of running for one of the eight board positions, we welcome your candidacy! Below please find a job description for each of the positions up for election.

Applications for candidacy are available here:

http://guidedogusersinc.org/announcing-gdui-2024-elections/

We welcome your participation in our 2024 GDUI elections! We are looking forward to a lively campaign season. If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to renew your membership in GDUI, so that you may be eligible to run for an officer or director position, to submit questions for the candidates to answer; to attend one or both candidate forums; and especially to vote!

Thank you,

Sincerely,

The GDUI Nominations Committee, 2024

Dixie Sanderson, Chair

Lynn Merrill,

Cheryl Peabody

GDUI Officer and Director Position Descriptions

GDUI President- Responsibilities and criteria

The GDUI President must be willing and able to accept the legal, fiduciary and ethical

responsibilities for an organizational president, in accordance with standard nonprofit practices and procedures.

The GDUI President must be a GDUI member in good standing.

The GDUI President must be a current or former guide dog user.

The GDUI President shall:

Preside over all meetings; Appoint a Vice President to preside over any meeting for which the president’s absence is unavoidable; Propose policies and practices to fulfill the mission of GDUI; Serve as an ex-officio member of GDUI committees (with the exception of the Nominating Committee) in compliance with the GDUI Bylaws); Monitor the performance of Directors and Officers; Submit various reports to the board and to other “stakeholders” as necessary; Propose the creation of committees or task forces to accomplish needed work; appoint chairpersons for committees and task forces; perform other duties as the need arises and/or as defined in the GDUI Bylaws.

The GDUI President shall not be absent from three board meetings in any year.

If serious circumstances make it impossible for the President to attend any meeting of the GDUI Board, the president must inform the First Vice President, in advance, and must arrange for either the First or Second Vice-President to take on presidential duties for that meeting.

The President ensures that an agenda is planned for board meetings.

(This may involve periodic meetings with committee chairpersons to draft meeting agendas and reporting schedules.)

The President presides over meetings of the Board of Directors. In this capacity, the President: Chairs meetings according to accepted rules of order for the purposes of encouraging all members to participate in discussion; Facilitates the board’s work of arriving at decisions in an orderly, timely and democratic manner; Votes as prescribed in the GDUI Bylaws.

The President is responsible for ensuring, on behalf of the membership, that the Board of Directors and officers of GDUI: Are aware of and fulfill their governance responsibilities, including.

Comply with applicable laws and bylaws.
Conduct board business effectively and efficiently in accordance with standard nonprofit policies and procedures.
Are accountable for their performance.

The President is accountable to the Board of Directors or Members as specified in the GDUI Bylaws. The President may delegate specific duties to Board members and/or committees, and to the office manager and the webmaster, as appropriate; however, the accountability remains with the President. For this reason, the president may take appropriate action to safeguard the interests of GDUI.

According to the GDUI Bylaws, the president’s involvement in the proceedings of the Nominating Committee is specifically limited; therefore, the President’s accountability, in the specific case of the recommendations or actions of the nominating committee, is accordingly limited.

The President serves as an ex-officio member of all board committees (except for the Nominating Committee). In this capacity, the President’s role is to:

Negotiate reporting schedules.

Identify problems and assist the committee chairperson to resolve them,

Bring such matters, if necessary, to the attention of the Board of Directors.

The President ensures that GDUI maintains positive and productive relationships with organizations related to the mission of GDUI, media and donors.

In this capacity, the President serves as primary spokesperson for GDUI, and Duties may include:

Representing GDUI to the media.

Representing GDUI on governmental or nongovernmental organizations and committees.

Providing timely and appropriate reporting of Board decisions and actions to members and/or donors.

The President is normally designated by the Board of Directors and/or bylaws as one of the signing officers for certain documents. In this capacity, the President may be authorized or required to sign or countersign bank checks, correspondence, applications, reports, contracts or other documents on behalf of GDUI.

The President ensures that structures and procedures are in place for effective recruitment, training, and evaluation of GDUI board members.

The President ensures that structures and procedures are in place for securing the resources required by GDUI.

The GDUI President is the primary liaison between the Board and all GDUI staff. In this capacity, the President:

Meets periodically with these individuals, no less than once a quarter.

Ensures that annual performance reviews of these staff members are conducted.

Participates in the hiring and evaluation of all staffers (presently the webmaster).

GDUI First Vice President- Responsibilities and criteria

The GDUI First Vice President is required to be willing and qualified to take over as President, if necessary, in accordance with the GDUI Bylaws.

Important: Please refer to “Responsibilities and Criteria for GDUI President Position” for specific details.

The first vice president must be willing and able to accept the legal, fiduciary and ethical responsibilities of an organizational vice president, and of President, in accordance with standard nonprofit practices and procedures.

The First Vice President is expected to attend all board meetings, and to preside over any board meeting for the president, if necessary.

The First Vice President shall inform the President, in advance, if unable to attend a particular board meeting.

The First Vice President may not miss more than three board meetings per year.

The First Vice President must be a member in good standing of GDUI.

The First Vice President must be a current or former guide dog user.

GDUI Second Vice President- Responsibilities and criteria

The second vice president must be willing and able to accept the legal, fiduciary and ethical responsibilities of an organizational vice president, in accordance with standard nonprofit practices and procedures.

The Second Vice President must be willing and able to take on the role and duties of First Vice President as prescribed by the GDUI Bylaws.

*Important: Please refer to “Responsibilities and Criteria for GDUI First Vice President Position” for specific details.

The Second Vice President Must Be a GDUI-member in good standing.

The Second Vice President must be a current or former guide dog user.

The Second Vice President is expected to attend all board meetings and must be willing and able to run regularly scheduled Board meetings, if called upon by the President to do so (if the President or First Vice President cannot be in attendance).

The Second Vice President shall inform the President, in advance, if unable to attend a particular board meeting.

The Second Vice President may not miss more than three board meetings per year.

GDUI Secretary- Responsibilities and criteria

The GDUI Secretary must be willing and able to accept the legal, fiduciary and ethical responsibilities of an organizational secretary, in accordance with standard nonprofit practices and procedures.

The Secretary must:

Record (in document-form) meeting minutes for business meetings of the GDUI Board of Directors,

Arrange for the audio-recording of meetings if it is the secretary’s desire to take minutes from an audio-recording,

Possess thorough and quick note-taking skills in case an audio-recording of a meeting fails,

Have the ability to use notes, memory, and/or recordings to reproduce accurate accounts of meetings for minutes,

Use writing skills and discretion to summarize (or write in detail when appropriate) to create informative meeting minutes,

Submit drafts of meeting minutes in time frames which allow other board members to submit suggestions/corrections before a final draft is submitted for approval/acceptance at the subsequent board meeting,

Send minutes and attachments to the Web Master for posting to the GDUI Web Site,

Assist GDUI by researching and reproducing content from previous minutes as is practical.

The secretary is expected to attend all board meetings.

If the Secretary is unable to attend a board meeting, after informing the President, the Secretary will arrange for a competent recorder for the meeting which the Secretary will miss.

The Secretary may not miss more than three board meetings per year.

GDUI Treasurer- Responsibilities and criteria

The GDUI Treasurer must be willing and able to accept the legal, fiduciary and ethical responsibilities of an organizational treasurer, in accordance with standard nonprofit practices and procedures.

The Treasurer must:

Assist in the preparation of all budgets including GDUI’s annual budget,

Be a bondable individual,

Monitor the budget monthly, or more frequently if needed,

Ensure that the financial policies (as set by the Board, and recommended by the finance committee) are being followed,

Report to the Board of Directors and general membership on finances monthly,

Prepare, in a timely manner, any required financial reporting forms to be submitted to the general membership, accountants, auditors or any such other entity as required for standard accounting procedures and policies,

Maintain all bank accounts in a fiscally prudent manner in keeping with standard accounting practices,

Oversee all financial transactions while ensuring all fiduciary responsibilities are met and ensure the benefit of GDUI.

Serve as a member of the finance committee.

The Treasurer’s signature should appear on all checks of the organization with the second signature from any of the board’s other directors or staff with signing authority for amounts exceeding $1500.

The Treasurer is expected to attend all board meetings.

The Treasurer may not miss more than three board meetings per year.

GDUI Board of Director- position Responsibilities and criteria

Each member of the GDUI Board of Directors must be willing and able to accept the legal, fiduciary and ethical responsibilities of an organizational director, in accordance with standard nonprofit practices and procedures.

Board members are expected to attend all board meetings.

Members of the GDUI Board of Directors shall inform the President, in advance, if unable to attend a particular board meeting.

A GDUI board member shall not be absent from three board meetings in any year.

Majority of Board members will be current or former guide dog users.

Announcement- Thank You from the ACB Auction Committee

[From: Dots and Dashes- July 29, 2024]

Hello ACB Family! The auction committee would like to thank everyone for participating in the ACB Summer Auction and making it such a big success. This year’s summer auction showcased over 200 items donated by ACB affiliates, ACB staff, members and friends. A special thanks to the auction committee members that produced vivid descriptions, item pictures, audio descriptions on ACB Media 2 and formatted electric documents for easy access for everyone’s viewing. It’s fantastic to hear all the excitement on Saturday night as members are bidding against each other. Stay tuned for the ACB Media Holiday Auction!

The holiday auction will feature Sneak a Peek Appetizer auctions on Nov. 29th and 30th, and the holiday auction on December 1st. The deadline for items for the ACB Media Holiday Auction is October 7. For more information, contact Leslie Spoone by email, lesliespoone@cfl.rr.com, or by phone, (407) 929-9837.

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users, PTGDU, August 2024 Monthly News Update]

Blueberry Muffins

A favorite recipe made with Maine’s iconic wild blueberries.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups fresh wild Maine blueberries, dusted with 1 tablespoon of flour

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole milk

Topping

2 tablespoons of sugar

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture until just blended. Gently fold in Blueberries. Scoop batter into tin. Mix the topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of muffins. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes. Cool for five minutes before removing muffins from the pan.

Note: To give the muffins a blue tinge, mash 1/2 cup of the blueberries before folding into batter.

Article- The sun the sea and the ties that bind

My practical thoughts and precious moments, on a family cruise across the Atlantic with my Seeing Eye dog

By Kristen NILSON Dockendorff

“A goal without a plan is only a wish“. This is one of the many quotes I came away with after meeting an amazing man and his wife. He was the Director of the Kennedy space Center. Yes, that space Center. More about that later…

My biggest take away from this experience- plan ahead! Best stress alleviator ever- doing research and giving yourself enough time to get everything done!

Concerns that need to be discussed with the cruise line before even considering making any reservations include: The itinerary (length of cruise and country or countries visited), their experience, if any, with having service dogs on board, what accommodations will be provided for your guide to relieve (will it be on your balcony, if you have one, inside the ship or outside on a deck),does the cruise line provide an appropriately sized life jacket for your guide, will you need to pack dog food or can it be drop shipped directly to the cruise line to be waiting for you on the ship, and will the ship’s daily newsletter and main dining room menus be made available in alternative formats (braille, large print, or electronically).

(As regards direct shipping of food, while this will save room in your luggage, that advantage must be weighed against the stress inducing situation of worrying that the food won’t arrive in time, or at all. Plus, the time and multiple back and forth communications to verify if the food arrive- and if arrived was it delivered to the correct place and has it been loaded on the actual ship you’ll be sailing on- then once on board, how long will it take to get the food to your cabin. If direct shipping is an option, and you choose it, I suggest bringing a few days’ worth of food because… all the just mentioned possibilities!)

As for the paperwork involved in cruising with a guide. There are numerous forms to fill out, depending on your itinerary. If traveling outside the USA, you must find the appropriate United States department of agriculture forms for the specific country(s) you will be visiting. I promise, no matter where you are going, it is never going to be just one form! Then, of course there are all the other forms for the individual airlines and the cruise ship, itself. I will also let you know that, if you have not dealt with the forms for international travel through the department of agriculture, there are very specific timelines, depending on the country(s) involved. Oh, by the way, these forms are complicated and rarely totally, or even partially, accessible- so, prepared to have somebody help. Also, different countries require specific brands of microchips and vaccinations, so you need to research that, too. If that is not enough, you need to be certain to check with the United States department of agriculture, as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), not only for the specific country(s) you will be visiting, to see if you can bring a guide in, but to see what restrictions may exist for bringing a dog back in to the United States from the country from which you will depart.

Yes, it is true, there are countries where it is perfectly okay to visit with a dog, but for which the CDC imposes restrictions with respect to bringing a dog in.

Your guide will need to be examined, and forms filled out, by an Internationally certified USDA veterinarian .As your personal vet may not be USDA Certified, make sure you have access to such a certified veterinarian and an appointment(s) in a timely fashion so as to meet the specific deadlines your particular trip requires.

[Editor’s Note: Check with the GDUI web site to learn about newly promulgated rules from the CDC which go into effect on August 1, 2024, and which are related to bringing a dog from a country outside the USA into the United States.]

I can’t stress enough how much it helps to have friends or family who can assist with the amount of paperwork necessary. If utilizing a Travel Agent is an option, it can make a tremendous difference as they can assist with many of the forms and act as a liaison with the cruise line.

Our family is a prime example of how planning is essential. Four of us were traveling together, my brother, father, aunt and I, but it was my brother who was organizing the trip. While he is a very frequent traveler, my aunt, dad and I, not so much; hence the three of us had expired passports. This combined with our lack of awareness about the above-mentioned paperwork and hard-and-fast timelines required to travel with a guide, made it impossible to take the cruise we had originally booked. We had to cancel that original cruise and rebook another.

Just as an FYI- for international travel your passport will need renewal if it is within 6 months of expiration when you begin your trip.

When it comes to cruising- forewarned is forearmed!

Beyond being aware of the forms, itinerary, physical accommodations, and your own concerns; consider your dog’s personality .

Planning a trip, especially one including international flights and a cruise, is fraught with so many potential problems. I like to be proactive- so, figuring out what has me worried ,and planning for solutions to any potential problems, lowers my pre-trip anxiety.

Some of my concerns were: Will she need her booties, will the decks be too hot for her feet, how about a crate, (she sleeps in a crate at home and I can’t fit a crate in the stateroom), will it be too hot for her out on the deck while I am enjoying the sun, how will she handle the lack of play-time, and how will the trip home go with such a long flight and customs?

Well, I’ll let you know that she did not need her booties as it was not a Caribbean cruise- so the weather really wasn’t too hot. I do think if going somewhere warmer, it would be a good idea to bring them. When we’re walking on the deck, we don’t think about how hot it is, but if you’re in the Caribbean or somewhere else warm, it probably would be a good idea. As for the sleeping arrangements and your dog. If you tend to be someone who sleeps with their dog, you may have a very difficult time as cabins and furniture are quite small. Additionally, most cruise lines prohibit dogs on any furniture, part of the vast paperwork you sign before boarding the ship.my aunt and I shared a cabin so the beds were even smaller than a twin. You literally couldn’t roll to one side or the other or you’d be rolling out. We had some very funny moments, the bed making all kinds of noises and me on the floor in the dark trying to find where the noise was coming from.*smile*As for Winnie, who usually sleeps in a crate, I took two of the pillows and covered them with the leather mat that the cruise line provides for unloading suitcases. I also brought a blanket from Home so I just spread that over and she leaned up against the side of the couch that was in the room. She did like to have something solid to lean against as the boat does constantly move up and down, with a lot of clunking going on. Also, often there is space under the bed which can work as a crate like space. Having your own blankets, sleeping matt and tie-downs is essential. There definitely is not room for a crate so knowing how your dog reacts to that is important. I will say that there were places, out on the deck, where I definitely looked for shade. As long as they stay hydrated and you keep an eye on them, dogs do fine! Everybody was totally willing to bring me water for Winnie, so that was never a problem. If you plan on going in the pools or hot tubs, you need to make sure that there’s a place nearby where you can safely attach your guide; Chairs aren’t the best option as they can easily move. I was told that Winnie watched me swim laps back-and-forth. She does enjoy a good suntan too. *wink*

I thought through most of my concerns and came up with the solutions for as many of them as possible in advance of our trip. The more you can prepare, the less stress you will encounter, and the more enjoyable your trip will be!

Being on a cruise is very hard work for a dog guide. There are many narrow hallways with enticing obstacles (cleaning carts, dirty clothes awaiting pick-up, and room service trays laden with partially eaten meals); deck chairs full of sweet smelling people holding yummy drinks; tables scattered about all willy-nilly (often with abandoned food “free” for the taking);, lines of people pretty much everywhere either to be joined or navigated around; going to the buffet so many times a day (first breakfast, second breakfast, repeat for lunch and dinner, and don’t forget the one at midnight); staircases in strange locations and with weird lights and configurations (spiral is the tamest of the options). The type and size of relieving box and filler material provided is another consideration. Often a relieving box is quite small, and the filler material may be very different from anything your guide has experienced. On this cruise Winnie’s box was a 4×5 ft wooden box lined with Astroturf. Thinking about your guide and their willingness to relieve on multiple surfaces can save enormous angst once on-board ship! Most ships have a walking track so getting your guide exercise isn’t really a challenge, however, playtime can be challenging. The only place they can be out of harness and off leash is in your cabin. … and that is a very small space.

Another thing about bringing the dog, which, of course, you have to be willing to deal with is the constant situation of everybody wanting to pet your dog and share their own, personal dog stories. So many people are missing their pets when they’re on a cruise so of course, our dogs are magnets. What I learned on my first cruise, with my previous Seeing Eye dog – black lab Emma, was to put a note in the ship’s daily itinerary, explaining that we are a working team and requesting that passengers should not distract us. On this cruise I approached the activities director and offered to give a lecture, providing time for questions and answers ; as on that first cruise, they were interested. This time I even had the notice, about Winnie being a working dog, prepared for our first day on board. We all know our guides are trained to handle all types of working conditions and situations; however, it is important to keep all of these things I have mentioned above, in mind, when deciding if having them accompany you on a cruise is in their, and your, best interest.

You never know what’s gonna happen on one of these trips- with you, your dog, and everyone else. In my opinion ,one of the best things you can do is to make the best of everything and, most importantly, set your guide up for success!

I did get my chance to speak; it was such a wonderful, fulfilling moment for me- being an ambassador for the Seeing Eye! 70 people attended the lecture. Not bad when you consider we were competing with presentations on how to make towel animals and origami with your daily newsletter!

Funny story- at the end of my presentation a couple approached me and said “five years ago we were on a cruise, that also went across the Atlantic, where you gave a lecture. You were with your black lab guide then!” I thought that was really cool-that now I’ve done it twice and they were there both times. I guess there’s something to these lectures! Not only did I have a great time doing the lecture itself- all the information shared with all the people who came, but this time, some special people were in the audience. In addition to My family ,Jim and Bernie Kennedy who are retired from the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida , were also in attendance.(See, I promised at the beginning to get back to this!) Jim , the former Director there, was also giving lectures during the cruise. My aunt and I attended one of his lectures and we kept running into each other all over the ship, so much so that he asked me if I would be willing to join him on stage during his final lecture of the cruise.

I don’t know how many were in the audience -but definitely more than 70. It was really awesome to be on stage with him! It was a great relationship to build.

His presentation was so interesting. He shared basic life lessons and talked about 52 points of leadership – illustrating same with comments or stories about individuals and missions related to the space station and the NASA program. His last point of emphasis was actually about his grandfather who was blind- focusing on peoples’ abilities, not disabilities. This led to my sharing about myself and my experiences as a blind artist. Jim had no idea that I am an artist, when he found that out, he was really amazed. He commented at how well I integrated my story with the point he was trying to make. It was a really exciting moment all the way around, and I have a picture of Winnie and me, with me down at her side, hugging her and trying to point out the NASA pins on her Seeing Eye pouch. The picture was projected on a huge screen behind us on the big salon stage. Another picture I just love is of Winnie, Jim Kennedy, and me on the big salon stage- Winnie is looking over her shoulder at herself in the picture on the huge screen behind us! It’s a precious moment!

Things that I, like all of us, worried about regarding the trip but could do nothing to control included: transfers between airports, hotels, and the cruise ship; locating and assuring that my dog would use, the relief areas in the airport and hotel; and utilizing the Meet-an-assist services at the airport to get through TSA and Customs, my departure gate, transferring to connecting flights, and at the end of the trip reaching baggage claim and/or ground transportation (waiting for a wheelchair that I didn’t need instead of just a human guide). Sometimes it gets very frustrating when you need the help but would rather just do it yourself!

While there are various apps that can be used to navigating airports- it can definitely be helpful to have somebody assisting you when dealing with the vast array of challenges presented by airports, Particularly international airports. Negotiating TSA and customs; multiple gates/terminals, possibly accessed via tram; locating bathrooms; relieving areas; restaurants/bars/coffee shops; and shops for snacks, drinks and/or souvenirs can all be drastically simplified by availing oneself of the Meet-and-assist services provided by the airlines. Having said that, it is crucial to be a strong self-advocate!

During my trip, once at the gate I got put off on the side with some chairs and I think they generally just forgot about me. That’s one of the reasons my dog couldn’t use the relief area when we transferred flights. Just keep making sure that you are visible to the people who are supposed to be getting you the assistance.

I will definitely encourage you to leave at least two hours between connecting flights. Many of the relief areas are really gross but if your dog has to go, they will. The other problem is they’re really, really stinky and generally there’s only one in the airport, or per terminal, and it may not be anywhere near your gate. That’s why it really helps to have an assistant.

traveling with my family was an invaluable experience! Not just for the help with reading menus and explaining food choices at the buffets, but most especially in The Ties That Bind, as I say, In the title. Sharing a room with my aunt provided more than just a funny squeaky bed story as she read the daily notices and any other printed mail we received. I shamelessly used her to tell which candies were which flavors! I should’ve asked a little earlier in the trip which was conditioner, shampoo, and soap- evidenced by my soothing some scratches on my arm with shampoo thinking I was using body lotion.

Hint- bring some extra rubber bands, or whatever is your favorite low-tech marking device, so useful for items in the bathroom, room service condiments and even your cabin door! I had aunt Lynne to help me with that. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to it right away- hence, shampoo soothed scratches. *smile*

Aunt Lynne brought her notebook everywhere- It was awesome! It was always with her so she could take notes. She told us before we ever boarded the ship that she wanted to record any memories of her mother and our grandmother that my brother and I could share with her. She and our father would also share their memories of growing up with their mom. This is what I mean by The Ties That Bind. That notebook was a symbol of many ties. I took out my slate and stylus to show my aunt what they looked like- she told me that my grandmother, her mom, used to have one of those made of wood . She used it to do braille transcription for somebody. I never knew my grandmother knew braille.

My Aunt took notes at all the lectures we attended. The ones that Jim Kennedy, from NASA, gave as well as on the Atlantic ocean piracy, the Bermuda triangle, etc. She attended my lecture and wrote down all the questions that were asked and my answers.

That brings me to another tie. I love being a positive role model for Guide dog teams. Winnie is an incredibly special dog, and I am honored to have her as my partner. As for the couple who was at the lecture on that cruise five years ago and also at the lecture on this cruise- I find that to be an incredible tie as well.

there was the Seaborn crew itself. My brother can attest to the fact that they make an incredible effort to remember you and treat you as family. With all his experience on the cruises it was really incredible to see how many of the crew knew him, and actually, some of them also remembered me from that last cruise. I’m sure that Winnie and I made a huge impression on several of the crew. We absolutely made the day of so many people that needed to experience the soft touch of a dog. One in particular was priceless! After a dance lesson, during a time when there was nobody in the room, the young man- from Ukraine- leading the class shared that he had a horrible experience with a dog as a child. he kept asking me, “What is that dog? What is that?” He always wanted to have a dog, but was very frightened . When he saw Winnie, he just kind of melted. There was no one else in the room, except him, his partner, my aunt, and me so …I let Winnie out of her harness, and she sat down on the floor with him and just melted into his lap. it was such an amazing moment! She knew exactly what he needed. He had to write down what a golden retriever was because they don’t have such a thing in Ukraine. That was a really great Tie That Binds as well. There is nothing like the love of a dog! She brought such love and light to everyone that met her!

Given that we all live in different states and visits are few and far between- it was great to have my dad be able to spend some time with Winnie and of course she goes Absolutely crazy over my brother. I’m so glad that my dad got time to spend time with a select, small group of family. It being in a controlled situation helped heighten the quality of the interactions!

I bless The Seeing Eye, my family and the people involved in my extended church, family, and friends that got me through the anxieties of filling out the paperwork. those ties are pretty tight too. You definitely need help so don’t be afraid to get it. This was a wonderful experience and meaningful to so many people on so many different levels!

I hope you enjoyed my tale of The sun the sea and the ties that bind. Additionally, I hope there was some practical advice as well. Enjoy the sun enjoy the sea. Enjoy your ties that bind with happiness and the wind in your hair.

Announcement- Pearls of wisdom from PTGDU

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users, PTGDU, August 2024 Monthly News Update]

Community Connect

Living Blindfully. PTGDU member Nicholas Giudice talks autonomous vehicles and robot guide dogs with Jonathan Mosen, a well-known and trusted voice in the blind community. Listen to the interview on Living Blindfully – a podcast about living your best life with blindness and low vision.

https://www.livingblindfully.com/episode-289were-now-on-whatsapp-an-accessible-way-to-configure-the-bios-of-thinkpads-and-dr-nicholas-giudice-talks-autonomous-vehicles-and-robot-guide-dogs/

What’s up, Doc? Our newest educational flyer, titled What Healthcare Providers Need to Know about Patients with Guide Dogs, offers tips for interacting with blind or low vision patients who are accompanied by a guide dog. The photo in the flyer, courtesy of The Seeing Eye, depicts a nurse taking a blind woman’s blood pressure while her black Lab guide dog rests quietly under the chair. Read, print, and share the flyer with staff in your healthcare network. Additional resources for healthcare providers are also available on our website.

https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/what-healthcare-providers-need-to-know-about-patients-with-guide-dogs/

Bonjour! Our professionally designed rideshare handout and poster, told from the perspective of a guide dog, is now available in French. The handout is intended to help drivers learn more about guide dogs and what to expect when transporting these highly trained animals. The rideshare flyer is also available in English and Spanish.

https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/rideshare-poster/

By land, air, or sea. If you’re planning to travel out of the country with your dog, be sure to take a look at the CDC’s new requirements to return to the US or check out The transcript of the Seeing Eye’s webinar on traveling with your guide dog.

https://www.seeingeye.org/knowledge-center/rights–legal-information/webinars.html

Advocacy Matters

Splish splash. Did you know that gyms, fitness centers, hotels, and municipalities that have swimming pools are not required to allow a service animal in the pool with its handler? The ADA does not override public health rules that prohibit dogs in swimming pools. However, service animals must be allowed on the pool deck and in other areas where the public is allowed to go.

https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

Healthcare guidelines. Looking for detailed guidance for safe practices concerning access for patients, visitors, and employees with service animals? Check out Section 3 of the CDC Environmental Infection Control Guidelines for animals in Healthcare Facilities.

https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/environmental-control/animals-in-healthcare-facilities.html

Article- Here are the reasons a dog might gravitate toward your feet

By Rebekkah Adams June 9, 2024

Submitted by retired guide Penot

Does your dog constantly sit on your feet? This is why

Watching the funny sitting and sleeping positions our pets come up with has to account for at least half the joy of dog ownership. It seems that our beasties generally gravitate to one area for their naps, whether that’s the left side of the bed, under the table, or on top of a human. While some of this makes sense, it can be surprising when your dog sits on you in a weird way, especially on your feet. So why do dogs lay on your feet? Using your feet as a resting spot has a long history and stems from a few pretty interesting instincts.

Why do dogs sit on your feet?

Dogs seem to enjoy lying on our feet, and we like it, too. In fact, many people in history have used this pup habit to their advantage, with some dogs seemingly bred for this exact purpose. The shih tzu. in particular, used to sit on the feet of royalty in China, going back about 2,000 years. And many other furry friends have likely sat on their humans throughout time. Why, though, has this trope continued across cultures? There are four distinct reasons.

Love- We’re covering the big one first. Your pup loves to give you affection and get pets in return. “Often when dogs sit on our feet, it’s because they want to be close to us,” said Dr. Mary Burch, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist to the American Kennel Club. “It’s one way a dog shows affection. Think of your dog sitting on your feet as the canine version of a hug or cuddle.” When your animal tries to snuggle up on your feet, take that as a sign of your enduring bond.

Warmth- Sometimes, your dog sits on you for the simplest reason: They’re cold! In the wild, when the temperature drops, canines huddle together to stay warm outside. Your house probably rarely reaches such frigid temps, but that doesn’t mean they never shiver. In addition to lying on or near your body, you may also find Fido hiding under the covers or in a soft dog bed for a little extra heat. Of course, if you have more than one pet, you’re used to seeing the lot of them crushed together.

Anxiety- Warmth and love are the beneficial reasons your pooch might come and lay on your feet but sometimes they’re motivated by fear and anxiety rather than happiness. Taking your pet with you to a new location, for example, can cause your perfectly well-adjusted four-legger to turn into a Velcro dog. Other things that spark this behavior include changes to the routine, a new addition to the household, or a thunderstorm. Being near you helps to assuage that underlying anxiety because they know you’ll protect the whole family.

Guarding-On the flip side, sometimes a scary situation leads your dog to decide they’re going to take care of you instead. They may feel threatened by a person, another animal, or something totally innocuous like the vacuum cleaner, but they’ll rush to your side or even position their body between you and the attacker. This is normal behavior much of the time and certainly to be expected. However, you don’t want to encourage aggression toward people. Work with a trainer if your dog guards you too much or accompanies it with growling and snapping.

Why do dogs sleep at your feet?

Dogs sleep at our feet for the same reasons they sit down on us, but it also stems from a few other instincts. First, many times puppies sleep with their littermates by their mom’s feet for safety, warmth, and easy access to nursing. They remember that comfort and try to recreate it in adulthood, so the theory goes.

Additionally, many burrowing breeds, like terriers, might only want to sleep wrapped up in a makeshift blanket fort since they were traditionally trained to dig and scurry through holes in pursuit of rodents and other prey. Lastly, surprisingly enough, your feet may be the safest place for them in the bed if you frequently change positions during the night or the warmest if you run hot.

No matter the underlying reason, it’s very sweet when our dogs sleep or sit on our feet. In some circumstances, you may need to discourage the behavior, if it’s related to resource guarding or you can’t seem to catch enough z’s with your buddy there. But most of the time, you should let your pet snuggle up against your legs and take it as a sign that they love you.

Announcement: Advocates for Service Animal Partners Offers state Law Cards

There is absolutely no fee for these law cards; however, Advocates for Service Animal Partners relies upon your support to continue offering our ASAP Service Animal Hotline-

(855-272-7211 (855-ASAP211)

While on the download page, please consider making a pledge of support to help keep the hotline there when IT IS needed most. All contributions are used exclusively to support and enhance ASAP211.

To download your law cards, see which law cards are available, request cards for another state, and donate to fund this work, please visit

https://serviceanimals.info/LawCards.html

About ASAP

For more information, please contact Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO

Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)

Office- 386-272-7411 (386-ASAP411)

Hotline- 855-272-7211 (855-ASAP211)

Advocacy411@gmail.com

ServiceAnimals.info

Announcement: Blindness and Diabetes Education Classes

Join Our Diabetes Prevention Program

Join the Accessible Pharmacy Services Diabetes Lifestyle Coaches on a journey to a healthier you! Get healthy, stay healthy, and avoid diabetes with this virtual program taught by two women who are blind.

Goals:

Lose weight through healthy eating
Increase physical activity
Learn to identify and address barriers to healthy eating and physical activity

Duration (1-Year):

22 virtual sessions spread out over the course of 1 year starting in September 2024

The United States CDC has proven success:

Participants lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 71%

If interested, go to-

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuEsIZcTF-daetcZkmXygutsc7z9N-ctvK0nzZRs6qqrOjlQ/viewform

If you have any questions, please email us at-

info@AccessiblePharmacy.com.

Sincerely,

Your friends at Accessible Pharmacy

888-633-7007

https://accessiblepharmacy.com/

Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC

8 Neshaminy Interplex Dr., Ste. 102, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053

Podcasts/BLOGS: Check these out!

Hadley Insights & Soundbites– podcast@email.hadleyhelps.org

Listen in as we get the inside scoop from experts on a wide range of topics unique to vision loss.

Recent topics–

Low Vision and a Love for Hiking: The All Terrain Cane

We talk to Dave Epstein, the visually impaired creator of the All Terrain Cane. He shares about his life with a progressive eye disease and his love of hiking. These two pieces of Dave lead him to develop his unconventional cane.

How to Avoid Phone and Online Scams When Living With Vision Loss

When you have vision loss, scams can be even more challenging to avoid. Listen in as we get some tips and tricks from Veronica Lewis who runs a low vision assistive technology website.

Be My Eyes: A Free Smart Phone App for Vision Loss

Mike Buckley, Be My Eyes CEO, joins us to talk about how this free, smart phone app merges technology and human kindness and how it’s now using AI to describe the world in front of you.

(You can now listen to Hadley Presents and Insights & Sound Bites, on the phone. Just call 847.558.1317. Spread the word to friends and family who may find getting online difficult.)

Ask the Vet- podcast of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s, In partnership with Sirius XM, podcast is all about the pets we love and how to care for them. AMC Senior Veterinarian Dr. Ann Hohenhaus answers questions from pet parents, chats with leading animal experts, and talks about the most concerning issues for our furry friends. Listen & subscribe to ‘Ask the Vet’ today!

Do you have questions about your pet? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have them answered on next month’s ‘Ask the Vet’!

Submit Your Question to ‘Ask the Vet’

The Audio Description Project’s 24th Audio Description Institute is now open for registration.

[From: Dots and Dashes- July 29, 2024]

It is taking place virtually September 9-13, from 1 to 5 p.m. Eastern. The fee is $550. Space is limited, so secure your place today!

Registration will close on Monday, September 2, 2024. To register, visit-

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/SeptADInstituteRegistration

Two full scholarships are available!

priority will be given to people with disabilities. To be considered for a scholarship, send an email outlining how and why you are a strong candidate, including your reason for requesting financial assistance. Send the email to Tabitha Kenlon, Audio Description Project Coordinator, at tkenlon@acb.org by August 25, 2024.

Questions? Contact Dr. Joel Snyder, jsnyder@audiodescribe.com, or Tabitha Kenlon, tkenlon@acb.org.

Article- Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education

If you have a question about pet health, we have the answer.

The Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) is the leading provider of pet health information.

Our mission is to educate and empower pet owners and to promote the human-animal bond.

With AMC’s staff of over 130 doctors and the knowledge gained from more than a century of experience, we are uniquely positioned to deliver the most reliable and up-to-date information for all your pet health needs.

Pet Health Library- Your A-to-Z guide to common conditions, clinical signs, and wellness tips.

https://www.amcny.org/pet-health-library/

Children’s Education- Resources for teachers and caregivers with children interested in veterinary medicine.

https://www.amcny.org/childrens-education/

Events- Register for our upcoming events and watch video recordings of our past events.

https://www.amcny.org/meet-amc/events/#event=usdan-events

Pet Food Recalls- The latest information on recalls that may affect your beloved pet.

https://www.amcny.org/pet-food-recall/

How-To Videos- Step-by-step information about caring for your pets at home.

(Example- veterinarian and vet tech taking a dog’s temperature

April 08, 2024

How to Take Your Dog’s Temperature

Enlist a helper to hold your dog still. Lubricate a fast-acting rectal thermometer, and insert it into your dog’s rectum just past the thermometer’s tip. Hold it steady until it beeps. A dog’s normal body temperature is between 100.2 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.)

https://www.amcny.org/how-to-videos/

Email list and newsletters – Get AMC Emails and the latest pet health news in your inbox.

Want the best pet health information delivered right to your inbox?

Look no further than the Usdan Institute’s newsletter. Our newsletter features articles from our world-renowned vets, quick tips for keeping your pet healthy, and ways to celebrate the special bond only you and your pet have!

https://www.amcny.org/newsletters/

If you have any questions please contact us at Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education.

212.838.8100

usdaninstitute@amcny.org.

www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute

510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065

Announcement- 64 Ounce Games announces BOGO and website for braille transcription

BOGO on our Braille Pop-Its

Braille pop it, $15.00

These pop it’s are designed with the 6 braille cells to teach dot location and promote skills such as slate and stylus.

Until the 9th of August you can get these buy one, get one.

https://64-ounce-games.myshopify.com/products/braille-pop-it?shopify_email_activity_id=142946009288&syclid=cqkdj2jepdgs738uji8g&utm_campaign=emailmarketing_142946009288&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Have you seen our sister site: 64 Oz! Braille’s transcription services? Use us to get the braille you need for your classrooms!

Check out our sister site now!

https://64ouncebraille.com/products/transcription-services?syclid=cqkdkmnum1ms73dvobn0

64 Ounce Games

3911 Greenwood Dr., Pearland TX 77584

Announcement- ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Program

[From: Dots and Dashes- July 29, 2024]

From the humble beginnings of the Mentorship, Access, and Peer Support Program, the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Program will enter its second year during the fall of 2024. Online applications will be accepted from July 19th through August 17th. The 2025 cohort will be selected by September 5th, and the program year will begin on September 19th. The program is a nine-month exploration of learning and grasping new concepts. Activities will conclude on June 18, 2025. The program culminates with a virtual graduation ceremony during the virtual week of the ACB conference and convention.

INSPIRE refers to Imagine, Nurture, Support, Prepare, Influence, Reflect, and Evolve. The INSPIRE Experience includes an introductory Guide-Explorer meet and greet; informative orientation training; personalized Guide-Explorer team meetings; interactive quarterly check point meetings; empowerment segments with leaders of the blindness community, as well as other collaborative partnerships; optional office hours feedback sessions; support meetings with the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team; sharing of inspirational books, articles, poems, quotes, and other material from the INSPIRE Library; participant communication on the designated ACB INSPIRE email list; and end of program evaluation survey.

To serve as a Guide or mentor, applicants must be an ACB member for seven years or more; current on membership dues; have at least five years of confirmed leadership experience within ACB, one of its affiliates or chapters; submit name and contact information for a reference; have personal knowledge of ACB’s history, mission, purpose, and core values; agree to meet with designated Explorer/Mentee at least twice a month; conduct effective goal-setting meetings with a designated explorer/mentee; agree to keep all communication with explorer/mentee private and confidential; agree to attend and participate in scheduled group empowerment sessions, including quarterly check point meetings and optional office hours feedback sessions; agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress; and agree to complete an end-of-program evaluation.

To qualify as an Explorer or mentee, applicants must be an ACB member for at least two years (membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or chapter is applicable); current on membership dues; demonstrate an eagerness to learn and grow; faithfully attend and participate in goal-setting sessions with a designated guide/mentor; agree to meet with Guide/Mentor at least twice a month; agree to attend and participate in group empowerment sessions, including quarterly check point meetings and optional office hours feedback sessions; agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress; and agree to complete an end of program evaluation.

Now is the time to strongly consider becoming a participant in the program as a Guide or Explorer! Just submit an application for consideration.

To apply to be a Guide/Mentor, visit-

https://forms.gle/a8S13B4Zz2B7994k7

The Explorer/Mentee application is available at-

https://forms.gle/9S9xVszSvr2GpiZ18

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Eastern on August 17th. For more information, send an email message to acb.mentoring@gmail.com.

Editor’s note– The following two articles are included because they contain important information. It is crucial to remember that they were written for pet owners, not guide handlers. Please, if your school incorporates treats as part of your working protocol with your guide, read these next two

articles while constantly keeping the voice of your instructor in your mind reminding you of all you were taught about how/when to use food reward. How all food reward is taking from your guide’s overall bank of daily food/calories! Another thing, it is not only Labs that become obese- all dogs, even guides, will do so if over fed and under worked/exercised! As regards the discussion of the BCS, this is just another tool used by our vets, schools, and us, to keep our partners in top form.

Article- Why Labradors Gain Weight Easily

What Drives Canine Obesity?

[From: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- July 18, 2024, https://www.amcny.org/blog/2024/07/17/why-labradors-gain-weight-easily-hinsights-from-new-genetic-research/]

Weight gain occurs when there are too many calories consumed and not enough calories burned. While this equation sounds simple, it can be complicated by other factors. In this week’s blog, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus reviews the drivers of canine obesity and details new information on obesity in Labrador retrievers.

Why Labradors Gain Weight Easily: Insights from New Genetic Research In both humans and pets, weight gain occurs when too many calories are consumed and/or not enough are burned. This sounds simple, but the equation gets complicated by factors intrinsic to the pet, owner feeding practices, and/or a lack of exercise. This blogpost will focus on some of the drivers of canine obesity with a focus on new information on obesity in Labrador retrievers.

Canine Weight Gain and an Underactive Thyroid Gland

Recently, when I mentioned the weight of a dog patient to the owner, the first request off the owner’s lips was: “Can you check his thyroid?” Hypothyroidism slows metabolism and is an example of a disorder intrinsic to a dog that results in weight gain. Although hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in the dogs, in my experience running numerous thyroid panels in canine patients, I have found it is rarely a cause of weight gain.

Too Many Calories from Doggy Treats

Two recent patients of mine had packed on the pounds since their last annual examination. Some detective work identified excessive treats provided by their owners as the culprit in both. In one pup, the treats were 40 calories each. Her daily calorie requirement was 300 calories. Two of these high calorie treats were nearly a quarter of her daily requirement! The other pooch was getting four calorie treats, but she was getting 24 of these treats per day equaling 100 calories. When you only weigh 14 pounds, 100 calories of treats are too much treating. Veterinary nutritionists recommend no more than ten percent of the daily calorie requirement be given in treat form.

New Research into Weight Gain in Labradors

A friend of mine, a Labrador devotee, once joked to me, “Labradors can gain weight on air.” Years ago, I worked with a veterinarian who had to bungee cord the refrigerator door shut to keep her Labrador from helping himself to the entire contents while she was at work. Now there is a scientific explanation for both situations. Researchers in England have identified a genetic mutation in a quarter of Labrador retrievers and a third of flat-coated retrievers that leads to excessive hunger. This mutation might also explain why labs are so trainable – they will do anything for food!

The mutation occurs in a gene called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). The POMC gene controls production of chemical messengers involved in multiple physiologic pathways in the body. Labradors and flat-coated retrievers with the mutation have a lower metabolic rate, which, if allowed to eat too much, compounds the weight gain. Interestingly, the POMC mutation does not affect thyroid function, but dogs with the mutation have lower blood pressure compared to dogs without the mutation (but still within the normal range for all dogs).

How to Manage an Always Hungry Dog

If your dog is always pestering you for food, the POMC mutation may be to blame. While you can use a DNA test to determine the presence or absence of the mutation, changes in feeding practices should be implemented for any dog pestering you for food. These include-

1, Split meals into multiple, smaller portions

2, Use feeding toys to keep your dog from wolfing down their food

3, Try a snuffle mat or lick mat instead of a bowl for serving dinner

4, Don’t over treat

5, Talk to your veterinarian about a high fiber diet to encourage satiety

Article- Obesity in Dogs, Updated: 10/10/23

[From: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER, https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/obesity-in-dogs/]

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 59% of dogs are overweight or obese. In animals, fat starts to accumulate around internal organs before it’s visible from the outside. That means by the time you notice your dog has gained weight; his health may already be negatively affected.

Being overweight or obese doesn’t just affect how your dog looks, it also increases his risk for many health problems including-

Cancer
Decreased lifespan
Heart disease
Kidney issues
Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance
Osteoarthritis

If your dog does become overweight or obese, talk with your veterinarian about ways to get your pup back to a healthy weight. This could include a change in diet or starting an exercise program. Your veterinarian can help you find a solution that works best for you and your dog.

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a quantitative tool that is used to determine a dog’s body condition and fat accumulation. The scale ranges from 1 (very thin) to 9 (obese) with an ideal body score of 5. Changes in a pet’s weight can have many causes including dietary changes, feeding habits, physical activity, age, medication, as well as an underlying disease.

Make sure to discuss your pet’s ideal weight and nutritional needs with your veterinarian.

(the following link leads to a picture, however, it is included in case it proves useful. Just below the link is a description of the BCS)

https://www.amcny.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APOPBCSDOGCHART1-1_Page_1.png

Body Condition Score (BCS) for Dogs Source: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. VERY THIN (20% under ideal weight) Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily visible (coat may interfere with observation). Fat cannot be seen or felt under the skin. Obvious loss of muscle mass. Extreme waist and abdominal tuck. THIN Ribs, spine and hip bones are easy to feel and visible. Fat cannot be seen or felt under the skin, especially around the ribs and lower back. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck. Some muscle loss. IDEAL Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily felt and may be visible (coat may interfere with visibility). A waist and abdominal tuck are seen when viewed from above and side. Fat can be felt around ribs, spine and hip bones. OVERWEIGHT Ribs, spine and hip bones are not visible and difficult to feel Excess fat is felt around ribs, spine and hip bones. Waist and abdominal tuck are minimal or absent. OBESITY (30% over ideal weight) Ribs, spine and hip bones are difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat Waist and abdomen distended when viewed from above and side Prominent fat deposits over lower spine, neck and chest.

Announcement- ACB’s 2024 banquet speaker’s book now available on BARD!

Judge Tatel (who was mentioned in our last issue) recently wrote a best-selling account of his life, career, visual impairment, and the positive changes his guide dog brought to his life. His book is now available on BARD. Here is the information as it appears on BARD

Vision: a memoir of blindness and justice. DB122023

Tatel, David S. Reading time: 10 hours, 22 minutes.

Read by John Lescault; David S. Tatel.

Biography of Persons with Disabilities

Disability

U.S. History

“A memoir by one of America’s most accomplished public servants and legal thinkers—who spent years denying and working around his blindness, before finally embracing it as an essential part of his identity. David Tatel has served nearly 30 years on America’s second highest court, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where many of our most crucial cases are resolved—or teed up for the Supreme Court. He has championed equal justice for his entire adult life; decided landmark environmental and voting cases; and embodied the ideal of what a great judge should be. Yet he has been blind for the past 50 of his 80-plus years. Initially, he depended upon aides to read texts to him, and more recently, a suite of hi-tech solutions has allowed him to listen to reams of documents at high speeds. At first, he tried to hide his deteriorating vision, and for years, he denied that it had any impact on his career. Only recently, partly thanks to his first-ever guide dog, Vixen, has he come to fully accept his blindness and the role it’s played in his personal and professional lives. His story of fighting for justice over many decades, with and without eyesight, is an inspiration to us all.”– Goodreads. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

Article- 2024 ACVO/Epicur Service Animal Event Wrap-Up:

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 15TH ANNUAL EVENT WRAP-UP!

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED THIS YEAR!

We want to extend a thank you to everyone who participated in another successful year of free screening eye exams for Service and Working Animals! Just over 260 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists generously donated their time and services for the event. This program would not be successful without the generosity of our Diplomate Members, their amazing staff, and the financial support of our namesake sponsor, Epicur Pharma®!

2024 HIGHLIGHTS-

“Thank you for supporting working dogs and providing my search and rescue K9 with an exam.”

Jeff Liddle & Kismet the Search & Rescue K9

Dr. Stephanie Bell, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, performed screening eye exams for the mounted patrol of Kentucky and Lexington.

“These gentle giants and their officers work hard for our community and we are forever grateful for their service.” – Dr. Stephanie Bell

Frankie was seen by Dr. Isabel Jurk, of Animal Eye Care of New England, as a part of this year’s event. “Dr. Jurk did find an iris cyst in his right eye. If left untreated, this could lead to glaucoma. Frankie was started on medications and will be closely monitored.”

2024 Final Post Event Press Release-

Over 5,500 Free Eye Exams Provided During the 15

the Annual National Service Animal Eye

Exam Event

Sight-saving eye exams were provided to animals in more than 185 cities across the U.S.,

Canada, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, and the U.K.

MERIDIAN, IDAHO – JULY 5, 2024 –The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®

(ACVO) is proud to announce that more than 5,550 free screening eye exams were provided during the 15 the anniversary of the National Service Animal Eye Exam Event, sponsored by

Epicur Pharma®. About 265 ACVO Diplomates in 185 cities in the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong,

Puerto Rico, and the U.K. donated their time and resources this year to conduct eye exams for

Service and Working Animals that provide the following services: guide, hearing assistance,

drug detection, police/military, search and rescue, therapy, and those assisting people with

disabilities other than blindness.

Each May, the ACVO holds the National Service Animal Eye Exam Event. Since the event’s

creation in 2008, ACVO Diplomates have provided over 86,500 free eye exams in hopes of

catching any health issues early.

Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Brooklynn LaFoon, of Carolina Veterinary Specialists- Greensboro,

provides eye exam to Service Dogs during 2024 National Service Animal Eye Exam Event

I look forward to donating our time to the ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Event every year and this year did not disappoint! I love having the opportunity to give back to the community and these animals are some of the most deserving as they are providing crucial services to their owner, handlers and community. It is a pleasure seeing the same dogs

and owners year after year such as Magpie, but it is also exciting to see new participants like a

number of dogs from a local animal-assisted crisis response group that respond across the

southeast region, or Bradley who assists elementary school children learning to read. This

event is important as it offers superior care by providing specialized level ophthalmic exams at

no cost to ensure exceptional vision in the service animal community. I look forward to

continuing to offer my services in the upcoming years and encourage all working animals and their handlers to take advantage of this opportunity.” Says Dr. Brooklynn LaFoon, DVM,

DACVO.

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®

is an approved veterinary specialty

organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties that board certifies veterinarians

as ophthalmologists. The 2024 ACVO National Service Animal Eye Exam Event is sponsored

by Epicur Pharma®

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®

(ACVO®) is an approved veterinary

specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties and is recognized by the

American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary

medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in

veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must successfully complete

a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one-year internship, a three-year ACVO® approved

residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit

www.ACVO.org.

About Epicur Pharma®

Epicur Pharma is a division of Stokes HealthcareTM (founded in 1975), sister division to Stokes

Stokes

Pharmacy®

, and a dedicated ACVO supporter for many years. Adding a unique offering to the

veterinary industry, Epicur Pharma®

is an FDA Registered 503B Outsourcing Facility that follows

Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) which are FDA enforced regulations. Every drug

is 100% manufactured to FDA standards so you can be confident in the quality of your pet’s

prescription. As a loving pet owner, you oversee your pet’s safety and wellbeing. With

medications from Epicur, you’ll be fulfilling that promise. Epicur Pharma®

is proud to be a

pioneer in animal drug standards, offering the largest selection of manufactured drugs that are

traditionally compounded. For more information, go to epicurpharma.com.

Announcement- Handy online tool makes personalized assistive tech recommendations for people with sight loss

[From: Tech-VI- Thursday, July 11, 2024, David Goldfield, Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist

WWW.ScreenReaderTraining.com]

The charity Guide Dogs(Canada) has launched the new Tech Selector on its website, which is an innovative tool that is designed to empower people with vision impairments by delivering personalized recommendations for assistive technology products and services tailored precisely to their needs.

The Tech Selector’s aim is to reduce the need for human assistance, giving more independence and freedom to navigate technology suited to them.

Guide Dogs says it created the online tool to tackle the issue of people with sight loss struggling to identify the right assistive technologies that is relevant for them, such as smart home devices, AI solutions, mobility aids, and orientation apps.

The charity worked with a range of sight loss sector partners and people with lived experience of vision impairment to create the Tech Selector.

A customer insight study conducted by Guide Dogs, RNIB, and the Thomas Pocklington Trust highlighted that 60 percent of people with vision loss felt it was quite or very important for there to be changes and improvements to training to use technology to its full potential. This rose to 70 percent for the development of new smart technology and apps to support people with vision loss.

Similarly, the working group of charities has identified the digital issues faced by the sight loss community, ranging from a dearth of information and confidence to limited access to training and professional support.

“Tech Selector represents a significant leap forward in our mission to foster greater independence and accessibility for individuals with vision impairments,” remarked Sarah Brandwood, Senior Product Manager at Guide Dogs. “By streamlining the process of discovering and selecting accessible technologies, we aim to minimize the barriers that often impede the adoption of these life-changing solutions.”

Designed to cater to both newcomers and seasoned users of accessible technologies, the Tech Selector claims to dramatically reduce the time and effort required to explore available solutions. The tool offers a seamless and intuitive experience, ensuring that individuals with vision impairments can harness the full potential of technology to enhance their daily lives, Guide Dogs underlines.

“Accessibility should never be an afterthought; it should be at the forefront of every technological innovation,” added Sarah. “With Tech Selector, we are not only bridging the gap between technology and accessibility but also empowering individuals with vision impairments to embrace a future filled with possibilities.”

The Tech Selector is a web-based tool that will be hosted on the Guide Dogs website on behalf of the Vision Partnership and the wider sight loss sector. It will enable people to find a list of technology products, apps, and software that could be useful to them. People can select a number of different category filters to tailor the search results to best fit their needs and circumstances.

Once someone has identified potential technology solutions that would suit them, as well as self-contained information on the Guide Dogs technology hub, the site will also signpost people to further information from a range of national and local sight loss organizations.

Marie Howarth, from Oldham, was born with a rare sight condition called primary congenital glaucoma and is registered as severely sight impaired. As a young child, she had no sight in her right eye and some sight in her left eye. She went to a mainstream school and could read and write. When she was about six and a half years old, she had surgeries to release pressure, which resulted in a detached retina and she lost her remaining sight.

Marie has been involved with Guide Dogs since her early twenties when she was partnered with her first guide dog. Her second guide dog, Bertie, has just retired, so she is using a cane while waiting for her third guide dog.

As a young woman with a vision impairment, Marie says her life is massively improved by two things – her guide dog and technology.

Marie commented: “I use technology in almost every part of my life. I couldn’t be without my Apple iPhone and I manage my home with smart technology, and use various apps and devices in my daily life.

“The accessibility of third-party apps can still be a bit hit and miss. I always try free apps first, and I’d never pay for an app unless I could be sure it’s completely accessible.

“I’m a real advocate for using mainstream technology. Specialist technology can be so expensive and I don’t think people with a vision impairment should be penalized and have to pay more just to use tech. When I use mainstream tech, it also means that if something goes wrong with it or I can’t find something, I can always just turn off the VoiceOver and pass it to my sister or someone. If it was specialist tech she would have no idea how to use it.”

Recently, Aira, an app that provides on-demand, remote visual interpretation for visually impaired and blind individuals, launched an AI image feature. The feature allows Aira users to take a photo; share from their photo gallery, mobile device, or computer; get a detailed description; ask follow-up questions; and receive free validation of AI responses from a visual interpreter.

Learn more about this Handy online tool-

https://attoday.co.uk/handy-online-tool-makes-personalised-assistive-tech-recommendations-for-people-with-sight-loss/

Article- How to remove tree sap from your dog’s fur and paws

[Submitted by a member]

Tree sap and dogs don’t mix well, so here’s the remedy

By Rebekkah Adams June 1, 2024

When you think of sap, you might picture the good things that come of it, like maple syrup. But this sticky substance can have a bad impact on your pet, and you’ll need to be the one to take care of it. Sap can get all over your pet in summer, leading to matted fur or even an allergic reaction. If you find your buddy covered in tree extract, you’ll have to give them an extra thorough bath, plus a few more steps.

What is sap?

Sap is often called the blood of a tree because it’s what allows nutrients to flow between the roots and the branches. Some trees, like pine, commonly get sap on the outside, and stay pretty sticky year-round. For others, the gummy problem will only occur in spring and summer and mostly stops when the weather cools. Humans have used this substance for everything from medicine to jewelry to glue. When it comes to our beloved pets, though, it’s certainly best if these two don’t mix.

Why is sap a problem for dogs?

A few trees are toxic and their sap can cause a skin reaction or worse if ingested. Those include pine and oak, though sycamore can also cause irritation to the skin. Most will not have any extreme effect on your pup but will hurt their little paws or clump up their fur. Your dog’s feet are especially sensitive since sap can get in between their paw pads and get stuck there. When you discover that your pooch has come into contact with a tree, you should look at their feet carefully. A sudden limp could also mean that sap is lurking there in their little toes.

How to get rid of sap?

This may vary depending on exactly what tree you’re dealing with, but the gist remains the same. You will only need a few things, including a hair dryer, vegetable oil, a dog brush, and pet-safe shampoo.

Soften the sap-

If the sap has hardened, you will have to get it soft again to properly remove all of it. Otherwise, it can be difficult to get this out without cutting your pet’s fur. Luckily, you probably have a handy device already lying around — your hair dryer! You may want to use the cool setting and should always test the air on your hand first to ensure it’s not too hot. Your pup will likely enjoy the spa day though.

Use oil to loosen- Vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or peanut butter works here (but check for xylitol first, which is poisonous to dogs). While you don’t really want your pet to lick it off, they’ll likely try a little bit. Rub your product of choice into his fur and make sure you cover all affected areas. Then, wait a bit so it has a chance to work itself in.

Brush the fur- Grab your dog brush and start to carefully comb through. You don’t want to snag and hurt them so take it slow. Liberally apply more oil as needed and wipe the residue while you go. It might take a few tries of the brush mixed with oil to remove all the sap that has latched on.

Treat the paws

Figuring out how to get sap off dog paws will be the biggest challenge. We’ll be honest — you may decide to take your dog to a groomer to handle some of this. Sometimes, the sap is so bad that you have to trim some of the fur under the feet. It’s very important to avoid nicking the soft parts, though, as that will hurt and bleed. Otherwise, tackle the step the same way you did the rest of the body.

Give your pup a bath

Lastly, you want to get all the goop off with a nice bath. Grab your pup shampoo and give Fido a last once-over, including those feet. You want all the oil and any last bits of sap to get washed off. It’s best to use a towel to dry them quickly afterward, since being wet for long periods can make them get cold.

Sap can be treacherous for both you and your four-legged friend. It gets into the fur and stays stuck until you carefully rub, wipe, and comb it out. Next time you see or feel this sticky nuisance on your animal, grab your tools and rid your bud’s fur of the tree residue. It seems like a difficult task, but you’ll figure it out in no time.

Article- Hot Weather Safety for Dogs, Updated: 2/23/24

[From: PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- Schwarzman AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education, July 4, 2024, https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/hot-weather-safety/,

PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- Schwarzman AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education, July 4, 2024]

On very hot, humid days, the safest place for your dog is indoors, ideally in the air conditioning. If you take your dog with you, it’s important to keep your pup hydrated and to watch for signs of heatstroke, which include heavy panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, hot skin, and incoordination. At the first hint of heatstroke, play it safe and head to your local veterinary ER. If an overheated dog isn’t cooled off quickly, serious complications like organ failure and death can occur.

You might be tempted to give your pet a buzz cut in the summer months. A trim is fine, but be sure to keep your pet’s coat at least an inch long. Your dog’s fur coat is designed to keep your pup cool during the summer and warm in the winter. By shaving your dog, you may interfere with this built-in temperature regulation.

It’s important to be aware that hot pavement can do serious damage to your dog’s paw pads. Play it safe and schedule walks for early morning or in the evening. If midday walks are unavoidable, try booties or paw wax.

When the outdoor temperature hits the 80s, pavement temperature can climb to a staggering 135 degrees, which can burn paw pads in just a few minutes. Here’s an easy way to test whether the pavement is too hot: place the back of your hand on the surface for seven seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Now that the warmer weather is here, make sure to keep in mind that hot pavement can do serious damage to your dog’s paw pads. Play it safe and schedule walks for early morning or in the evening. If midday walks are unavoidable, try booties or paw wax.

Article- Which Summer Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs?

[From: PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER- Schwarzman AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education, July 4, 2024,

https://www.amcny.org/blog/2024/07/03/summer-food-hazards-for-dogs/]

One of the best things about summer is the food. If you’re like me, going to the farmer’s market for seasonal food, like fresh fruit and corn on the cob, is a joy. Add those summer treats to your backyard picnic of hot dogs, burgers and shish kebabs and you have a memorable summer evening. However, what many families don’t realize is the threat these culinary delights pose to their dogs, in part, because they are difficult to identify quickly using routine x-rays.

The Canine Perils of Grilling

Food on sticks—hors d’oeuvres on toothpicks or meat and vegetables on wooden skewers—are exceptionally treacherous items for dogs. Wood does not show upon x-rays, so it is difficult to identify, and the pointy end of the stick can pierce the intestinal wall resulting in a serious abdominal infection.

It’s not just grilled food that’s an issue; the cleanup poses problems too. Dogs eat indiscriminately, and if it tastes good, it goes down the hatch. Turns out, it doesn’t even have to be food, one dog showed up with what proved to be a used steel wool pad saturated with grease and bits of burger. It gave the dog a terrible upset stomach, but AMC’s board-certified surgeons were able to remove the steel wool and the dog recovered.

Fruit Pits Can be the Pits for Dogs

Unlike cats, dogs have a sweet tooth, and this can get them in trouble with fresh fruit. Last week at AMC, a dog needed a plum pit removed from its stomach. The situation is not unique to plums but any stone fruit such as peaches, apricots and nectarines. Fruit pits go down easily but, in small dogs, a pit can lodge in the intestine and require surgery to remove. AMC’s Internal Medicine Service removed this plum pit using an endoscope. Another dog got a watermelon rind lodged in its esophagus, and the Internal Medicine Service fixed that one too!

Corn Cob Blockages

Dogs love their sweets, but some cannot resist a bit of salt and butter. Their passion for salt and butter makes corn cobs deadly. Corn cobs show up better on x-rays than wooden skewers, but corn cobs can be hard to find if you are not looking very carefully. In the x-ray below, you can clearly see the corn cob causing a blockage. AMC’s surgery team successfully removed this vegetable obstruction.

Avoiding Skewer, Pit and Cob Hazards for Pets

The obvious approach to avoiding skewers, pits and cobs is keeping the trash can tightly covered. But dogs are sly and during a party will take a shish kebab off the table and eat the food plus the skewer when no one is watching. Children are often to blame as they drop these items while eating. Consider making dining areas off limits to pets, at least until the leftovers can be cleaned up. If your dog is sick and you have recently included stone fruit, shish kebabs or corn on the cob in your menu, be sure to alert your veterinarian to the possibility of your dog having eaten one of these items. Also, don’t forget to close the compost bin tightly. While composting is environmentally good, the bin contents can be deadly.

Announcement- Random other stuff from Dots and Dashes- July 29, 2024

Barbie Introduces First Blind Barbie Fashionista Doll

Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), an organization dedicated to creating a world of endless possibilities for individuals with blindness and low vision, to ensure details of the blind Barbie doll, including face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging experience, and e-commerce communication, accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision.

Counseled by AFB, Barbie was committed to represent individuals with blindness and low vision throughout all stages of the design process, from the doll’s sculpt to the dress pattern:

Accessories: The doll comes with a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip and includes stylish and functional sunglasses. With some blind or low-vision individuals sensitive to light, the lens provides additional eye protection.
Elbow Articulations: The blind Barbie doll includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use.
Textured and Vibrant Fabrics: Barbie conducted testing with blind and low-vision children to ensure that the doll provided an accessible and satisfying play experience for kids with blindness or low vision. With AFB’s guidance, Barbie designed the doll’s fashion to include a satiny pink blouse with a textured ruffle skirt for tactile interest. Additional details include a brightly colored high-contrast hook and loop fasteners for closure on the back of the doll’s top, as well as an elastic skirt waistband to make swapping outfits easier.
Packaging and Design: Barbie worked with AFB to create accessible packaging for the doll, including the placement and writing of ‘Barbie’ in braille on the package.
Eye Gaze: The doll is designed with an eye gaze facing slightly up and out to accurately reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual.

The 2024 Fashionistas dolls, including the blind Barbie doll and Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome, are available online and in store this summer at major retailers.

Notice of Proposed Settlement of Class Action Lawsuit

Attention: All blind or visually impaired individuals who allege they have been or in the future will be denied the full and equal enjoyment of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.’s payment terminals’ cash-back feature in its U.S. stores.

This notice is to inform you about a proposed settlement that would resolve the class action lawsuit Julie Dalton, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., Civil Case No.: 23-cv-00368 (KMM/LIB) (D. Minn.).

The class action lawsuit alleges that Dollar Tree violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its implementing regulations by failing to ensure that its payment terminals provide private, safe, independent, and full and equal access to persons who are blind or have low vision within the meaning of the ADA.

Dollar Tree denied and continues to deny liability relating to the claims described in the lawsuit, but takes its responsibilities under the ADA very seriously; recognizes the importance of continued attention not and keeping pace with accessible electronic and information technology, and has agreed to take the steps necessary to affect a complete resolution and settlement of all claims and controversies relating to the allegations of Plaintiff and Class in this case.

The settlement, which must be approved by the Court, would resolve the class action lawsuit. You have the right to object to the settlement, provided that you do so by August 19, 2024.

The court will hold a final hearing to determine whether to approve the settlement on August 29, 2024.

The date of the fairness hearing may change without further notice to the class.

Check the settlement website at-

www.dollartreeadapossettlement.com

or the court’s PACER systemat-

https://pacer.uscourts.gov/find-case/search-specific-court

For more information about the settlement, visit-

www.dollartreeadapossettlement.com.

Bricks for the Blind

Bricks for the Blind (BFTB) is a non-profit organization that brings the joy of building LEGO® sets to blind people. By following BFTB’s free Text-based Building Instructions, people with visual impairments can build LEGO sets and enjoy hours of relaxation, independence, and empowerment.

BFTB has only one goal: to bring the joy of building LEGO sets to as many visually impaired people as possible.

Our text-based instructions are completely free. At the time of this publication, we have instructions for over 100 sets available, with more being released nearly every day! If you’re interested in feeling the empowerment and accomplishment from building a LEGO set completely on your own, for more information, and to browse our collection of text-based instructions, we encourage you to check out our website at-

www.bricksfortheblind.org

New Monthly Program from NLS

On Tuesday, July 30, at 7 p.m. Eastern time, the Patron Engagement Section will launch a new monthly program called That All May eRead on Zoom. This program, occurring the last Tuesday night of each month, will focus on using the NLS Braille eReaders. Each session will begin with a brief demonstration of a feature or use case. The rest of the hour will be spent answering patron questions about any aspect of the Zoomax or HumanWare Braille eReaders.

You may access the program by going to-

https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1614539282?pwd=vVKnyVjiG8x91SGk7RN6lgxhb9XyLz.1

For more information, contact the Patron Engagement Section at-

nlspes@loc.gov.

Editors’ Recommendations

IMPORTANT Editor’s note- announcements and articles included in “Paws for GDUI News You Can Use” are culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies their contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use

Visit our web site: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Our Facebook page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Our Facebook group can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Our Twitter timeline can be accessed at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

To join the GDUI-Announce List, visit this link: http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/gdui-announce.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use! – VOL IV No. 3. June 2024 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the Editor- Hello Fellow Gduisters!

This month’s issue prep finds Toto and me in Florida! While visiting friends and family is truly wonderful… I am thinking how the natives manage the heat and humidity needs to be added to one of the many wonders of the world!

As we sit, strategically positioned under an air conditioner vent- me sweating from places I here-to-for didn’t know could sweat and Toto sprawled, like road kill, on his cooling mat – I will give you this months Paws teaser!

You already know (and in my oh so humble opinion of course) that this is the coolest E-mail publication you receive- so no need to tell you that!! Ha, Ha!! *winking face*

It is chalk full of great stuff- notable dates, interesting articles, information on cutting-edge research, an article about this year’s GDUI convention and ACB’s banquet speaker, new podcasts to check out, a path to report all of those ads that tell you how to certify your pet as a fake guide and service dogs, submissions from readers, another recipe, and- Wait for it!- … even more!

As always, I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved in our Paws publication- share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or that someone else wrote; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to us GDUISters!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President–

Hello GDUI members and friends,

We hope you are enjoying the beautiful springtime weather, which will soon turn into the dog days of summer!

GDUI’s Programs Committee chairperson, Maria Hansen, has been quite busy these past few months organizing this year’s convention. Here is what you can look forward to, once you register for this year’s virtual convention program:

Registration:

The registration fee for GDUI will be $10.00 and includes eligibility to win door prizes.

Thursday, June 27th, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. eastern,

Guide Dog School Updates Part 1:

Double sessions of the ever-popular updates by representatives from all the guide dog schools.

Thursday, June 27th, 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. eastern,

Guide Dog School Updates Part 2:

Continuation (without a break) of double sessions of the ever-popular updates by representatives from guide dog schools in North America and Canada.

Saturday, June 29th, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

GDUI & IRC: Guide Dog Schools Beyond Our Borders

Let’s find out about a couple guide dog training programs outside North America.

Saturday, June 29th, 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

GDUI Guest Speaker, Barbara Hinske.

USA Today Bestselling Author, Phoenix, Arizona.

Barbara Hinske is the author of the Guiding Emily series.

GDUI award winners will also be announced during this session, as well as the drawing winner of Garth, a plush black lab fitted out in a hand-made leather harness.

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Updates Dog Importation Regulation: New Rules will be implemented and enforced beginning on August 1, 2024.

You can find more detailed information on our GDUI website at: www.gdui.org

If you are tired of finding misleading ads telling people how to certify pet dog as service animals, GDUI has information on how you can report those ads to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on our website. Let’s try to make a difference and report those false ads!

I want to thank everyone for being a valued member. We appreciate your support and your contributions to our chat lists, and involvement in this great organization!

Enjoy the summer! Happy tales and trails!

Sarah Calhoun, GDUI President & retired guide dog, Lakota

PS- I am so stoked about the exciting programming at our convention ! I look forward to “conventioning” with all of you who will be attending!!

GDUI 2024 Drawing for Plush Pup in Harness

Front-facing Garth, laying on his stomach Side-facing Garth, laying on his stomach showcasing his harness.

This year, GDUI is holding a drawing for a plush black lab fitted out in a hand-made leather harness thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Hava.

His name is Garth and he measures 24 inches from nose to tail. He is not sitting, lying down or completely standing. His pose is a play bow (i.e. chest

and front paws touching the ground while his butt and tail are raised off the ground). He has a cute paw print collar, name tag and a little leash.

Important Information

Ticket sales will end at 10:00 AM EST on Saturday, June 29 and the lucky winner will be announced during that afternoon’s 12:30 PM EST GDUI Zoom session

with guest speaker, USA Today Bestselling Author, Barbara Hinske.

Purchase Tickets

Drawing tickets are three for $5.00 or seven for $10.00. You may purchase tickets via PayPal (does not require a PayPal account) here or by contacting

GDUI’s Office Manager, Lynn Merrill, by phone: 1-866-799-8436 in the U.S.

GDUI Drawing Tickets: 3 for $5

PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online!

GDUI Drawing Tickets: 7 for $10

PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online!

article end

Poll Results: Members Weigh In on Whether or Not to Proceed with A GDUI Extraordinary Veterinary Expense Reimbursement Program

When their research indicated that any GDUI-sponsored Extraordinary Veterinary Expense Reimbursement program would require GDUI to make changes in our Articles of Incorporation as well as our constitution, members of the GDUI Extraordinary Veterinary Expense Reimbursement Task Force decided to poll GDUI members to learn whether or not the membership wishes GDUI to proceed with the project. It turns out that our members are evenly divided. Here are the results of the poll.

Response Number Percent

No, I do not want GDUI to proceed with developing this program 33 50.00%

Yes, proceed with developing the program 33 50.00%

Grand Total 66 100.00% —

For Your Calendar-

(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off)

6/14/2024- Blindness and Mental Health Summit.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLwGIl3DO2OzIwzVq85AbHjU0H9IG_jvuOO-b0JkHIkdlIEA/viewform CCC

6/18/24, 5:00PM (Eastern) NBP Annual Meeting- in-person or virtual!

6/27/24,11:00 AM (Eastern) GDUI Convention programming- Guide Dog School Updates Part 1

6/27/24,12:30 PM (Eastern) GDUI Convention programming- Guide Dog School Updates Part 2

6/29/24,11:00 AM (Eastern) GDUI Convention programming- Guide Dog Schools Beyond Our Borders

6/29/24,12:30 PM (Eastern) GDUI Convention programming- Author, Barbara Hinske

6/29/24,12:30 PM (Eastern) GDUI Convention programming-Announcement of drawing and award winners

7/5-7/12/2024- ACB National Conference and Convention (Jacksonville, Florida)

Announcement- Blindness and Mental Health Summit

Save the Date! Friday, June 14, 2024

Join us for the first annual Blindness and Mental Health Summit! The Summit is the largest online gathering of organizations and consumers sharing information, resources, and services focusing on mental health in the blindness, low vision, and disability communities.

Registration is free! Speakers and exhibitors will be announced soon. Please click the link below to register- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLwGIl3DO2OzIwzVq85AbHjU0H9IG_jvuOO-b0JkHIkdlIEA/viewform CCC

To learn more, please visit our website- https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blindness-and-mental-health-summit-2024/

If you have any questions, please send us an email- info@accessiblepharmacy.com

Sincerely, Your friends at Accessible Pharmacy

Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC

1-888-633-7007

AccessiblePharmacy.com

Announcement- Guide Dog Handler Rideshare Survey results

In 2023, 185 of you participated in a Rideshare survey. This survey was developed by the GDB Alumni Association Board of Directors and distributed to help gather data around the continuing issue of Rideshare denials. Your efforts and participation yielded undeniable results.

Recently GDB released these results, to enhance the general public’s awareness of this issue, and to promote change among Rideshare agencies and drivers.

To review the results visit https://www.guidedogs.com/rideshare

What can you do? In addition to sharing the results and information, here are tips that can help you advocate for yourself and others. As well as information for reporting a denial.

TIPS FOR NAVIGATING RIDESHARE SERVICES AND REPORTING DENIALS

When Booking and Waiting for Your Ride:

You are not obligated to inform the company or drivers that you are accompanied by a guide-dog.
You are not restricted to the “pet service” options. You have the right to ANY service options ridesharing or taxi companies offer. In addition to being unnecessary and more expensive, these options may limit the number of potential drivers responding to your request.
For your records, once a ride is booked and a driver is assigned, take a screenshot of the open app which includes the driver’s name, vehicle and license plate number, and estimated arrival time.
A few minutes prior to your estimated pickup, call or message the driver to inform them precisely where you are waiting; that you will not be able to locate them visually; and that you have a service dog. Take a screenshot of this message as proof of your efforts to communicate with your driver.
When the app informs you of your driver’s arrival, take a photo of the car with your smart phone for proof that your ride showed up (or showed up and left). If you use a live visual assistance app such as Aira or Be My Eyes, that service can assist in locating the vehicle for you to then capture a photo.
If the driver has an issue with providing a ride because you are traveling with a guide dog, DO NOT CANCEL THE RIDE VIA THE APP. If you do cancel, you will be charged a cancellation fee, and the incident will not be accurately reflected in the driver’s records as having turned down your request.
During an active or confrontational denial of service, use your smart phone’s video or audio-recording feature to create a record of your negative experiences with the rideshare provider

Reporting Rideshare Denials-

Find out everything you need to know about reporting ride-share denials on the GDUI web site, here:

Rideshare Denial Advocacy – Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) (guidedogusersinc.org)

More about Reporting Rideshare Denials

Filing a discrimination complaint with the appropriate government authority, and National Federation for the Blind (NFB), provides government regulators and watchdogs with data to address civil rights discrimination more effectively. Reporting denials directly to ride share companies helps hold the driver and the rideshare company accountable.

Share your experience with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Rideshare Discrimination Survey via its NFB’s Rideshare Survey. (NFB led the 2016-2020 agreement with Uber to report and gather data on discrimination against guide dog teams. NFB continues to collect data for future advocacy efforts.)
As complaints of rideshare discrimination against service dog handlers persist, advocates have reached out to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Rights Division for better law enforcement. Reporting your personal discrimination experience to the DOJ provides needed data to justify legal actions. report a civil rights violation by calling 855-856-1247 or through a simple, easy-to-use online form at- https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/?utm_campaign=499a0d26-884a-47aa-9afc-70094d92e6f5
If a driver denies you service, inform them that it is against the law to refuse a service dog and that you will be filing a discrimination report with the company.
If denied, follow the prompt on the rideshare company’s app to report a service animal ride denial.
Contact one or more of the relevant following companies or agencies where appropriate:
Uber- call 833-715-8237

Report an Assistance Animal Issue: https://help.uber.com/riders/article/report-an-assistive-device-or-assistance-animal-issue

Lyft: Dedicated Service-Animal Hotline: 844-554-1297.

Here are links and contact information to file reports against guide dog discrimination in Canada:

Alberta: Alberta.ca or call 780-427-9136
British Columbia: File a Complaint Form (Form SPD0806) at www2.gov.bc.ca or call 604-775-2000
Newfoundland and Labrador: email humanrights@gov.nl.ca or call 800-563-5808
Nova Scotia: novascotia.ca/service dogs or call 888-760-5577
Ontario: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Announcement- GDUI’s comment concerning DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Forms

Guide Dog Users, Inc. advocacy committee submitted the statement found below concerning: DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Forms, Docket ID Number: DOT-OST-2018-0068.

May 7, 2024

Guide Dog Users, Inc., (GDUI) opposes the renewal of the requirement to submit the service animal attestation forms, because, in spite of DOT’s assertion that their proposed changes to the forms will reduce the burden of this requirement on persons with disabilities, the processes for retrieving, completing, and submitting these forms remain unduly burdensome for blind people who travel with guide dogs. DOT’s proposed amendments to the form do nothing to address the accessibility challenges faced by blind passengers when attempting to find and complete the forms on airline websites. Further, DOT’s assertion that it should only take 20 minutes for a person with a disability to retrieve a copy of the form, fill it out, and submit it, is absurdly unrealistic. While we appreciate DOT’s recognition that their initial estimates of this burden were too optimistic, we have anecdotal evidence that it is not uncommon for blind passengers to spend more than an hour to complete this process. Finally, we want to point out that none of the information obtained through these forms guarantees that a dog flying with a person who submits the form will meet the behavioral or health-related expectations that airlines are trying to uphold. For these reasons, we continue to oppose the continued collection of this information from persons with disabilities.

Guide Dog Users, Incorporated (GDUI)

Announcement- Advocates for Service Animal Partners Offers State Law Cards

Please circulate the following message as widely as appropriate.

To download your law cards, see which law cards are available, request cards for another state, and donate to fund this work, please visit-

https://serviceanimals.info/LawCards.html

About ASAP

Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO

Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)

Office- 386-272-7411 (386-ASAP411)

Hotline- 855-272-7211 (855-ASAP211)

Advocacy411@gmail.com

ServiceAnimals.info

Facebook.com/asap411/

Article- Report Those Ads That Encourage Doting Pet Owners to Break the Law and Identify Untrained Pets as Service and Guide Dogs!

Please share widely with friends and relations!

We find the ads everywhere! On our favorite social media platforms; Inside newspapers and magazines; Scattered throughout online advertising circulars for big box stores, grocery chains, even Amazon.com! These are the ads that sell a cape or a vest or some other piece of identification paraphernalia that gives pet owners the confidence to falsely claim their pets are service dogs! Once identified as indispensable service or guide dogs, those same treasured pets can become understandably terrified or even aggressive when accompanying their owners in busy settings like airports, train stations, fast food establishments, the crowded aisles of grocery and other stores, or virtually any other unfamiliar environment, and misbehave!

Nothing in the civil rights laws that allow us to bring our guide and service dogs into public settings requires our dogs to be certified in any way. It’s our dogs’ excellent training, along with the training we receive, ourselves, from experts and professionals in the field, and the specific tasks that our dogs are individually trained to perform for us, that qualify our dogs as guide and service dogs! There is neither a process nor any official evaluation that certifies a dog for guide or service work. Those fake “certifications,” that advertisers offer to sell pet owners, are meaningless!

Untrained and unauthorized pets can – and often do – present real threats to the safety of guide dog users and our legitimately trained guide and service dogs. And, when a business owner or store manager has experienced a few unpleasant incidents caused by falsely identified so-called, “service animals,” those same owners and managers may be reluctant to welcome even well-behaved and much needed guide dogs into their establishments and inside public venues.

Don’t make it easy for pet owners to break the law – and harder for guide and service dog users to travel independently and safely with our dogs! Report those ads every time you encounter them! Here’s how!

When you encounter advertising for capes or vests or I.D. cards or tags that make your pet appear to be certified as an emotional support animal or a service dog, Report these misleading ads that encourage fraudulent behavior to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has primary responsibility for determining whether specific advertising is false or misleading, and for taking action against the sponsors of these advertisements. To file a complaint with

the FTC, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Whether or not you are a guide or service dog user, Guide Dog Users, Inc. thanks you for your help. Please make the world a safer place for us and our guide dogs.

Article- Dogs and Cicadas: What You Need to Know

[From GDB’s Blog: No Bones About It- Friday May 17, 2024]

The cicadas are coming…and it’s creating quite a buzz!

Things are warming up, and for this year, trillions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the ground beginning in May. Notable for 2024 is the co-emergence of a 13-year and a 17-year brood of cicadas simultaneously. The last time these specific brood groups emerged in the same season was in 1803. The next time two cicada broods co-emerge will be in 2037. We are witnessing extraordinary natural cycles. And it will be loud.

As the ground temperature reaches 64 degrees, nymphs hatched 13 and 17 years ago, return to the surface still in their juvenile form, to mature into adults, mate, and lay the next generation’s eggs. And to sing, of course. Once above ground, the nymph begins a two-hour molting process, which includes shedding its juvenile hard ‘skin’, or exoskeleton. Without this hard casing, the cicadas adult body and new wings are freed, and the cicada begins a 6-week maturation cycle, mating, and laying eggs in plants and trees. Once cicada nymphs hatch from the egg, they fall to the ground and burrow underground, where they will live for the next 13, or 17, years. The adults remain above ground and eventually die. The whole cycle takes about 6 weeks….and results in many insect skeletons on the ground…which are thoroughly enjoyed by fish, mammals, and birds. And dogs, of course. Which begs the question – “Are cicadas toxic to dogs?”

The good news is that cicadas are not poisonous to dogs.

When it comes to ingesting cicadas, the risk for dogs is more like an irritant versus a toxin. The hard exoskeleton can cause varying degrees of gastrointestinal irritation depending on how many crunchy morsels are consumed. One or two may not be an issue, but more significant amounts can be a real problem. Because the exoskeleton is so difficult to digest, dogs who have eaten several cicadas can experience abdominal pain, lethargy, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, dogs may need to be hospitalized on IV fluids.

Two additional (and less common) issues for dogs who eat cicadas are that the hard exoskeleton and wings can be a choking hazard, AND some dogs might even be allergic to cicadas. Not only can dogs have a local irritating reaction to the tiny hair-like structures called setae, on the legs of cicadas, but sometimes they can cause an actual immune response, causing intense itch, just like a contact allergy. And a final not-so-fun fact – because cicadas and shellfish are biologically similar, people and animals with shellfish allergies can have similar allergic reactions when eating cicadas. Some entomologists (insect scientists) develop a seafood allergy which is thought to be due to exoskeletons of the insects they study. Even the FDA recommends not eating cicadas if you are allergic to seafood.

Obviously, preventing your dog from eating cicadas is the best way to avoid gastrointestinal issues. If you live in an area experiencing the cicada bloom, and your dog is lethargic, inappetent, experiencing vomiting, or has bloody diarrhea, seek immediate help from a veterinarian.

Here Are Some Ways to Minimize Cicada Ingestion in Your Dog-

Teaching the ‘Leave it’ and ‘Drop it’ commands.

Accompany your puppy or dog when they go outside so you can closely supervise and prevent cicada ingestion.

Leash walking away from shrubs, trees and fences during the emergence might be necessary.

Take treats on your walk to redirect your dog away from cicadas they encounter.

Regularly rake up the exoskeletons in your yard to reduce the risk of ingestion for your dog.

Article- CDC ANNOUNCES NEW RULES FOR DOGS ENTERING THE U.S

WITH NEW REQUIREMENTS AS OF AUGUST 1

By Melanie Brunson, GDUI Advocacy Committee Chair

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its regulations regarding importation of dogs into the U.S. and these changes will apply to everyone who enters the United States accompanied by a dog, including U.S. citizens who travel with service dogs. As of August 1, all dogs, whether accompanying U.S. residents who are returning home from travel abroad, or accompanying someone entering the U.S. for the first time, must meet the following requirements:

They must appear healthy upon arrival
They must be microchipped and
They must be accompanied by a receipt showing that a CDC DOG IMPORT FORM has been submitted online via the CDC website for the dog.

These forms ask for information about the dog’s age, the number on its microchip, when and where it was last vaccinated against rabies, and where the dog has been during the last six months prior to its arrival in the U.S. The form must be accompanied by a “clear photograph” of the dog when it is submitted online. We do not yet know how accessible these forms and their submission process will be for people who are visually impaired, because the CDC will not release any further information about the forms until July 15. However, as soon as we can get additional details, we will share them here and on the GDUI website.

What we do know is that individuals traveling with dogs that were not vaccinated in the United States, as well as those who travel with their dogs to countries having a “high risk for rabies” will need to meet additional requirements before entering the U.S. CDC encourages people who travel with their dogs to use CDC’s new personalized question-and-answer tool, “DogBot,” located at https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html to determine what rules apply to their dogs based on their travel dates, where their dog is traveling from, and where their dog was vaccinated. If you are planning to travel outside the U.S., it’s a good idea to check this resource out well in advance of your trip, because although the basic CDC form can be submitted just prior to entering the United States, if you are traveling to the U.S. from one of the “high-risk” countries, or have a dog that was vaccinated outside the U.S., or whose rabies vaccination has expired, many of the additional requirements you will have to meet to get back in to the U.S. take weeks or months to complete. In summary, if you travel with a dog, travel outside the U.S. just got a lot more complicated.

If you are planning to travel outside the U.S. and return after August 1, reach out to CDC with any questions. We will monitor the rollout of these new rules as well and let you know when we learn anything further about how they will be implemented.

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

[From: Pine Tree Guide Dog Users, PTGDU, Monthly News Update- June 2024]

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Cool and refreshing, this tantalizing pie with its bright berry flavor is a favorite during Maine’s strawberry picking season.

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced in half

1/2 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Whipped cream for garnish

Directions

Arrange half of the strawberries into the pie crust and set aside. In a small saucepan on medium heat, simmer the other half of the berries in 1/2 cup water for about 4 minutes. Slightly crush berries with the back of a spoon. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together sugar and corn starch. Add lemon juice and just enough cold water to form a paste. Stir well and add to hot strawberry mixture. Cook, stirring often, until thick and bubbly. Cool slightly and pour over berries in pie crust. Chill for about 2 hours or until set. To serve, top with whipped cream.

Podcasts, Blogs, and the Like

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) produces five podcasts, available freely to the listening public.

Maryland LBPD podcasts are available on a variety of platforms, including Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. For more information, visit https://msla.maryland.gov/Pages/LBPD.aspx External.

Podcasts produced by Maryland State Library-

LBPD Guest Hour: Interviews with outside guests

LBPD Live: Recordings of live events

LBPD TUG: Monthly technology user group program

LBPD Youth: Quarterly youth program

LBPD College Hour: Annual college program

No Bones About It- Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Blog

https://www.guidedogs.com/blog/

Categories include, but are certainly not limited to- Access & Etiquette; Advocacy; Blindness Awareness; GDB Alumni, volunteer and staff profiles; O&M Immersion Program; Technology; Travel; and of course… all the things dog- Breeding Program, Career Change Dogs, Canine Research, Dog Care & Health, Foster program, guide training, K9 Buddy, Puppy raising, and Retired Guide Dogs!

Tech-VI list

Tech-VI is not a discussion list. I use it to distribute articles which primarily focus on blindness technology. Messages may be about new products, updates to existing products, new services, webinars dealing with blindness technology, employment opportunities relating to blindness tech and articles about technology that is either designed for us or which has a huge impact on us.

To subscribe, send email to

Tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io

The group’s main page is

https://groups.io/g/tech-vi

You can access the complete archive of messages by visiting

https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/topics

Take care, David Goldfield

www.DavidGoldfield.com

Penny Forward Podcast

https://www.pennyforward.com/

Learn more-pennyforward.com
pennyforward@pennyforward.com

Clubhouse House

Facebook

YouTube

Get our app, guest membership is free!

IOS/Apple

GooglePlay

Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts Audio Podcast

Some recent episodes-

Smartphones and Vision Loss: Tools You Should Know About

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/smartphones-and-vision-loss-tools-you-should-know

Vision Loss and Justice

Recently retired, David Tatel served for decades on the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He also happens to be visually impaired.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/vision-loss-and-justice

Vision Loss Bloopers Continued

Sometimes, navigating life with vision loss goes a bit sideways. Things don’t always turn out exactly as we’ve planned, and it can help to just laugh at these strange situations.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/vision-loss-bloopers-continued

Vision Loss and Advocating for Change

Prevent Blindness’ Patient Advocacy Program Empowers People Facing Vision Impairment.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/vision-loss-and-advocating-change

Guide Dogs and Vision Loss

Ever thought about getting a guide dog? Listen in as we chat with members Jeff Flodin and Ed McDaniel about their experiences with guide dogs

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/guide-dogs-and-vision-loss

Find all Episodes

A downloadable transcript is available on our site.

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts#podcast-episodes

https://hadleyhelps.org/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/vision-loss–

The Patty’s Worlds Podcast (formally Talk to Tell-It-To-The-World Marketing)

https://pattysworlds.com/the-pattys-worlds-podcast–

Settle in with your favorite snack and brew!

Announcement- NLS Stuff!

[From: Braille Book Review March–April 2024 – National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)]

Beginning February 6, 2024, NLS patrons will be allowed to download no more than 250 books and magazine issues from BARD in any rolling thirty-day period. This includes both audio and braille titles.

It does not matter which platform or combination of platforms are used to download them. For example, a person could download 30 ebraille books using the NLS Braille eReader, 70 audio magazine issues via the BARD website, and 150 audio and braille books via the BARD Mobile app, reaching the thirty-day limit of 250.

The authorization limit is calculated by adding up the number of “unique titles” downloaded. This means a patron could download the same title on additional devices in that same thirty-day period without that download counting against the authorization limit.

BARD Mobile Android version 2.1 released

BARD Mobile Android version 2.1, released in February 2024, contains several enhanced features and improvements. Highlights include:

A fully supported in-app search function, including Music Collection search, for a more seamless experience.

The ability to switch the app to display text and audio in Spanish.

A new international language search option that allows users to select up to four preferred languages and then filter search results by those preferences.

The app supports Android OS versions 10–14. BARD Mobile users can confirm that they are running the latest version by checking the bottom of the app’s Settings screen.

NLS Braille-on-Demand pilot continues

Interested in braille you can keep indefinitely? The NLS Braille-on-Demand pilot program now allows all registered patrons to receive five hard-copy braille books per month with no return date. Patrons may request books directly using the form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLSbrailleondemand External or may contact their network library for assistance in filing their requests. Any braille book available on BARD is eligible to be produced in hard copy by this program. Books will be mailed directly to the requesting patrons.

NLS website updates

In 2023, NLS launched a major update to its website, www.loc.gov/nls, and released an entirely new Spanish-language website at www.loc.gov/nls/es. If you haven’t checked them out yet, now is a great time to visit and learn about the latest happenings at NLS. Our goal is to keep the sites dynamic, engaging, and intuitive to use, with easy-to-find links to the most sought-after information and extensive cross-referencing. There’s also a new dedicated page for BARD and BARD Mobile to keep you up to date on the latest features. And don’t forget that the BARD website interface continues to be available in Spanish (and French) if you prefer that to English.

The Many Faces of BARD recordings available

On the second Thursday of every month, the NLS Patron Engagement Section offers an online event called The Many Faces of BARD. Past topics have included Searching on BARD, BARD Express, and using BARD on the NLS Braille eReader. To listen to recordings of previous events or find the Zoom invite for upcoming sessions, visit www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/many-faces-of-bard.

Free braille encyclopedia articles for students

The Rose Project, an initiative of Seedlings, provides free World Book Encyclopedia articles in braille to blind students in grades 1-12. For more information or to order an article, visit www.seedlings.org/rose.php External or call Seedlings toll-free at 800-777-8552.

Update to Google TalkBack released

Google recently released version 14.1 of TalkBack, the default screen reader application for Android smartphones. Updates include-

The TalkBack menu, which is accessed by doing a 3-finger single tap anywhere on the screen, now offers a Describe Image option which will provide richer and more detailed descriptions of pictures.

Adjustable rate auto-scroll is now available as an option for braille display users.

Support for several new languages in braille, including Bulgarian, Hebrew, Icelandic, Kannada, Latvian, and Lithuanian.

Gesture-based typo correction capabilities for the on-screen braille keyboard

A startup wizard will appear when users update the Android Accessibility Suite in the Google Play Store to provide guidance on new features.

Article- Living and Working with Guide Dogs

By Ann Chiappetta, M.S.

I’d like to share a humorous experience in remembrance of my second dog guide, Bailey who died recently, on March 16. He was ten years old, one month shy of his eleventh birthday.

It happened during an awards ceremony in 2019 while I was still president of the Westchester Council of the Blind of New York. The ceremony was small, numbering forty guests and took place in the larger presentation rooms in the local county library. Bailey led me to the podium. I was setting up my equipment and awards and held his leash loosely in my hand.

I will preface this with two important things to know about my dog: he was the most curious dog I’ve owned and He was a clown, in the best Labrador fashion.

The small auditorium was carpeted, and the podium was stage right, the two low steps to the stage behind it, about a foot away. I situated myself, the leash slipping through my hand and I felt Bailey moving. I felt his leash angle upwards. He had climbed the steps and was on the stage looking at the audience.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

He turned to me, sat and gave me his paw.

The laughter from the crowd got me feeling the giggles. I burst out laughing. This encouraged him to give me his other paw. More laughter. I signaled him to lay down and he obeyed.

Well, by this time, the entire crowd was watching us, and I heard other folks laughing, a few exclamations of,” Oh, how cute is that?” and cameras being used. I explained to the other blind folks attending the ceremony what was happening, and this elicited more laughs. My friend, Mike, who knows all about Bailey’s clownish nature, said, in his best New York accent, “That’s Bailey for you,”.

I got my thoughts back in line and began the ceremony, Bailey lying quietly on the stage. What would life be like without a clown in the family? What would it be like to have a quiet, subdued dog guide? My first dog was this way; when she retired, I was asked what I wanted in a successor, not the easiest question after retiring a dog. I said, “A totally different dog, bolder, not so quiet.”

Bailey has met and exceeded these requirements during the eight years we were a team. and I couldn’t have asked for a better, more adaptable canine partner, dog-infused silliness, and all.

Announcement- NBP News: Annual Meeting Celebrating the Touch of Genius and Volunteer Service

[From: tm_source=hs_email]

Join us at Our Annual Meeting- in-person or virtual!

June 18, 2024 at 5pm

Northeastern University, Curry Center, Room 333

Boston, MA 02115

Get the year’s biggest updates in-person or virtually!

Join us at Northeastern University in Boston for an unforgettable evening of community celebration! Enjoy delicious food, honor our dedicated volunteers with prestigious awards, and gain valuable insights into the current state of National Braille Press from our esteemed President & CEO, Brian Mac Donald.

In addition to all the excitement, we are thrilled to announce the presentation of the prestigious “Touch of Genius” Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to our cause.

For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to join us virtually by registering online. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with our community and stay informed about our mission.

The evening kicks off with a reception featuring delectable hors d’oeuvres from 5 – 6pm, followed by an engaging program from 6 – 7pm. Convenient parking is available at the Northeastern University Columbus Garage on Columbus Avenue, and the MBTA Northeastern Stop (Greenline) is just a quick 2-minute walk away.

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something special – RSVP today and secure your spot at our Annual Meeting!

RSVP Here!

https://share.hsforms.com/1SsFW5aSxRaeVwjYeuzUmcA1fsnq?utm_campaign=E-News%202021&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-839pv1FkY98wVJm6qsIc85wPwhkRsCVqFSu3GBoY44XapWypBSm2x3VjCwbB8AE3M_aPXpztq0t_dsL98_2XgGDg5kYg&_hsmi=309679726&utm_content=309679726&utm_source=hs_email

Article- Don’t Let Your Beach Day End Up in a Trip to the Veterinary ER

[From: Usdan Institute PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LvE1PRpzHE]

If you’re planning to take your dog to the beach this summer, it’s important to be aware of sand impaction. This life-threatening emergency occurs when a dog ingests too much sand, usually inadvertently, and it forms an intestinal blockage.

Signs can develop anywhere from a few hours to a few days later and typically include vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If you see these signs following a trip to the beach, seek veterinary treatment right away.

Treatment will depend on how much sand is impacted and how sick your dog is. Most dogs require hospitalization for intravenous fluids, medications, and X-rays to monitor the sand’s movement.

Surgery should be avoided due to the infection risk that comes with removing millions of grains of dirty sand. Fortunately, most dogs do very well with medical management.

Article- Extras, Extras, Read All About Them!

By Janet Dickelman

It is not too late! Convention registration will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, June 17th. Register online at https://members.acb.org/, or call (651) 428-5059 for assistance.

The 2024 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention features many sessions from our special-interest affiliates and ACB committees. However, in this article we’ll take a look at what our business partners and others are doing during the convention. Full descriptions, and applicable pricing and information on how to RSVP to sessions with limited space, will be posted on the convention registration form and in the conference program.

Breakfasts and Receptions

Join Guide Dogs for the Blind for a breakfast on Sunday, July 7.

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) will host a breakfast on Tuesday, July 9, and American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) will host a breakfast on Wednesday.

Seeing Eye will host a reception for graduates on Monday, July 8.

Technology Sessions

Thursday, June 27 (Zoom only): Amazon will hold two sessions: Amazon Devices Accessibility Overview and Audio Description at Prime Video

On Sunday, July 7, we have a plethora of technology sessions: HIMS is holding a session on their new Braille eMotion, and Vispero, a session on JAWS, ZoomText and the latest news about AI.

There will also be four sessions on Sunday from LVI America:

Voice reading machine and Vision video magnifier;
You’ve got mail, where you’ll explore various solutions that individuals with vision loss can use to read their mail with easy-to-use assistive technologies;
“The Exciting World of Portability,” where you will discover unique productivity tools that provide portable solutions for end users on the go;
Searching for the Holy Braille: Hear from a lifelong braille user, Mike Tindall, about what is new in the braille device world and learn if we are any closer to finding “The Holy Braille.”

Monday, July 8: AIRA has a session titled “How Do We Put the AI in Aira” and another called “A Braille Display with Speech — Intelligence You Can Feel and Hear from HumanWare.”

Tuesday, July 9: You’ll have another opportunity to join HumanWare for “Need An Audio Assistant — We Have a Product for That.”

Transportation

Monday, July 8: You’ll have two opportunities to learn about alternative transportation options with “Get to Know UZURV – The Adaptive TNC.”

Education and Family Fun

Monday, July 8: Bricks for the Blind: Hear about them in a session sponsored by AABT and ACB Families, and then join them in small group sessions for some hands-on fun with their free text-based instructions to help you build LEGO sets on your own! Learn about us, and get building! We’ll also be giving away free LEGO sets.

Financial Information

Monday, July 8: Unlock the power of financial freedom with Penny Forward! Master the art of financial management while navigating government benefits and employment challenges.

Hotel Details

The hotel is the Hyatt Regency Riverfront, 225 E. Coastline Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Room rates are $99 per night (single or double occupancy), $124 (triple), $149 (quadruple). The cost of a king room is $109 per night. Room tax is 14.64%.

To ensure you receive the convention rate, you must make your reservations prior to June 14, 2024. Upon check-in, a charge of $40 per night for incidentals will be charged to your credit or debit card.

To make reservations online, go to https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/JAXRJ/G-ACOB. If you prefer to make reservations by phone, call 1-800-233-1234, and use Code G-ACOB.

Staying in Touch

The convention announce list will be filled with information. If you received updates for the 2023 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe to the list. If you are not subscribed to the list, send a blank e-mail to acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org.

Article- In Touch with Nature – Highly endangered African painted wild dogs #Africanwildlife #Africanwilddogs

Written by Robbie Cheadle.

Submitted by Patty L. Fletcher and Chief Seeing Eye® Dog Blue.

A.K.A. Team Blue

Hello everyone.

Chief Blue and I are always on the case, looking for interesting articles to share with you.

This month, we sniffed up a totally terrific tale, not to be confused with tail we thought you would enjoy.

We’ve shared articles from Robbie Cheadle before, so without further ado, here’s Robbie.

This month I’ve featured African painted wild dogs for my In Touch with Nature post. They are highly endangered so seeing them in the wild during our January bush trip was a real treat. They have very large and interesting bat-like ears which enable them to hear very well.

Thanks for hosting, Kaye Lynne Booth.

In Touch with Nature – Highly endangered African painted wild dogs #Africanwildlife #Africanwilddogs

The African wild dog, also called the hunting dog or African painted dog, is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. According to the African Wildlife Foundation, only 6,600 African wild dogs remain in the wild across the entire African continent. The main reason for their endangerment is habitat fragmentation (the most common reason for wildlife endangerment) which causes conflict between these predators and humans. Throughout Africa, wild dogs have been shot and poisoned by farmers for loss of livestock, even though these losses are frequently due to other predators including hyenas and leopards. In addition, African wild dogs also suffer from endemic disease outbreaks.

African wild dogs have a mottled coat comprising of yellow, black and white patches. They have long legs with flat, broad heads, a short black muzzle, and large round ears.

Wild dogs have strong social bonds and live in packs of two to twenty-seven adults and yearling pups.

Wild dogs are excellent hunters. They hunt in packs of six to twenty individuals and catch their prey by chasing them to exhaustion. Wild dogs can run at speeds of up to 66 km/h (41 mph) for between 10 to 60 continuous minutes. They have an 80 percent kill success rate with is higher than bigger predators like lions and leopards.

Observers have noticed that prior to setting out to hunt, the wild dogs’ populations in the Okavango Delta of Botswana rally to determine whether they should depart. Departure is more likely when more individual dogs sneeze, a short sharp exhale through the nostrils. If a dominant dog initiates by sneezing, around three additional sneezes guaranteeing…

Continue reading to learn more about these fascinating creatures at the link below.

https://writingtoberead.com/2024/04/24/in-touch-with-nature-highly-endangered-african-painted-wild-dogs-africanwildlife-africanwilddogs/

Please do let Robbie know you stopped by.

Thanks for reading.

Hugs and Wags,

Team Blue.

Article- Ride-share Drivers Accused of Refusing Passengers With Guide Dogs

Advocates Want Government Action to Enforce Anti-discrimination Laws That Stipulate Guaranteed Access for Assistance Dogs in Public Places

[From: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/24/he-could-have-killed-my-dog-ride-share-drivers-accused-of-refusing-passengers-with-guide-dogs]

Australia

By Cait Kelly Inequality reporter

April 23, 2024

Natalie has lost count of how many times

she’s called a ride-share or taxi and has been left standing on the curb with her guide dog.

Two years ago, she was going to a music lesson in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire when she says a driver sped off, dragging her dog, Sharnee, behind the car.

“He said no, ‘You need to book Uber pet, basically refusing me. I was half in his car, trying to show him the guide dog card,” Natalie, who did not want her surname used, said.

“He goes, ‘Oh that’s not necessary,’ and drove off at 30 or 40km/h,” she said. “I was yelling out stop, stop, you’re going to injure my dog.”

Natalie says Sharnee’s paw pad was scrapped off in the incident and afterwards, she hated getting into any car. Natalie was forced to put Sharnee into early retirement from working as a guide dog, and Natalie now has a different guide dog.

In the months after the incident, the driver left the country, so there was no avenue to pursue a complaint, she said.

Natalie says she has been regularly refused rides in taxis/ride-shares because she travels with her guide dog. It took months for [the police] to come back to me with the result, which ended up being nothing.”

A month later, another driver refused to take her. After she complained to the service, the driver claimed Natalie hadn’t been wearing a mask. After Natalie produced the CCTV to prove that she had been, the man was fined but allowed to continue working as a ride-share driver.

“They have to have something to deter them from doing this,” Natalie said. “Something so they know it’s not right and the laws won’t put up with it. Right now, they’re making out like it’s a joke.”

Almost half (46%) of Australians living with low vision and blindness have experienced a refusal with a taxi or ride-share company in the past 24 months, new data collected by Ernst & Young and commissioned by Guide Dogs Australia has revealed.

More than one-third (34%) said their taxi or ride-share was cancelled, while others were ridiculed or discriminated against (15%). The report said 622 people living with low vision and blindness were surveyed across the country, with a mixture of Guide Dog clients and other individuals.

The report found guide dog handlers were more likely to face access refusals or barriers in public, most commonly when booking ride-share or taxis, highlighting the discrimination against guide dogs.

Under federal anti-discrimination laws, assistance dogs are guaranteed access to public places – including taxes and ride shares – and drivers who refuse service can be fined up to $2,500.

But advocates say the laws are often ignored. Graeme Innes is the former disability discrimination commissioner, a Sydney-based human rights lawyer and Guide Dogs client. He said last December when he arrived at Melbourne airport he was refused three times before he got a ride.

“I was able to get photos and license numbers, and they’ve been submitted to Safe Transport Victoria and those drivers have all been fined,” Innes said.

“But I shouldn’t have to be the policing authority here … This should be policed by the authorities at the taxi ranks where there are staff there.”

Innes estimated he was refused at least once a month and said he knew people who had guide dogs who had stopped travelling. The government needs to issue fines and work with platforms to ban drivers who refuse, Innes said.

“I think the key thing is government enforcing the law,” he said. “Ride-share companies all have training programmes that their drivers go through and so drivers can’t say that they’re not aware of these laws.”

Uber did not respond to questions from Guardian Australia about the incident with Natalie. But a spokesperson said the company was rolling out a “bespoke video learning course” to educate drivers on their obligations. If the driver receives a complaint, they will be forced to do complete a “knowledge course”.

Blair Davies, the chief executive of the Australian Taxi Industry Association Limited, said they were satisfied taxi drivers knew they had to provide service for everyone, but some drivers did not want to comply.

“That’s where we do encourage customers who have that experience to report it so that the industry can take action,” Davies said.

“The drivers are out there, they’re effectively working for themselves. If they choose to discriminate, there’s no immediate supervisor to call them into line, we need to wait for the complaint to come in. It’s a worry.”

Davies said the ATIA position was that some “stronger form of compliance” would be helpful as discrimination complaints currently put the onus on the alleged victim.

Tamara Searant, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT general manager of social change, said there needed to be an easier way for users to report complaints and more compliance from companies.

“One thing that’s missing at the moment is reporting,” Searant said. “Better reporting of what’s happening will help with people who want to make complaints, knowing that it’s gone somewhere and that there is an outcome.”

Article- Interest in a Long Covid Support Group?

People with long-haul COVID are afraid of being discovered. They’re afraid of rejection. There is a lot of research taking place on long COVID. There’s a need for support groups. There is someone who can start a support group, either inside or outside of ACB. But before starting such a group, we want to gauge interest levels. If you are interested, contact Sharon Lovering via email, slovering@acb.org.

Article- Lessons from Judge David Tatel’s Guide Dog on Blindness and Vision

[Editor’s Note: Judge David S. Tatel will be the featured speaker at the upcoming ACB Convention Banquet.]

In a new memoir, a retired federal appeals court judge who was once a leading candidate for the Supreme Court reflects on candor and independence.

By Adam Liptak

[From: The New York Times, May 27, 2024,

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/27/us/david-tatel-vision-blindness-supreme-court.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare]

Had Al Gore won the presidency in 2000, a lot of people thought, he would have put Judge David S. Tatel on the Supreme Court. The judge had a towering intellect, was a model judicial craftsman and, only incidentally, had been blind since his 30s. But George W. Bush prevailed, with an assist from a closely divided Supreme Court. President Bush went on to appoint two members of the court, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., propelling it toward its current trajectory.

Judge Tatel served for 23 more years on the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit. He relied on people who would read to him, increasingly sophisticated technology and an astounding memory to produce a widely admired body of judicial work that included major opinions on voting rights, the environment and the internet.

He was for years reluctant to talk about his blindness. And judicial tact, he said, required him to suppress his increasing discomfort with the direction of the Supreme Court.

In “Vision,” a candid and moving memoir to be published next month, Judge Tatel weaves those two themes together. He discussed them over coffee at the kitchen table in his Washington apartment, with his guide dog, Vixen, looking on attentively.

Article- Experiencing a Solar Eclipse with Description from Be My Eyes AI

[From: The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXII • June 2024 • No. 12]

By Jessica Mandich

I know that a solar eclipse doesn’t really mean much or anything to the blindness community. But if you’re low vision or partially blind and love astronomy, then this is a big deal. The first time I witnessed a solar eclipse was back in 2017. My grandmother and I watched it on TV. The thing is, neither of our cities were in the path of totality, so we opted to watch on TV in real time via conference call. The very next year I received my kidney transplant.

Back then audio description wasn’t really all that well known. Fast-forward to 2024 and you have options for having things described to you, from your favorite TV shows and movies to using apps that utilize AI to describe objects in pictures that you take on your favorite iDevice.

So what is an eclipse? The easiest answer that I can give is the moon crossing between the sun and the Earth. When it does this, it blocks out light, sending the area into darkness for a couple of minutes. A partial eclipse blocks out a portion of the sun, while a total eclipse blocks out all light. Solar eclipses happens during the day, while lunar eclipses happen at night.

Sadly, because I’m a transplant recipient, I had to watch from home. A friend of mine was texting me what was happening from his vantage point so that I wouldn’t miss out. My view of the partial solar eclipse was disappointing, as all the fun happened on the other side of my apartment building. Still I was able to follow along to the different special reports from local and national news outlets. Once NBC News showcased one of NASA’s photos on one of their programs. I took a screenshot with my phone. It took a couple of tries to get it just right, but I was able to get the perfect shot.

Once I was satisfied with my editing, I submitted it to Be My Eyes’ Be My AI to be described. This is the description I received: “The image appears to be that of a solar eclipse. There is a large, dark circle in the center, which is the moon blocking the sun. Around the edges of the moon, there is a bright, glowing light that creates a halo effect. This light is the sun’s corona, which is usually obscured by the brightness of the sun itself but becomes visible during an eclipse. The background is black, indicating the darkness of space.”

It took me several hours to post that on my social media. I got quite a bit of compliments privately. I wasn’t really expecting any of that, because I was doing the photo description for myself. I wasn’t expecting it to leave such a positive impact.

I am also grateful for my sighted friend who made sure I felt included to some extent of the celestial event. I have retinitis pigmentosa in both eyes, and I’ve had the eye disease for 31 years. The next total solar eclipse in America will be in 2044. Twenty years from now is a very long time; I have no idea if I’ll still be able to see something like that ever again.

Article- Disney Fan with Eye Disorder Says She No Longer Feels ‘Welcomed’ at Park After Disability Guidelines Change (Exclusive)

April 20, 2024

[From: https://people.com/woman-with-eye-disorder-does-not-feel-welcomed-disney-with-disability-guideline-change-exclusive-8635464]

On April 9, Disney updated their policies for guests with disabilities. These changes take effect on May 20 at Walt Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland.

The first time Natasha Caudill visited Disney World in 2022, she didn’t realize she could apply for Disability Access Services (DAS).

Caudill, a 26-year-old content creator and accessibility advocate, was born with a rare eye disorder called achromatopsia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition limits people’s ability to see color vision and also causes other vision issues, such as rapid eye movements.

“My eyes are extremely sensitive to all light, both inside and outside. This makes being outside in sunlight painful, even when I’m wearing sunglasses,” Caudill, who resides in Chicago, tells PEOPLE exclusively in an interview.

During her first Disney trip, Caudill endured the discomfort. “I also attended extra magic hours at nighttime so that I was able to see without pain,” she recalls.

Since that first visit, Caudill has returned to the park three more times. For each subsequent trip, she obtained a DAS pass. This pass allowed her to schedule rides in advance and then wait for them comfortably indoors, in the stores, or at restaurants in the parks.

On April 9, Disney updated their policies for guests with disabilities, sparking mixed reactions from park-goers

According to Disney’s website, DAS passes will now only be available to “guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”

Along with these changes, Disney is also adding more options for guests needing support navigating attraction queues.

Disneyland officials told PEOPLE, “Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all Guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our Guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,”

The new guidelines mean people with other disabilities’ eligibility for DAS will be determined on a case by case basis by Disney’s accessibility team. Caudill says she has not yet taken this step.

“I feel like it’s still a little unclear why Disney changed the DAS pass,” Caudill says. “People are speculating that too many people are lying to use the service,” she adds.

“I wish Disney was more upfront about the change. Disney World offers such a welcoming atmosphere, but as a disabled person, I just don’t feel as welcome now,” she continues.

Over the last couple of years, Caudill has used her social media platform to educate people who were unfamiliar with DAS—like she once was—about it. When she found out about the new guidelines, she knew she wanted to make a Tiktok about it.

Her video has since gone viral, garnering over half a million views.

“I’ve received hundreds of comments from people who are also no longer eligible for the DAS pass,” she says. “I’ve also received hundreds of comments about how I ruined DAS by sharing it online, that I’m faking my disability, and that I don’t deserve to use DAS in the first place.”

“The bullying on my video has gotten so bad that I stopped reading comments, but I am glad that I’ve been able to connect with some of the people who also used DAS in the past. Disney was an accessible option for so many people, and I really hope someone at Disney sees not just my video, but all the content that’s been going around about the DAS pass,” she adds.

“I love Disney, but I care deeply about accessibility and the disability community, so if I have to call them out, I will. Hopefully, it can inspire positive change for the system,” she concludes.

While Caudill says these changes won’t stop her from going to Disney, she says she will probably spend less time in the parks and go on fewer rides.

“I can endure the sun if I have to, since I’ve done it all my life, but there are a lot of people who planned their entire Disney trips around this accessibility, and now it’s gone,” she says.

Article- Why Your Dog’s Feet Smell Like Corn Chips and What to Do

By BethAnn Mayer

February 8, 2024

Why does my dog smell like Fritos?

Should I be concerned if my dog’s feet smell like Fritos?

How to care for your dog’s paws

It’s actually common for your dog’s paws to smell like Fritos. A pup’s paws were made for walking, and they can pick up fungi like pseudomonas and proteus. These bacteria can be found on the skin of many canines and other animals. Proteus produces a compound called putrescine, which can often cause their paw pads to smell like Fritos. The areas between the toes can be the smelliest.

Bacteria thrive in moist environments, and a pet’s paws often fit that bill, and not just if they’ve recently taken a stroll in just-watered grass or the ground as the frost thaws. Dogs use their paw pads to sweat — panting isn’t the only way pups cool off. Breeds with more skin folds and heavy, natural fur coats are bigger moisture magnets and are more likely to have paws that smell like corn chips.

Sometimes, food allergies can exacerbate paw issues, too.

While “Bacteria” sounds scary, dogs with paws that smell strangely like a favorite game-day snack like Fritos are often just fine. However, the microorganisms can multiply and cause a variety of issues, including pain and infections. You’ll want to get the vet on the line any time you’re concerned. However, you’ll definitely want to get a call into the vet if your dog’s Frito-smelling paws combine with any of the below symptoms-

Redness

Signs of pain, such as limping or yelping

Licking

Bumps on the paws

If you take your pup to the vet, the doctor will test the yeast to determine the cause. If the cause is proteus, the vet might-

Run additional tests, such as for food allergies

Prescribe medicated topical treatments like sprays, shampoos, or wipes

Switch your dog’s diet to a specialized one to eliminate allergens

How to care for your dog’s paws- Prevention is the best medicine — cliche but true. Though you can’t control every aspect of your dog’s risk factors for proteus, such as breed, you can take some steps to ensure your pup’s paws are well cared for. Some of these steps will also flag paw issues before they get worse and lead to pain and infections. Unfortunately, pet parents don’t always notice a dog is having paw problems until the pup is in pain or limping. Proper paw care includes-

Regular inspection of paws. Take a look at your dog’s paw pads, including the area between the toes, daily as you cuddle to inspect for any issues.

Clip nails. Regular clipping can prevent pain and give bacteria less room to grow.

Wipe paws. Wipe and dry a dog’s paws after water exposure, including baths. Since bacteria thrive in moist environments, this step can help ward off these pesky microorganisms.

Takeaway

Surprisingly, dogs’ paws can sometimes smell like Fritos. The occurrence is common and typically normal. Frito-smelling paws don’t indicate your dog has a severe health issue. However, occasionally, this scent is a signal to call a vet. Typically, Frito-smelling paw pads are the result of bacteria. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, like paws, which your dog uses to sweat and step on wet ground. The smell is most common between toes, with less air circulation. Though not always the case, a dog with paws that smell like Fritos could have an infection. You’ll want to call the vet if you’re concerned, especially if the dog is excessively licking the area, limping, or has bumps or redness on their paws. Regular inspection of a pet’s paws, clipping nails, and wiping wet feet can prevent bacteria from growing and help you get your furry friend the help they need sooner.

IMPORTANT Editor’s note- announcements and articles, for GDUI- News You Can Use, are culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies their contents. Shared information, ideas, or expressed opinions should not be treated as advice from GDUI or editors of this publication. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Paws for GDUI- News You Can Use

Visit our web site: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Our Facebook page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Our Facebook group can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Our Twitter timeline can be accessed at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

Download or subscribe to the GDUI Juno Report pod cast here: http://acbradio.org/gdr.xml

Support GDUI when you use this link to shop at Amazon.com:

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1871119.

To join the GDUI-Announce List, visit this link: http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/gdui-announce.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use! – VOL. IV, NO. 2, April 2024 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Hello, GDUI Universe,

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the editor

Hello fellow GDUISters

I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved- share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to we GDUISters!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President

For Your Calendar

(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off)

4/1/24 ACVO/Epicur Service Animal Eye Exam Event Registration Opened!

4/7/24, 7 PM (Eastern)- ACB Next Generation Auction (virtual)

4/8/24- Next solar eclipse! (read on for cool information)

5/1/24, 6:30PM (Eastern)- PTGU Annual Spring Meeting (virtual)

5/20/24- Submission deadline if running for elected positions on the ACB board of directors or Board of Publications.

6/14/24, 12 to 4:00PM (Eastern)- Blindness and Mental Health Summit-Registration now open (virtual)

Announcement- Guide Dog Users, Inc. Releases Statement in Solidarity with Blind Pride International

Announcement- Device Helps Blind & Visually Impaired People Experience Eclipse from Dots and Dashes, March 25, 2024 (The American Council of the Blind)

The next solar eclipse will be on Monday, April 8, 2024. A team of astronomers has created a device that lets people who are blind or have low vision experience a solar eclipse. The LightSound device converts light to sound, changing pitch as the sky darkens. Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/ycyt9k8u

To request your own LightSound device, click here.

Lighthouse Guild offers five tips to help protect your eyes while viewing the eclipse:

*One safe way to look directly at the sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. They transmit thousands of times too much sunlight.

*If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on. Put your eclipse glasses on over them or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.

*Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter. Do not remove it while looking at the sun.

*Do not look at the sun through a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer. The concentrated solar rays could damage the eclipse glasses and allow harmful rays to enter your eyes, causing serious injury.

*Never look at the sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.

Announcement- New Educational Flyer to Help Businesses Recognize Real Service Animals.

The Pine Tree Guide Dog Users new service animal flyer features photos of actual working dogs, and offers tips on how to identify a legitimate service animal, what questions businesses can ask, how real service animals are expected to behave, when they can be excluded, and more. Photos shown in the flyer provided courtesy of K9s For Warriors and The Seeing Eye Inc.

For a description and download the flyer, visit

Educational Corner

Article- Free to Be Free: Why Human Rights Matter

(Reprinted from The Blind Californian, Fall 2023, Vol. 67, No. 4.)

Submitted by Lori Scharff

by Daveed Mandell

Human rights matter. They affect every aspect of daily life. Yet they are gradually eroding in this country and throughout the world. In too many instances, we are seeing hate and intolerance become the norm. What are human rights? Human rights are universal rights we have, simply because we are human beings. Unlike civil rights, they are not granted by any state. We are all equally entitled to human rights, regardless of nationality, gender, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, disability or sexual orientation. Human rights are embodied in the 30 articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted in 1948. It has become the standard for basic equality and human dignity. Fundamental human rights include everything from the right to life and freedom of movement, to the rights to food and water, education, work, health and liberty. The UDHR was the first legal document to outline the fundamental human rights to be universally protected. It continues to be the foundation of all international human rights law and provides the principles and building blocks of current and future human rights conventions, treaties and other legal instruments. The UDHR together with the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights comprise the International Bill of Rights. Human rights are inalienable and should not be taken away, except in specific situations and according to due process. For instance, human rights can be withheld, to a certain extent, if a person is guilty of a crime. Human Rights Matter Human rights ensure that people’s basic needs are met, because everyone needs and deserves access to health care, food and water, clothing and shelter. Human rights protect vulnerable groups from abuse, such as people of color and LGBTQ. Human rights allow people to stand up to, and speak out against, societal corruption and abuse. Human rights encourage freedom of speech and expression. Human rights give people the freedom to practice their religion, or not practice any religion. Human rights allow people to love whom they choose. Human rights encourage equal work opportunities. Human rights give people access to education. Human rights protect the environment. Human rights provide a universal standard that holds governments accountable.

Letter from the ACB Board of directors: March 2, 2024

As follow-up to decisions made during the January 30, 2024 ACB Board of Directors meeting, the Board made a decision to take “no position” on a proposed Human Rights Rally being sponsored by ACB’s special interest affiliate, Blind Pride International. This decision has, regrettably, caused much division of opinion and disappointment within ACB among our members. We understand the passion of all members who have spoken out on all aspects of this decision.

The decision was made by the Board following ACB’s Democratic processes, which we all value and cherish. Regardless of how each of us individually may feel about the decision, we, the Board take full responsibility for the decision, just as we must do for all the decisions we make. The Board is elected by you, the Members of the American Council of the Blind, who have elected us to these positions. We all take our responsibilities very seriously every day.

We are not asking you to agree with the decision that was made, each and every one of us is entitled to our own opinions. What we are asking of everyone is for you to state your opinion respectfully and without intemperate personal criticism of anyone. Unfortunately, the Board has heard from staff that they have been subject to criticism, rudeness and occasionally open hostility, especially when staff neutrality is misperceived as support for one side over another. We ask you to avoid such behavior when communicating with our hard-working staff. They are responsible to implement the decisions made by the Board and Membership of ACB with absolute neutrality.

We apologize for any misunderstandings that may have led to the hurt that has been experienced by many. Moving forward, we look forward to exploring ways of collaborating with all of our affiliates on advocacy efforts within the missions of the affiliates and ACB. Our wish is that we can all move forward in the spirit of healing and coming together to continue working for the betterment of people who are blind from all walks of life as stated in ACB’s mission. Let us all re-commit to following the core values of ACB: Honesty and Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, Flexibility and Initiative.

Chris Bell

Donna Brown

Ray Campbell

Kim Charlson

Denise Colley

Deb Cook Lewis

Michael Garrett

Gabriel Lopez-Kafati

Cecily Laney Nipper

Terry Pacheco

Doug Powell

Rachel Schroeder

Kenneth Semien Sr.

Koni Sims

Jeff Thom

David Trott

Article- Funny Things People Have Said About My Guide Dogs

By DeAnna Quietwater Noriega

Author of Fifty Years of Walking with Friends

https://www.dldbooks.com/dqnoriega/

When working my first dog, a German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever, a drunk saw me bend down to demand my dog release a pigeon she had scooped off the sidewalk. He promptly caught the befuddled bird and chased me across the street, shouting that since she had caught it; she ought to be able to keep it! While working that dog, a young man in a candy store asked, whether I was training her to pull a dogsled, and where to get a harness like that to train his dog? A little girl in a grocery store reflected, “I bet your doggy doesn’t like being carried around by that handle.” These are only a sample of the odd things people have said about my first dog.

Since I am working my tenth dog now, my list of weird comments is pretty long. Having a guide dog does offer interesting opportunities to get into conversations with strangers. A stewardess on an air flight mistook my dog as a roller bag and offered to put my 95-pound black lab in the overhead bin for me. While waiting in line to buy food at a powwow, a tribal elder asked if I knew how to tell an Indian’s dog from one owned by a white man? He explained that a white man’s dog said bow wow, while my dog would say powwow. One of my daughters called me and my dog gave a bark of greeting. The Elder chortled, “see, he knows.” Later, the M.C. announced to his friend, “Screaming Eagle, here comes your lunch, black lab on toast!” Since that dog would try to eat anything that came his way, I think he was startled to be added to someone else’s menu.

Of course, there have been people who have asked if my dogs were some other breeds such as a Rottweiler or a Pitbull. Many people have asked if my dog bites, or have wished their dogs were as well behaved. On vacation in Jamaica, a vendor in an outdoor market remarked in surprise, “Would you look at dat Mun, dey so rich they can buy a ticket fo da dog!”

A small boy asked if my dog was a dog or a pony. While another child proudly announced he knew what kind of dog I had, according to him, he was a ranger rescue dog. Whether they embarrass us by shoplifting, or misbehave at awkward moments, I don’t think any of us would say working a guide dog doesn’t add entertainment to our lives. They aren’t just a mobility aid; they are fun too.

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

Submitted by one of Toto’s good buds, a retired guide from North Dakota

Apple & Cheddar Pupcakes

Yield: 12 pupcakes

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup traditional rolled oats

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup applesauce

½ cup water

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons honey

2 eggs

1 apple, peeled, cored and minced

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, water, oil, honey and eggs, then stir in the apple and cheese. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just barely blended.
Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling almost full (you may have a couple spoonfuls of batter leftover). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the tins for a few minutes and then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Article- Seeing Eye pushes back as more businesses turn away service dogs

By William Westhoven

Morristown Daily Record

https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/local/morris-county/2024/02/08/nj-service-animals-rejected-uber-lyft-seeing-eye-morristown/72396331007/

Like many Garden State families, Kyle Street and his wife, Sioban Leahy, love to summer at the Jersey Shore, booking hotel rooms as a base to roam beaches and boardwalks with their 8-year-old, James.

Yet for the Bayonne couple, it’s a more complicated trip. Street and Leahy are blind, and much of their independence is tied to their guide dogs, each trained by the Morristown-based Seeing Eye.

It’s an independence that is under threat. Like many who use service animals, the couple say they’ve seen a dramatic increase in venues − hotels, restaurants and, especially, rideshare providers − refusing to accommodate their dogs. The Seeing Eye, one of the nation’s foremost trainers of guide dogs, says it’s a problem across the country.

Kyle Street and his wife, Sioban Leahy, with their son, James, 8, with their guide dogs during a Christmas photo.

“We’re alarmed by the rising reports of access denials faced by service dog handlers, including from rideshare companies, airlines, businesses and restaurants,” Seeing Eye CEO Margaret “Peggi” Howard said in an interview.

The nonprofit announced in January it had formed a department focused on raising awareness and support for guide-dog handlers.

Why guide dogs are denied

The denials are tied in part to the proliferation of animal companions on two fronts, Howard said. First, service dogs are increasingly used to address conditions beyond impaired vision, including epilepsy and diabetes.

At the same time, rising numbers are claiming service-dog rights for their emotional support animals, whose use is protected by law in the home but not in public transit, hotels or taxis, among other settings.

“I’ve been denied rideshares from Uber and Lyft a good 40 times in the past year, and that’s low balling it.” said Street, 29, who works at an Apple store in Manhattan.

Street and Leahy are both veteran guide-dog handlers through their association with The Seeing Eye, a global leader in the industry since 1929.

“We actually met and got married at the Seeing Eye,” Street said.

When he and his wife need to travel with their dogs, they are happy to pay for a larger rideshare vehicle, he said.

‘Nothing is more frustrating’

“But even then, we are still more likely to get denials,” Street added. “Nothing is more frustrating. We try really hard to make sure James doesn’t see our disability as anything more than a minor inconvenience. When he has to witness that, it’s heartbreaking.”

“It’s humiliating to have that experience,” said attorney Melissa Allman, the Seeing Eye’s senior specialist of advocacy and government relations. Allman, who is blind and has a guide dog, Luna, to assist her, has her own horror stories about rideshare refusals.

Allman recalled her own attempt to take an Uber from her dentist to her work office. When the driver arrived, she could hear him telling a security guard he would only take the dog for an extra fee.

“He was told that was against the law,” she said. “He said ‘I don’t care,’ and drove away.”

Attorney Melissa Allman, shown here with her guide dog, is a senior specialist of advocacy and government relations for the Seeing Eye in Morristown, N.J.

David Johnson, a former training director, was selected to lead The Seeing Eye’s new initiative as director of accessibility, advocacy and government relations. He will work with Allman, who previously worked with the group’s department of instruction and training.

She cited the words of Seeing Eye founder Dorothy Harrison Eustis: “‘Your dog is not going to do you any good if you can’t take her anywhere.’ That’s why we are here.”

Service denials are not limited to rideshares, Street and Allman said.

Hotel horror stories for dog handlers

“We’ve had lots of issues in hotels up and down the Jersey Shore,” Street said. One experience in Point Pleasant sticks in his mind.

“As soon as we got there, they told us we couldn’t have dogs,” Street recalled. “They scrambled when we explained they were service dogs. But as we left their office, they made it very obvious they needed to vacuum and clean up from whatever hair dander may have fallen during the two minutes we were in the office.”

They checked out the next day. “And I still got a very nasty call from the owner that they’ve never seen so much hair and they were going to charge me an extra fee.”

More:Can landlords bar emotional support animals? Not in NJ, attorney general says

Allman shared her own hotel horror story about a trip to Washington D.C., where she got a similar “runaround” from the manager of a boutique hotel who tried and failed to extract an extra fee.

Later that night, she was heading out to dinner with friends, only to have a driver deny access to her dog.

Uber, Lyft service animals settlement

Federal and state laws govern accessibility issues for service dogs in public and areas such as businesses and transportation.

Separately, Uber and Lyft agreed to settle a 2016 lawsuit brought against them by the National Federation of the Blind. The companies promised to revise training and accountability standards for drivers, who would accept “their responsibility to transport riders with service animals” under the guidelines of the Americans With Disabilities Act

Both companies now have extensive descriptions of their policies on their websites.

But Allman and the National Federation said that, following a three-year monitoring period that expired in 2020, anecdotal evidence and other reports indicate rideshare denials are rising again.

A service dog strolls through the aisle inside a United Airlines plane at Newark Liberty International Airport while taking part in a training exercise April 1, 2017. Trainers took dogs through security checks and onto a plane as part of the exercise put on by The Seeing Eye puppy program.

Emotional support animals: ‘People are abusing the system’

Allman said much of the confusion surrounds the increased instances of emotional support animals during travel or trips to stores, restaurants and other public spaces. “People are abusing the system,” she said.

“People claim their dog is an emotional support animal and they put a service animal vest on it. You can buy them on Amazon,” she said. “Some people legitimately do not understand you can’t just make a dog or a cat a service animal by putting a vest on them.”

The Humane Society of the United States concurs: “The fact that the term ‘service animal’ is often used by landlords and public housing authorities to refer to both service dogs and assistance animals often creates confusion,” the group states on its website.

While there are laws permitting emotional support or “assistance” animals in public housing, those rights do not extend to the level of trained service dogs.

“A service animal has to be a dog that is trained to perform a specific task,” Allman explained. “It doesn’t just mean the presence of this dog keeps me calm. It has to be trained to perform a task for the benefit of the person with a disability. A dog can be trained to alert me when I’m about to have a seizure, or when my blood sugar is low. It’s all about recognition and response.”

The Seeing Eye says its dogs are specially bred and trained to guide people who are blind. The philanthropy’s students, and their dogs-in-training, are a frequent sight on the streets of downtown Morristown, but the group also conducts training in other public locations, including a recent visit to Newark Liberty Airport.

Guide dogs and rideshares

Asked about service-dog denials, Lyft responded with a statement confirming it “has a strict service animal policy that requires all drivers to accommodate passengers traveling with service animals, and we take any allegation of this nature very seriously. There is no place for any form of discrimination on our platform and we ask that riders report issues immediately.”

Uber did not respond to email requests for comment.

Street said that while the rideshare leaders responded to complaints with more detailed reports of driver investigations and discipline during the three-year settlement monitoring period, they now respond with “a general response of what they expect from their drivers, with no real understanding of what happens after that.”

“We’re going to continue to work with law enforcement in New Jersey and beyond,” Allman said. “We’re going to be working with members of Congress to remove some of the access barriers to air transportation.”

What to do if your dog is denied

Meanwhile, she advises guide dog handlers to report service denials to the businesses that provided them with their animals.

“We are also encouraging people to file complaints with the Department of Justice,” she said. “It’s very important that we establish for DOJ that there is a pattern and practice that is pretty pervasive of denying people with service animals access to rideshares.”

Tips & Tricks- From Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU) March 2024 Monthly News Update

Problems at the security checkpoint? If your screening experience at the airport doesn’t meet your expectations, request immediate on-site assistance from a TSA supervisor or go to this online form to file a formal complaint.
It’s the law! Check out The Seeing Eye’s free app for iOS and Android. The app provides information about U.S. and Canadian laws for guide dog teams.
Rideshare round up. Here are three presentations about the challenges guide dog handlers often face when attempting to get a ride from Uber or Lyft, and the work that’s being done to improve the situation:

A Conversation with Uber

Untangling Transportation – The Promise and Pain of Rideshare

And most recently,

Rideshare Access Barriers.

Tired of rideshare drivers dropping you off at the wrong house, workplace, or other frequent destination? Consider showing drivers a photo of your preferred drop-off point to make it easier for them to find. Following along with your GPS can also help.
Planning a visit to museums, galleries or other tourist attractions? Call in advance to see what resources are available for visitors who are blind or low vision. Googling the destination to learn all you can about the places you intend to visit can also enrich your experience.
High and dry? Many airports have free bottle refilling stations after you go through security so bring along a few empty water bottles and fill up! This makes it easier to stay hydrated on the plane and after landing, you’ll have plenty of water to share with your dog.
Smelly Proof Reusable Zip Top Bags

Super durable, resealable, reusable, washable, BPA-free, and puncture resistant. These odor-proof bags seal in even the smelliest dog treats and food leaving the contents in your luggage, backpack, or purse free from unpleasant odors. The bags are made from extra-strength food-grade materials and may be washed, air dried, and reused multiple times. Available in a variety of sizes. Sandwich bags measure 6.5 inches by 7.5 inches. A package of ten is $12.00.

Announcement- ACVO/Epicur Service Animal Eye Exam Event Registration Opened on April first!

15th Annual Service Animal Screening Eye Exam Event Registration Launched,

Monday, April 1st!

*PLEASE REVIEW THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY.

Registration for the 15th Annual ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Exam Event will be open on the website starting Monday, April 1st at 8:00 am Mountain Time.

www.ACVOEyeExam.org

Make sure you are fully prepared and brush up on the Qualifications, Expectations, and Registration Information.

https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/qualifications-expectations

After you register at- www.ACVOEyeExam.org

you will receive a confirmation email which contains your registration number and a link to participating clinics

sure to add ServiceAnimal@ACVO.org to your safe senders list!

(Don’t forget to check your spam/junk folder before emailing for a confirmation email to be re-sent).

To make an appointment after registration, on Monday, April 1st, please call the clinic of your choosing and be sure to give the clinic your registration number. Appointments are on a first come, first serve basis.

Don’t forget to follow us, and share this amazing program!

Facebook

Instagram

Thank you to past participants who shared photos and stories with us!

Thank you, Epicur Pharma®!

Epicur Pharma® has agreed to support this program through 2024 as the namesake sponsor! Please help us thank Epicur Pharma® for their generosity any time you’re able!

Announcement Blindness and Mental Health Summit (Accessible Pharmacy Services)

Friday, June 14, 2024- 12:00PM to 4:00PM ET

The Blindness and Mental Health Summit is 100% virtual!

The week of the event you will receive an online link to access the virtual event.

The Summit is a 2-part event:

Part 1 – Speaker Series
Part 2 – Exhibit Hall

Be My Eyes
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)
Thriving Blind Academy
Helen Keller Services
Prevent Blindness
American Council of the Blind Mental Health and Wellness Committee
Intuitive Counseling and Wellness
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Eye2Eye Peer Support Program for Vision Loss
988 Crisis Prevention Hotline

To Register- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLwGIl3DO2OzIwzVq85AbHjU0H9IG_jvuOO-b0JkHIkdlIEA/viewform

To learn more about the Blindness and Mental Health Summit please visit our website-

accessiblepharmacy.com

If you have any questions, please send us an email-

info@accessiblepharmacy.com

Sincerely, Your friends at Accessible Pharmacy

Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC

888-633-7007

Tidbits From Access Information News for Monday, March 25, 2024 – Volume 955

The world’s #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.

https://accessinformationnews.com/

Snippets- from Dots and Dashes, March 25, 2024 (The American Council of the Blind)

ACB Community News

*Congratulations to GDUI board member Patty Fletcher, ACB Community’s Volunteer of the Month for February!

*ACB Community recently celebrated its fourth anniversary and its 17,000th event.

Member on the Mic

For the last year we have been featuring ACB members who may not be known well by the membership; members who inspire, have interesting stories or are doing the “Good Work.” We feature their projects and a photo along with a transcript of the interview.

We’re looking for more members who inspire, create, motivate, have interesting stories, and/or do good work. Want to nominate someone? Send an email to slovering@acb.org. Please include the person’s full name, state or special-interest affiliate, contact email and/or phone number.

Podcasts & Blogs- Check it out!

Taking The Lead- biweekly, on Thursday (Leader Dogs For The Blind)

To subscribe, using the Stream or any device, just type in Taking The Lead and it will come up. Once subscribed it will automatically appear on the drop date.

This is a great podcast; they always have great guests!

From John and Leader Dog Casey

ACB Voices blog- http://ACBVoices.org

Member on the Mic is a highlight of this blog!

Announcement- Calling All Candidates!

From Dots and Dashes, March 25, 2024 (The American Council of the Blind)

The ACB Board of Publications is pleased to announce the 2024 Candidates Pages. We invite any ACB member who chooses to run for one of the five elected positions on our board of directors or the three elected positions on the Board of Publications to introduce yourself, respond to the four questions provided below, and, if you wish, post links, separately, to related personal, professional, or social media web pages.

Your response to each of the four questions listed below should not exceed 300 words. The ACB Board of Publications will not edit your responses for spelling or grammar.

Introduce yourself, and explain why you wish to serve as a director on the ACB Board of Directors or a member of the ACB Board of Publications.
What have been your strongest contributions to ACB at the national, state or special-interest affiliate, ACB Community, and/or local chapter levels, and why are these significant?
Like many not-for-profit, membership-driven organizations whose missions revolve around advocacy and support, ACB has chosen in recent years to adopt the core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). How does ACB’s stated mission of supporting people who are blind intersect with these core organizational values? If elected, what specific actions will you take to increase diversity, promote equity, encourage inclusion, and support accessibility within ACB, and how will you persuade members who are reluctant to embrace these principles to support DEIA as core ACB values?
What is the most important challenge facing ACB? How will you work to address it?

Send your Candidates Page, either in the body of an email or as a Word attachment, to slovering@acb.org, with the subject line “My Candidates Page.” The deadline for all submissions is 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Monday, May 20, 2024. Visit www.acb.org for more information.

Announcement- Cool Company to Know about

Anonymous Submission by a GDUI member

T. Guys, Your Access Technology Experts

Founded in 2008, A T Guys provides affordable technology solutions for consumers, businesses, and educational customers. Our product line includes mobile phone software and accessories, portable electronics, screen readers, braille translation software and accessible games. With over 30 years of combined technology experience, our trainers offer customized instruction both in-person or via phone or online voice chat on a wide array of assistive technologies including screen readers, braille displays, embossers, the iPhone and iPad, Android phones, and general accessibility consulting. Our website accessibility testing will ensure your online presence is usable by all users and meet accessibility web standards.

Have suggestions or questions about our products? We’d love to hear from you. contact us through the methods below-

A T Guys, PO Box 51446, Kalamazoo, MI 49005

Phone- (269) 216–4798
Skype- atguys
E-mail- support@atguys.com

Like Us on Facebook

Article- Four ACB Members Win the Right to Accessible, Electronic Absentee Ballots in Maine

By Lynn Merrill, with Pauline Lamontagne, Nicholas Giudice, and Cheryl Peabody

The ACB Braille Forum- Volume LXII February 2024 No. 8

February 2024 | American Council of the Blind

Published by the American Council of the Blind

We submit this article for two reasons: one, to describe how we challenged our state and municipal officials in order to create accessible, electronic absentee ballots for voters who are unable to complete a print ballot; and two, we want to motivate others to have the courage and passion to actively support causes that they believe in, as one, a few, or many, can effect change despite being told “no.”

We are a group of four from Maine. We were at first bonded by acquaintanceships and friendships, but we came together to face the odds of making a huge change that would affect the rights of thousands of people, and we won. We stand together, proud and somewhat in awe of the fact that we did it. We actually did it! Together, the four of us stood up against bureaucracy, politics, and our own self-doubts as people with disabilities who too often took “no” for an answer.

“By many accounts, Maine leads the country in voting rights: it has allowed some form of voting by absentee ballot for decades, is one of only two states allowing people with felony convictions to vote (including those still in prison), was the first state allowing ranked-choice voting in both state and federal elections, and consistently boasts some of the highest statewide voter turnout in the nation. However, despite this progressive voting record, until recently many Mainers still had difficulty (or were completely unable) to vote independently because the paper-based absentee ballot system was inaccessible to people with visual impairments. This lack of voting access is particularly problematic in Maine, as we are a rural state with limited public transportation and have an aging population, many of whom experience vision loss and associated driving challenges.”

In the spring of 2020, Americans were immersed in the effects of the COVID pandemic. We were trying to follow the guidelines that were being given to us about masking, distancing, reporting and cleansing. The July primaries were approaching. In Maine, voting places were being consolidated in municipalities and our Secretary of State and governor were urging voters to avoid the risks of physically going to these polling places, and instead to vote by absentee ballot. Their pleas were on television, radio, and newspapers. Good advice to follow; however, Maine did not have accessible electronic absentee ballots for print-disabled voters. The choices were dismal; abandon the right to vote privately and independently by having someone complete one’s absentee ballot for them, or risk one’s health by going to a polling place to use the express voting machine.

Disability Rights Maine (DRM) took a complaint from one voter who believed that the State of Maine should provide accessible electronic absentee ballots for those voters with print disabilities. There was no question that their fundamental rights to private and independent voting were compromised, especially in light of the encouragement from the Secretary of State and governor.

Four voters with varying degrees of visual impairments ultimately challenged our respective municipal city clerks as well as the Secretary of State to develop accessible electronic absentee ballots, but our requests were dismissed. Instead, we were told (1) that it was not possible to use electronic absentee ballots and (2) that if we wanted to vote absentee, we would need to get third-party assistance filling out paper ballots.

We all believed that our concerns should have and could have been resolved without litigation, but the dismissal of our requests left us with only one alternative. We joined in a lawsuit against the state and our four respective municipalities for not providing an electronic alternative to the paper absentee ballots. Our request would not have involved “inventing the wheel” because Maine already had electronic absentee ballots available for access by service members who were residents of Maine but assigned outside of the state. Of note is that those already existing ballots for service members did not include municipal ballots. That would change as a positive yet unintended consequence of the settlement agreement that was to come.

“In mid-July 2020 we lodged our complaint in the United States District Court for Maine. In Merrill v. Dunlap, Lynn Merrill, Pauline Lamontagne, Cheryl Peabody, and Nicholas Giudice argued (as the plaintiffs in civil action no. 1:20-cv-00248) for the right to vote privately and independently by electronic absentee ballot in the November 3, 2020 election and in future elections in the State of Maine. The lawsuit, led by Kristen Aiello and Disability Rights Maine, was based on the premise that we should not have to risk our health, privacy, or independence to vote in the same way that is available to other Mainers and that was the explicit guidance of our governor and Secretary of State as the preferred and advised method of doing so.

“What became obvious from the first hearing in federal court is that the state was not going to fight us on the matter and did actually want to provide a mechanism for accessible absentee voting through the use of electronic ballots, similar to what was already available to state residents deployed in the military. For the process to work, however, there would need to be updates made to the electronic PDF ballot, which was not then accessible, meaning that it would not read correctly with a screen reader. At this point, the Secretary of State’s Office touted this tentative agreement as a win for Maine’s citizens and something that was absolutely a worthy cause. While this was a 180-degree reversal of their previous stance, and it is frustrating that it took a lawsuit to make it happen, the net result is what counts.

“In the following six weeks, we (the plaintiffs and a group of volunteer blind beta testers throughout the state) worked closely with the state’s vendor, who was handling the electronic election content to help them make the ballots work with speech. Given that we are one of two states in the union with ranked-choice voting and there are lots of individual municipalities, this process was not as straightforward as one might think. However, on Oct. 2, 2020, Maine became one of only a few states that had developed a fully accessible electronic absentee ballot voting mechanism that is available to all people with a print disability that limits their use of a traditional paper ballot.

“An unexpected but positive result of our lawsuit was that the state now needed a new mechanism to monitor the status of electronic absentee ballots being submitted. This led to development and deployment of a new state-wide absentee ballot tracking service for the 2020 election (and beyond) that ultimately benefited all Maine voters. With this system, anybody who requests an absentee ballot, paper or electronic, can use the online portal to track its status throughout the entire process, from request to knowing whether it was accepted or rejected. This tracking system represents an important step in improving election transparency, which hopefully will increase public perception (and confidence) in the integrity of the absentee voting process.

“The electronic tracking system has now been used by thousands of Maine voters who had no idea of our fight for accessible electronic absentee ballots but who benefitted from our actions.”

We reached a settlement agreement prior to the November 2020 general election which provides the electronic alternative that we sought. Any registered voter with a print disability can now electronically request a fully accessible absentee ballot (for any reason), complete the ballot online and return it electronically to the Secretary of State. Most importantly, the entire end-to-end process can be done completely independently!

The quotes in this article were taken from another article about this process: “One Vote for Me, Many Votes for Mankind,” which has a detailed description of one plaintiff’s experience, and can be found here:

https://medium.com/@nicholas.giudice/one-vote-for-me-many-votes-for-mainekind-5a49cefe87f

Plaintiffs:

Lynn Merrill

Nicholas Giudice

Cheryl Peabody

Pauline Lamontagne

Announcement- Explore Hadley

Hadley Headlines: April 2024

Hadley.edu is Now HadleyHelps.org

We are changing our web and email addresses from Hadley.edu to HadleyHelps.org. We needed to make this move as our scope has expanded beyond academics. During the transition, please know that emails from and links to Hadley.edu and HadleyHelps.org can be trusted.

Amazon Fire TV Stick Series

Learn about the Amazon Fire TV stick’s built-in features that make using it easier with vision loss.

https://hadleyhelps.org/workshops/amazon-fire-tv-stick-series

Tips for Guided Walking Series

No matter how well you get around on your own, there may be times when asking for help just makes sense. Learn tips to make walking with someone’s help more comfortable.

https://hadleyhelps.org/workshops/tips-for-guided-walking-series

Discussion Groups

Learn from Hadley and others who share your interests in these live call-in sessions. April topics include: planting a scented garden, music apps and services, and kitchen safety.

Never miss a discussion group. Just select the “Get Alerts” button on a group’s page to receive email reminders and add it to your Hadley home page.

Announcement- Source for Veterinary Care Assistance

Robert Acosta, President, Helping Hands for the Blind

Dear Friends,

I am happy to say that our Veterinary Care Assistance Program is doing very well. All of our work with those needing emergency assistance is confidential.

We thank those schools like Guide Dogs of the Desert who are helping us spread the word about our service.

If you would like to see our guidelines, please write to Robert Acosta at: boacosta818@gmail.com.

Some people have asked us how to donate to this worthy program. If you wish to help us financially, please write to: www.helpinghands4theblind.net and go to our Paypal page.

We wish to thank those people who have already assisted us financially. As you can imagine, Veterinary care can be very expensive and we truly will do anything to help our wonderful guide dogs.

Announcement- GDUI member has YA contemporary novel published

About the book-

For Lainie, feeling unwelcome is only the beginning of her struggles. Her mom is addicted to painkillers, her stepfather is a felon, and her dad traded her in for a new family.

So what if she’s kicked out of high school? Determined and attractive, Lainie sets out to make her own path.

Shane, the young man she begins dating and believes is trustworthy, transforms into a possessive and cruel boyfriend. When Efren, Shane’s older cousin, enters her life, Lainie grasps onto a shred of hope, falling in love. Shane’s obsessive and abusive treatment of her, however, casts a deep shadow over Efren and Lainie’s chance to find safety and a future free of the fear of Shane’s sadistic retribution.

Will their love persevere, or will Shane’s pervasive and negative influence push Lainie and Efren apart, forcing them to love secretly?

Available from all eBook sellers in hard and soft cover print, Kindel and eBook

Amazon link- https://tinyurl.com/4m3ntcyn

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1531127

About the author- Ann Chiappetta, M.S. Poet and author

Ann’s award-winning poems, creative nonfiction, and essays have appeared internationally in literary journals, popular online blogs, and print anthologies. Her poems have been featured in The Avocet, the Pangolin Review, Plum Tree Tavern, Magnets and Ladders, Oprelle, Western PA Poetry Review 2024and Breath and Shadow. Ann’s short story, The Misty Torrent appeared in the Artificial Divide anthology published by Renaissance Press (2021).

Ann is the recipient of the 2019 GDUI Excellence in Writing award and the WDOMI 2016 Spirit of Independence award.

Independently published since 2016, the author’s six volume collection includes poetry, creative nonfiction essays, short stories and contemporary fiction.

Diagnosed in 1993 with a rare form of progressive retinal disease, Ann accepts vision loss as part of her life but doesn’t let it define her as a whole person.

Contact Ann by visiting her website- www.annchiappetta.com

subscribe to Ann’s blog www.thought-wheel.com

Poison Prevention Tips that Can Save Your Pet’s Life

PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Medication Safety & Pets

This Pet Poison Prevention Month, we share the story of Zoe, a 3-year-old miniature dachshund, who ingested a potentially lethal dose of 60 to 80 chewable aspirin tablets after opening a childproof container that had fallen from a desk.

The quick actions of her owner and prompt intervention by AMC were crucial to her survival. Zoe’s treatment included dialysis, a lifesaving procedure that rapidly removes toxins from the system.

@zoe_minidoxieinnyc

Zoe’s ordeal serves as a powerful reminder to store medications securely and out of reach of animal companions, as they are among the leading causes of pet poisoning each year. To learn more about protecting your pets, check out our infographic and visit our pet health library at the link below.

Medication Safety for Pets

Urban Hazards for Dogs

City living with dogs can be great, but we should all remember to take the correct precautions. In this week’s blog, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus describes hazards unique to living in the city that can impact the health of your dog. To learn the precautions you should take to avoid serious injury or illness in your pet, check out our blog at the link below.

Urban Hazards for Dogs

Upcoming Online Event!

Senior pets, much like their human counterparts, may face both physical and cognitive challenges as they grow older. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a degenerative condition that leads to a decline in brain function in aging pets, causing behavioral changes. Join us on Thursday, April 4th at 6PM ET as behavior experts from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Kate Anderson, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, and Dr. Pamela Perry, behavior consultant, share insights into how CDS affects dogs and cats and offer strategies to enhance the quality of life for senior pets. Although there is no cure for CDS, pet owners can work with their veterinarians to create a management plan to address behavioral changes and slow the progression of the disease.

This is a free, online-only event hosted via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants the day of the event. Please email UsdanInstitute@amcny.org with any questions.

Get Your Pet Questions Answered on ‘Ask the Vet’

In partnership with Sirius XM, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s podcast ‘Ask the Vet’ is all about the pets we love and how to care for them. AMC Senior Veterinarian Dr. Ann Hohenhaus answers questions from pet parents, chats with leading animal experts, and talks about the most concerning issues for our furry friends.

Do you have questions about your pet? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have them answered on next month’s ‘Ask the Vet’!

Listen & Subscribe to ‘Ask the Vet’

Meet Addie!

Everyone, meet Addie! Addie is around 14 years old and was adopted by her owner over 3.5 years ago. She is a gentle, sweet, and quirky girl. Before her adoption, Addie was used to breeding and lived in a cage for 11 years. Her owner writes, “Addie loves the sun, lying in the grass, and snuggling next to me. I adore everything about her.”

If you would like to have your best friend featured in our newsletter, social media platforms, or website, please email us at UsdanInstitute@amcny.org and include your pet’s name, age, photo, and a brief message!

Submit a Photo of Your Pet

Explore the Usdan Institute

For access to pet health articles, upcoming events, video tutorials, and other pet parent educational resources, visit the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute.

The Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is the leading provider of pet health information. We aim to inform and empower pet owners and to share information with the public. With our staff of more than 130 doctors and the knowledge gained from over 110 years of experience, we are uniquely positioned to deliver the best and most up-to-date information for all your pet health needs.

If you have a question about pet health, we have the answer.

Questions about the Usdan Institute?

Email: usdaninstitute@amcny.org

Visit: www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute

Call: 212-329-8524

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065

Appointments/Medical Questions: 212-838-8100

ACB Announcing the 2024 ACB Board of Publications Candidates Pages

The ACB Board of Publications is pleased to announce the 2024 Candidates Pages. We invite any ACB member who chooses to run for one of the five elected positions on our board of directors or the three elected positions on the ACB Board of Publications to introduce yourself, respond to the four questions provided below, and, if you wish, post links, separately, to related personal, professional, or social media web pages.

The deadline for all submissions is 11:59 p.m. Eastern, on Monday, May 20, 2024.

We plan to post the 2024 Candidates’ Pages on Monday, June 3, 2024.

We will make the 2024 Candidates’ Pages available on ACB’s Leadership and ACB-Conversation lists, in “Dots and Dashes,” on www.ACB.org, and on ACB Media Channel 10. There will be abundant opportunity to amplify your responses at the live Board of Publications Candidates’ Forum, scheduled for the evening of June 19, via personal correspondence and communications with members, and via any other forums or caucuses that may be scheduled in advance of and during the ACB conference and convention.

As you respond to the following questions, please keep these guidelines in mind:

Your response to each of the four questions listed below should not exceed 300 words (i.e., a maximum of 300 words to respond to question 1; a maximum of 300 more words to respond to question 2; etc.).

The ACB Board of Publications will not edit your responses for spelling or grammar. We will limit your word count to exactly 300 words.

Share links to external web pages separately. For example, you might say, “Visit these links to learn more about me.”

Send your submission by email, either pasted directly into your e-mail message or attached as a document formatted in Microsoft Word, to Sharon Lovering, slovering@acb.org. Identify the subject of your e-mail message as “My Candidates Page.”

Please respond to the following questions:

Introduce yourself, and explain why you wish to serve as a director on the ACB Board of Directors or a member of the ACB Board of Publications.
What have been your strongest contributions to ACB at the national, state or special-interest affiliate, ACB Community, and/or local chapter levels, and why are these significant?
Like many not-for-profit, membership-driven organizations whose missions revolve around advocacy and support, ACB has chosen in recent years to adopt the core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). How does ACB’s stated mission of supporting people who are blind intersect with these core organizational values? If elected, what specific actions will you take to increase diversity, promote equity, encourage inclusion, and support accessibility within ACB, and how will you persuade members who are reluctant to embrace these principles to support DEIA as core ACB values?
What is the most important challenge facing ACB? How will you work to address it?

Thank you, and good luck to all of you who choose to run for office. The future of ACB is in your hands.

Sharon Lovering, Editor

American Council of the Blind

225 Reinekers Ln., Suite 660

Alexandria, VA 22314

slovering@acb.org

(202) 467-5081

Learn more about us at www.acb.org

Man banned ‘for life’ from all Buc-ee’s locations after bringing ‘service duck’ inside world’s largest store

Katlyn Brieskorn

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WFLA) — A trip to the world’s largest Buc-ee’s earlier this year ended with a “service duck” named Wrinkles and his owner getting banned “for life” from all locations.

The viral video, which was posted on the Wrinkle’s “SeDucktive” social media accounts, showed Justin Wood and his duck strolling around the Sevierville location.

In the video, an employee quickly walks up to the pair and tells them that pets are not allowed inside the store. Wood explains that Wrinkle is his service animal and shows the worker three forms of service animal certification. The employee allows them to stay in the store, where they are filmed interacting with other customers and looking at merchandise.

Minutes later, another employee walks up to Wrinkle and Wood and tells them the animal cannot be in the store.

“We are just shopping and experiencing the world’s largest Buc-ees,” Wood told the employee.

“You’re more than welcome to stay here but the animal cannot,” the worker said. “There’s no pets in here. Your animal — even if it’s considered a service animal — you have to be able to contain it and it can fly out. The animal just can’t be in here.”

The employee explained that service animals must be restrained or leashed and said that she was going to call the police after Wood mimed putting on a leash on Wrinkle.

At the end of the video, a police officer stops Wood as he is leaving and gives him a citation warning him against trespassing on any Buc-ee’s property.

“They’re requesting you be banned from the store,” the officer told Wood. “If you are caught on property and everything, you’ll be charged with trespassing.”

Buc-ee’s pet policy states the following:

“The Health Code prohibits live animals, including dogs, where food could potentially be contaminated. There are exceptions, however, for service animals and animals that work with police officers. For people with disabilities, specially trained service animals play an absolutely vital role. They make it possible for those with disabilities to work, travel, stay safe, and, in some cases, stay alive. By falsely claiming that your pet is a service animal, you are poisoning attitudes towards true service animals. In addition, if you enter a facility where an actual service animal is working, your untrained animal may jeopardize the safety of the service animal and its handler.”

Man and His Service Duck Banned From Buc-ee’s for Life and People Are Crying Foul

There’s a difference between therapy pets and service pets.

EVE VAWTERMAR 18, 2024 3:15 PM EDT

Justin Wood brought his service pet duck named Wrinkle the Duck into a Buc-ee’s store in Tennessee. Wrinkle was contained in a stroller for part of her visit, and at one point Wood let the duck simply follow him around the store.

He received conflicting information from Buc-ees employees while he was shopping, including that the store only allowed service dogs. A different employee told Wood that Wrinkle would be okay if she were kept on a leash. When Wood left the Buc-ees store a police officer was waiting for him.

ADVERTISING

People in the comments section are for sure on Team Wrinkle. It did seem like a lot of customers loved meeting her. One person commented, “I can’t believe they did that to you. Wrinkle was not hurting anyone or anything. She just brought smiles to peoples faces. I definitely won’t be visiting Bucees. I love you and wrinkle. Hopefully you have much better experiences on your adventures.” Another added, “How can one store ban someone from ALL locations? That doesn’t seem like something that a manager should even be able to do. And wasting the cops time over such a petty thing. Honestly that’s stupid. If the animal is contained, isn’t interrupting business, isn’t posing a health concern, isn’t destroying property or anything like that, why would it even matter?”

It does seem like the cops thought this entire situation was pretty absurd.

Recommended according to The New York Post, “

Buc-ee’s pet policy

says “The Health Code prohibits live animals, including dogs, where food could potentially be contaminated. There are exceptions, however, for service

animals and animals that work with police officers. For people with disabilities, specially trained service animals play an absolutely vital role. They

make it possible for those with disabilities to work, travel, stay safe, and, in some cases, stay alive.”

We aren’t sure whether Wrinkles is a therapy animal or a service animal, and there is an absolute difference.

The Difference Between Therapy Animals and Service Animals

Service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.

These tasks are directly related to the person’s disability.

Therapy animals provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to people in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. They are not specifically trained to perform certain tasks, but they are usually calm and well-behaved.

Announcement- From NLS

BARD Mobile Updates

BARD Mobile Android

NLS released BARD Mobile Android version 2.1.0, introducing enhanced features and improvements. Among the highlights:

In-app search functionality – A fully supported in-app search function, including Music Collection search, for a more seamless experience.

Spanish translation – The app can now be set so its text and audio are in Spanish. To switch to Spanish, select it as the default language in your device settings. The app’s visual and TalkBack interface will adjust.

International language search option – Explore the new international language search option by choosing up to four languages in the app’s settings. Filter search results by selecting your preferred language.

o Navigate to: App’s Settings > User Account Settings > Language Preferences > Select up to four languages.

o When accessing Get Books – Search, you will have up to four languages based on your settings. Default languages are English and Spanish if no changes are made.

BARD Mobile iOS

NLS has released BARD Mobile iOS version 2.2.2 to the App Store. The enhancements included in this version are:

Siri shortcuts (voice user interface) – The app can now be operated by voice commands for playback and navigation, including stopping and resuming playback, fast-forwarding and rewinding by various intervals, and setting a sleep timer or a bookmark. Users can add Siri shortcuts in the app’s settings.

International language search – Set up to four languages in the app’s settings and then filter search results by selecting a preferred language.

Accessibility improvements for visually impaired users – We have boosted color contrast between selected and unselected search categories. This update enhances visibility with Smart Invert, Classic Invert, and Dark Mode on.

Book Reviews/Recommendations

Greetings from the Guide Dog Book Club Team!

We are pleased to announce the next book club presentation…

Mark Carlson, the human counterpoint to Musket, co-author of

Confessions of a Guide Dog: The Blonde Leading the Blind.

Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Zoom details to follow soon.

About the book- Have you ever wondered what a guide dog does? How do they know to lead a blind owner? Can they understand traffic lights? Most importantly, how does the owner know where to pick up the poop? This memoir answers these questions and more. It tells what guide dogs are supposed to do. They’re smart, loyal and well-trained but not all dogs are created alike. Musket is proof of that. He’s definitely got a thing for treats and belly rubs. For the first time, the dog has his say. Of course he needed a little help with the typing, since he doesn’t have opposable thumbs. That’s where author Mark Carlson came in. Still, Musket is the brains of the outfit.)

Mark and Musket tell their story with humor, emotion, and Musket’s occasional contradictions. And at the end of the day, Musket somehow manages to be a great guide dog too. Confessions of a Guide Dog was written so a wonderful, devoted dog could reach out to those who haven’t been lucky enough to meet him. He’ll make you smile, laugh, cry, and want to give him treats. This is their story. (And they’re sticking to it.)

About the Author- Mark Carlson is a witty writer, ravenous reader, historian, and author of nine books. He is a freelance writer and aviation historian. He is a member of several military, maritime, historical, and veteran organizations.

A contributing writer for over a dozen national magazines, his articles run the gamut of topics from aviation, military history, classic film and television, dogs, humor, and essays. He started by writing stories about his first Guide Dog, Musket, and later, about his work at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Carlson’s most recent project is preparing his next book for publication, When Yamamoto Ran Wild, the Pacific War from Pearl Harbor to Midway, to be released in the summer of 2024. He is currently writing the definitive account of the Lincoln Assassination, entitled Tyrannicide – The True Story of Booth and Lincoln. Carlson established FUNspeakable in 2009 and has given lectures for several local organizations, adult communities and schools.

Get a copy today of this award-winning book.

NLS BARD catalog #75126; approximate reading time ten hours (2011).

The book is also available from Amazon and Kindle:

https://tinyurl.com/yksvv7aa

Our members recommended this book, and we’re thrilled that Mark can join us!

To help keep us in touch and encourage conversations in the virtual world, we’ve created a new email listserv just for the Guide Dog Book Club community. That’s right, we have a listserv dedicated to our book discussions. Please check it out.

To subscribe to the list, send a blank email to

guidedogbookclub+subscribe@groups.io

Or request an invitation to be sent to your inbox by emailing

guidedogbookclub@gmail.com.

We can’t wait to share more information with you, so get those people-paws tapping on your computer or smartphone and sign up! We would also appreciate it if you could share this announcement with other guide dog handlers, puppy raisers, GDMIs, guide dog program staff, and family and friends who support the partnership between humans and guide dogs.

We appreciate you spreading the word. Everyone is welcome to join. Whether you’re a graduate, puppy raiser, or friend of the guide dog community, we’d love for all interested folks to be a part of this engaging group. We’re looking forward to another informative club discussion.

Please let us know if you have any questions. Until we chat again, happy reading and wagging,

Guiding Eyes Graduate Council

gebgradcouncil@gmail.com

From Jane-

The purest bond: understanding the human-canine connection. (DB118582)

Written & read by Jen Golbeck.

For many of us who’ve grown up with pets or spent many years loving & handling Guide Dogs (Dog guides) many of these short, clear chapters seem redundant. However, as life goes on, our dog with human relationships can, often do, grow deeper & positively stronger. I do not – I hope you do not – take these connecting bonds for granted.

Enjoy perusing these succinct reminders of how connections grow & adapt & matter.

NLS Annotation- “Dogs have been considered people’s best friend for thousands of years, but never has the relationship between humans and their canine companions been as vitally important as it is today. With all of the seismic shifts in today’s world, rates of anxiety and depression have been skyrocketing, and people have been turning to their dogs for solace and stability. Amidst these dire realities, something wonderful has taken shape. In the United States alone, dog adoptions doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people have brought furry friends into their lives for the first time or seized this opportunity to deepen the connections they already have, they are looking to understand how owning a dog can change their lives. Now, The Purest Bond explores the benefits our dogs can have on our physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being, often without our realizing it. Weaving together groundbreaking research and touching real-life stories, The Purest Bond explores not just the social benefits of owning a dog but the science of how dogs improve our emotional and physical health, mental acuity, and our ability to focus and absorb information. Most importantly, they remind us of what’s right in the world-love, trust, affection, playtime, fresh air, and sunshine-even when so much feels wrong.”

Provided by publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

From Shirley Manning & Bonifay-

Hello All,

As I sit out classes and walks due to atmospheric rivers of rain here

in Southern California, I finished reading a book recently posted to

BARD. I will include one additional on cats by the same author that Ii have not read, just for fun. The book on dogs is narrated by one of my

favorites – Andy Pyle.

The author writes with a delightful wit and very keen understanding of

what he obviously carefully researched on dogs. I highly recommend

reading the appendices as they are a continuation of the story.

Enjoy, & Safe Travels

Dogs: a natural history DB66357

By Jake Page

Reading time: 6 hours, 29 minutes.

Read by Andy Pyle, A production of the National Library Service for the Blind

and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Animals and Wildlife

NLS Annotation- Author of In the Hands of the Great Spirit: The 20,000-year History of

American Indians (RC 56097) traces sixty million years of canine

evolution. Discusses wild relatives such as wolves and the process of

domestication. Describes dog behavior, communication, and intelligence

and ponders the relationship between dogs and humans. 2007.

Do cats hear with their feet?: where cats come from, what we know

about them, and what they think about us DB69204

By Jake Page

Reading time: 6 hours, 21 minutes.

Read by Patrick Downer, A production of the National Library Service for the

Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Animals and Wildlife

NLS Annotation- Science editor and cat owner discusses feline behavior, acute senses,

and relationships with humans. Reflects on humans’ attitudes toward

cats, specifically black ones. Appendices provide owners with

information about potential health problems in certain breeds and

cover the cat-food debate of soft versus dry. 2008.

Braille Forum Volume LXII • March 2024 • No. 9

ACB Women’s Committee Breast Cancer Support Group

Your life can change in a moment. In the “before” time, you could merely be coming in for your annual breast exam and just be sitting in the exam room, waiting to hear the results. Then a nurse appears to escort you to a different room.

“We’ve found something that looks suspicious in your left breast. To be more certain about it, we’ll need to do a biopsy.”

Just hearing the word “biopsy” starts you on an anxious journey of uncertainty and fear. And when you finally hear the words, “You have breast cancer,” you are fully aware that life will never be the same.

Thus begins your new life with cancer. In very short order, you’ll be introduced to a confusing medical vocabulary, multiple care providers, and asked to make challenging decisions about your health very quickly.

And because you are blind or have low vision, you’ll be navigating additional challenges. These could include inaccessible paperwork and patient portals and uninformed care providers, who know little or nothing about blindness.

At times like these, you may be able to rely on the support of family members, good friends and willing coworkers. In addition, a local cancer support group may be available to you. And yet, as a woman who is blind or has low vision, you are still undergoing a very unique experience.

You are invited to join a very special breast cancer support group, sponsored by the ACB Women’s Committee. Since December of 2008, our group has welcomed women who are blind or have low vision, at every stage of their breast cancer journey.

We meet for 90 minutes on the evening of the first Tuesday of each month. Since the beginning, the conversations have been led by the same two social work professionals, who, along with the participants, create a safe and confidential space for sharing your concerns and questions about cancer as well as life beyond cancer treatment.

And now, after 15 years, the group members have chosen to welcome blind women who have been diagnosed with any other gynecological cancers, including uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer, to join us. We want to share the support we have given and received with our sisters in this expanded community.

So, if you, or someone you know and love, has one of these diagnoses, please reach out to the group leaders for more details. They are:

Linda Porelle, lmporelle@gmail.com

Lori Scharff, lorischarff@gmail.com

Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)

“Opening Doors to Independence and Opportunity”

Announcement- En-Vision America is Now Sponsoring New History Channel on Social Media

We’re excited to announce “TheGoodleDays,” brought to you by En-Vision America! Tune into the new History Channel and tell us what you think!

Watch TheGoodleDays on YouTube

Watch TheGoodleDays on TikTok

Watch TheGoodleDays on Instagram

Watch TheGoodleDays Facebook

En-Vision America, Inc.

825 4th St W

Palmetto, FL 34221-5013

Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom? (It’s not as weird as you think)

So what’s behind this canine behavior, and is it a bad thing? We looked into this funny phenomenon and what it means to your dog.

Read in PawTracks: https://apple.news/AaEapbuNbT1aVWmVJh9Z6Ug

Shared from Apple News

My dog follows me to the bathroom? (It’s not as weird as you think)

Your dog has a reason for this behavior

Gabrielle LaFrank

By Gabrielle LaFrank

February 10, 2024

A black and brown dog stands in a bathroom with their paws on the toilet

NewAfrica / Adobe Stock

If you’re wondering, “Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?” — you’re certainly not alone. Most pet parents are used to having a four-legged shadow no matter what room in the house they’re in, but making eye contact with your dog while you’re on the pot can feel a little bit strange. So what’s behind this canine behavior, and is it a bad thing?

Contents

Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?

What to do when your dog follows you to the bathroom

We’ve looked into this funny phenomenon and what it means to your dog, and it turns out that it’s not as strange as you think. Remember — your pup has a very different way of viewing the world, so while having company in the restroom may seem odd to you, your dog doesn’t think twice about it.

Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?

Even though you often (if not every time) accompany your dog on their potty breaks, it’s not likely that your dog is returning the favor. In fact, your pup may have zero idea what you’re doing on the porcelain throne, even if they do seem curious about any smells or sounds. After all, dogs’ noses and ears are exponentially more sensitive than humans’, so it’s only natural if they pick up on something going on. But, odds are, that’s not why they followed you there.

Your dog feels attached to you and wants to go where you go

Many dogs enjoy being around their people, no matter what room they’re in. Think about it — if your dog follows you from the bedroom to the living room, why wouldn’t they follow you to the bathroom? Dogs have no sense of privacy in the same way people do, so they don’t know that restrooms are normally meant for one.

Your dog may be dealing with separation anxiety

Sometimes, though, a dog’s following can be a little too much. If your dog seems desperate to be with you at all times, they could be dealing with a case of separation anxiety. When this happens, a dog becomes especially distressed when away from their owner, so they may scratch at the bathroom door or demand to follow you inside. Whether that works for you is up to you.

It’s time for a walk, meal, or playtime

Sometimes, your dog wants your attention for a reason. Maybe it’s time for dinner, or you’re a bit late for your daily walk — your four-legged friend will be sure to let you know. In this case, your dog may not lie down on the bathroom floor and mind their own business. They’ll probably be waiting for you eagerly, which could result in an impatient doggie during longer restroom visits.

Your pup is curious or bored

Sometimes, it’s as simple as curiosity or boredom. Your dog might be interested in the sounds and smells coming from the bathroom, or they may just be looking for something to do.

What to do when your dog follows you to the bathroom

If you don’t mind the company, you don’t need to do anything at all. Some dogs will simply curl up on the floor until it’s time to follow you to the next room, but other pups may try to sit on your lap, bring you a toy, or get into trouble in the bathroom. If this is the case, you may consider changing things up.

Closing the door is enough to give some pet parents privacy, but for dogs with separation anxiety, this can take time. Be sure not to reward the behavior by giving your dog attention when they follow you to the bathroom. This is when obedience training can come in handy, too. Using a command like “stay” followed by a motivating reward can be a wonderful training tool.

Now that you know why your dog follows you to the bathroom, you can make the best decisions for you and your pet. Whether you mind the company, you deserve to do your business in peace.

Why does my dog smell like Fritos? It’s weird, but there could be an underlying health issue

Why your dog’s feet smell like corn chips and what to do

BethAnn Mayer

By BethAnn Mayer

February 8, 2024

A dog’s nose knows. Dogs’ noses have more than 300,000 olfactory receptors, making them a powerful tool for canines as they explore their world. The nose is also an indicator of health. Yet, what if your nose picks up a smell that seems suspicious? Specifically, you may be wondering, “Why does my dog smell like Fritos?”

Contents

Why does my dog smell like Fritos?

Should I be concerned if my dog’s feet smell like Fritos?

How to care for your dog’s paws

Takeaway

If you had some corn chips recently and shared them with your dog (or they helped themselves), there’s your answer. However, perhaps you’re more of a Cheetos kind of person or prefer to get your crunchy fix with something sweet, like fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. The answer is less obvious. You may smell a trip to the vet coming. Are your instincts on track? Maybe. Here’s why your dog’s paws might smell like Fritos and what to do about it.

Why does my dog smell like Fritos?

These breeds include:

Bulldogs

Pugs

Golden retrievers

Saint Bernards

Sometimes, food allergies can exacerbate paw issues, too.

Should I be concerned if my dog’s feet smell like Fritos?

Not necessarily. While “Bacteria” sounds scary, dogs with paws that smell strangely like a favorite game-day snack like Fritos are often just fine. However, the microorganisms can multiply and cause a variety of issues, including pain and infections. You’ll want to get the vet on the line any time you’re concerned. However, you’ll definitely want to get a call into the vet if your dog’s Frito-smelling paws combine with any of the below symptoms:

Redness

Signs of pain, such as limping or yelping

Licking

Bumps on the paws

If you take your pup to the vet, the doctor will test the yeast to determine the cause. If the cause is proteus, the vet might:

Run additional tests, such as for food allergies

Prescribe medicated topical treatments like sprays, shampoos, or wipes

Switch your dog’s diet to a specialized one to eliminate allergens

How to care for your dog’s paws

Prevention is the best medicine — cliche but true. Though you can’t control every aspect of your dog’s risk factors for proteus, such as breed, you can take some steps to ensure your pup’s paws are well cared for. Some of these steps will also flag paw issues before they get worse and lead to pain and infections. Unfortunately, pet parents don’t always notice a dog is having paw problems until the pup is in pain or limping. Proper paw care includes:

Regular inspection of paws. Take a look at your dog’s paw pads, including the area between the toes, daily as you cuddle to inspect for any issues.

Clip nails. Regular clipping can prevent pain and give bacteria less room to grow.

Wipe paws. Wipe and dry a dog’s paws after water exposure, including baths. Since bacteria thrive in moist environments, this step can help ward off these pesky microorganisms.

Takeaway

The smell is most common between toes, with less air circulation. Though not always the case, a dog with paws that smell like Fritos could have an infection. You’ll want to call the vet if you’re concerned, especially if the dog is excessively licking the area, limping, or has bumps or redness on their paws. Regular inspection of a pet’s paws, clipping nails, and wiping wet feet can prevent bacteria from growing and help you get your furry friend the help they need sooner.

XXX

IMPORTANT Editor’s note- announcements and articles, for GDUI- News You Can Use, are culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies their contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use

Visit our web site: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Our Facebook page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Our Facebook group can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Our Twitter timeline can be accessed at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

Download or subscribe to the GDUI Juno Report podcast here: http://acbradio.org/gdr.xml

Support GDUI when you use this link to shop at Amazon.com:

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1871119.

To join the GDUI-Announce List, visit this link: http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/gdui-announce.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use! – VOL. IV, NO. 1, February 2024 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

guidedogusersinc.org

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the Editor

Hello fellow GDUISters

I am finding it difficult to wrap my head around the fact that the first month of 2024 is behind me! Having the year already barreling away from me at

top speed is not an overly comforting feeling, I assure you!

Presenting the first issue of Paws of 2024 is, on the other hand, a great feeling! This one is rich with announcements. Wait… before you get all snarly,

there are also articles, a couple of opportunities to help with research, a nod to the most popular blind guy in February (Cupid), and more!

I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to contribute to our publication: Share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your

local paper; something you wrote yourself or written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about

guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to us, GDUISters!

With Cupid in mind, give your pups extra smooches on their fuzzy noses, right between their lovely eyes!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President

Greetings GDUI members and friends,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with your family, friends and your four legged furry partner! 2024 began with some frigid and extreme cold weather across the country making it necessary for us to search our closets for our heaviest coats, hats, gloves, scarves and booties for our dogs!

Good news! On February 2nd Ground Hogs Day, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow predicting an early spring! It won’t be long until we can take a walk

with our guide dogs and enjoy the sun, fresh air, listening to the birds and the beautiful music of nature!

GDUI’s first 2024 board meeting was held on January 27th. We were happy to welcome new board and committee chairpersons, GDUI is definitely off to a

great start! Check your emails for updates, progress on the proposed emergency veterinarian care program, convention details, community calls and much

more!

If you have not renewed your membership, please do it today! You can renew by visiting our website

Home – Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) (guidedogusersinc.org)

Or, call our office manager Lynn Merrill at 866.799.8436, to pay your annual dues of only $15.00. We appreciate your support.

Just think, spring is only 6 weeks away! I hope Punxsutawney Phil is correct!

Happy tails and trails!

Sarah Calhoun & retired LD Lakota

Notice: Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) stands in solidarity with Blind Pride, International (BPI)

On February 3, 2024, the Board of GDUI voted unanimously to release the following statement.

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) stands in solidarity with Blind Pride, International (BPI)as they plan to hold a rally in Jacksonville, FL, to express appreciation for the many steps that city has taken to honor and uphold the human rights to which we are all entitled, regardless of disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, class, aptitude, or status. Many members of GDUI are also members and allies of Blind Pride, International, and We, who rely on our guide dogs for independence and safe travel through the built environment, understand how it feels to face discrimination when we seek opportunities for housing, transportation, employment, health care, entertainment and recreation. We firmly believe that justice denied to any one of us is equivalent to denying justice to all of us. We urge our members who will be in Jacksonville on July 8, 2024, to attend the rally, and to speak up on behalf of equality of opportunity and safety for all of us. Like BPI, GDUI is an organization that advocates for the civil rights of our members. Civil rights are human rights. We applaud BPI for their courage and strength of conviction, and we are proud to join in solidarity with them.

For Your Calendar

(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off)

Wednesday, 2/7/2024: The Affordable Connectivity Program stops accepting new applications and enrollments

www.fcc.gov/acp

Thursday, 2/8/2024 from 7:00PM to 8:00PM , ET: Many Faces of BARD

Using BARD on Your Smart Speaker: A Demonstration.

Saturday, 2/10/202, 4:00 PM, ET to 6:00 PM,ET; 1:00 PM, PT to 3:00 PM, PT: AAVL 25TH Anniversary Party!

Friday, 3/1/24: Nomination deadline for Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards

https://www.viscardicenter.org/henry-viscardi-achievement-awards/

Friday, 3/1/2024 through Tuesday, 3/5/2024: 2024 ACB Leadership Conference! (hybrid event)

Monday, 4/1/24: IdeaSpark application deadline

https://www.viscardicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Entrepreneur-Flyer-A.pdf)

Wednesday, 4/5/2024: Application deadline for The ACB JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows Award

Saturday, 6/1/2024 the Carroll Center’s Walk for Independence! Registration is Open

An in-person/virtual event

Questions: 617-969-6200 x237,

e-mail: development@carroll.org

Friday, June 14, 2024: Blindness and Mental Health Summit

Announcement: Affordable Connectivity Program Winding Down

On February 7, 2024 the Affordable Connectivity Program will stop accepting new applications and enrollments. Consumers must be approved and enrolled with

a service provider 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February 7 to receive the ACP benefit.

Without additional funding from Congress, the FCC anticipates that the current ACP funding is projected to run out in April 2024. This date is an estimate

and may change. As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down the ACP, which means:

No new ACP enrollments will be accepted after February 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Households that enrolled with an ACP internet company before February 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM, ET will continue to receive their ACP benefit

until ACP funds run out, as long as the household remains enrolled and eligible for the benefit.

When ACP funds run out, households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts.

For more information, visit

The FCC is Taking Steps to Wind Down the Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission

Announcement: NLS program on 2/8/24

The topic for the February 8, 2024, Many Faces of BARD program will be Using BARD on Your Smart Speaker: A Demonstration. The program will begin at 7:00

p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded.

The session will begin with a brief presentation. The remainder of the time will be spent answering questions about the presentation or other questions

related to BARD usage.

How to Attend the Program

Use any of the following options to attend The Many Faces of BARD Program.

To join by computer, use the Many Faces of BARD Zoom link.
To join using one-tap mobile, select either of the following numbers: +16692545252,,1611366454# or +16468287666,,1611366454#
To join by telephone, dial any of the following numbers: (669) 254-5252 or (646) 828-7666. When prompted for the meeting ID, enter: 161 136 6454

Information about this Many Faces of BARD program as well as links to recordings of previous programs can be accessed at The Many Faces of BARD web page.

Announcement: AAVL 25TH Anniversary Party

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, ET, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, PT

Do you remember the first episode of “Sponge Bob Square Pants”?

The Pokémon craze?

The TV show, “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire”?

The 3rd Harry Potter book?

The Britney Spears scandal?

They all happened 25 years ago, – 1999.

It was also that year when the American Council of the Blind’s Board of Directors voted to approve the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss as a new affiliate.

And it happened on Valentines Day, February 14, 1999.

We will be celebrating this momentous occasion with a fun-filled two-hour Zoom call celebration on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 4 to 6 PM, ET .

Folks will share their reflections and memories of the early years of AAVL and of its dynamic founder and first president, Teddie-Joy Remhild.

We will also talk about our exciting advocacy initiatives on behalf of older people with vision loss, our weekly support group, our web resource lists,

our monthly community calls and much more. Plus, we will announce the three $50 winners of our 2024 membership drawing prizes!

We’ll also be giving away door prizes every 20 minutes. You definitely want to be there.

Zoom and ACB Media info will follow later.

Announcement: ACB Advocacy Regarding Hetlioz, Non-24

ACB is engaging in some advocacy surrounding the medication, Hetlioz, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, and the non-24 sleep-wake disorder.

If you, or someone you know, have non-24, have had experience with Hetlioz, and would be willing to assist in our advocacy, please email Kim Charlson at-

kimcharlson@acb.org.

Announcement: Join the Pack!

Can you help? Pine Tree Guide Dog Users is seeking Facebook fans to help build awareness about living and working with a guide dog. Please like, love, and share our posts at www.facebook.com/ptgdu. If you wish to learn more about who we are and what we do, or to financially support our work, please visit us on our website at www.PineTreeGuideDogUsers.org. Hope to see you on Facebook!

Announcement: Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Nominations Being Accepted

(Digital Accessibility Advisor – January 2024)

The Viscardi Center is proud to announce nominations for the international 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards are now being accepted. The Awards are

in honor of the Center’s world-renowned founder, Dr. Henry Viscardi Jr., a premier advocate who implemented groundbreaking education and employment programs.

The Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards recognize leaders, visionaries, and role models with disabilities making societal change. Nominations may be submitted

until March 1, 2024.

To learn more, go to

https://www.viscardicenter.org/henry-viscardi-achievement-awards/

Studies and Surveys

Researchers Need Your Help

We are researchers from the Center for Accessibility and Inclusion Research at the Rochester Institute of Technology and TU Dublin conducting a research

survey on the use of accessibility overlays. We are seeking insights from blind and low-vision computer users who are 18 years or older, about experiences

using accessibility overlays. We are offering a raffle of $100 to a winner drawn from up to 2,000 survey respondents.

Accessibility Overlays are a broad term for technologies that aim to improve the accessibility of a website. Some claim to fix any problems in the site’s

code that are preventing assistive technology from being used easily. Examples include AccessiBe, UserWay and EqualWeb. If you have used accessibility

overlays, you may qualify for this study.

Survey link:

https://rit.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2sG2yZYSVEqhUcm

For more information, contact Tlamelo Makati at

txmgbl@rit.edu.

Help Us Improve the Website Accessibility of a Popular Restaurant Chain!

We’re a team of three master’s students – Joyce, Kayla, and Sofia – from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. We’re reaching out to individuals

with diverse visual abilities to participate in a user experience interview focused on the accessibility of a popular restaurant’s website.

We’re specifically looking for participants who are blind and participants with low vision to take part in a 60-minute interview. All you need to do is

browse the restaurant’s website on your smartphone or computer, using any assistive technology tools you normally use, while we observe and ask

questions. Our interview sessions will be recorded. The recordings will be deleted promptly after our research concludes, to ensure confidentiality.

Are you interested in sharing your thoughts on potential challenges and frustrations in the website’s menu design? Your participation and invaluable feedback

will positively impact the experience of all individuals with visual impairments who use this website. We will compensate you $25 for your time! If interested,

please fill out the brief form linked below, and one of our team members will contact you to schedule a convenient interview time if you qualify for our

study.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd74b13NyscbHlHKQzO2y13yk1LnH4Ju7qlohKPQ03lCC9A4w/viewform

If you have questions, contact Sofia Sandoval at 818.964.8942, or via email,

smsandov@usc.edu

Article – Meet VMA: The app that’s going to forever change how blind people do their make Up!

Voice-enabled Makeup Assistant is here—and Cosmo chatted with four of the app’s users

BY BETH GILLETTEPUBLISHED- Cosmopolitan, 20 DECEMBER 2023

[From: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a46186599/estee-lauder-voice-enabled-makeup-assistant/]

InnovatVoice-enabled Makeup Assistant (VMA), a voice-enabled app, helps people with vision loss and blindness check their makeup

For those with low vision or blindness, putting on makeup is typically a two-person job. Sure, you can learn to dab on concealer or blend out your bronzer

with a couple of #GetReadyWithMe TikToks (that is, if the creator talks out their steps versus just overlaying an ~aesthetic~ Mitski song or “My BFF dated

my ex” story time). But to make sure your foundation is fully blended and your eyeliner isn’t smudged, you’re likely going to need to ask someone for help—whether

it be a family member, friend, or literal stranger—and just hope they give you an honest answer. This is obviously less than ideal, and it gave Estée Lauder

Companies an idea: Voice-enabled Makeup Assistant (VMA), a voice-enabled app to help people with vision loss and blindness check their makeup application.

“We identified that there was a huge accessibility gap in the beauty industry for those with disabilities, specifically for individuals who are low vision

and blind,” says Lamia Drew, global inclusive technology director at Estée Lauder Companies. So, after years of research, interviews, and testing done

in tandem with people in the low-vision and blind communities, Estée Lauder launched VMA in January 2023. “Many people told us that when they put on makeup,

they would have to send a selfie to a person that they trusted to give them honest feedback,” Drew explains. “The consistent theme really was that many

people in this community felt like their makeup routine created a dependence on others and we want VMA to change that.”

Essentially, VMA uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality to analyze the makeup on the user’s face entirely through voice prompts. So, after

you brush your foundation on, you can ask the app to check your face to make sure it’s blended down your jawline or around your temples. Or if you swipe

on lipstick, you can ask the app to check if there’s a smudge after sipping on your coffee. Consider it a brutally honest best friend who’s always on call

to check your look.

Nearly a year after its debut on the app store, VMA has over 1,100 downloads in the U.S. and over 1,700 downloads in the UK. Four women with varying levels

of vision who’ve been testing and working on the app since the initial development phase told Cosmopolitan how this technology has changed their makeup

routines, and in turn, their lives. Keep reading for their stories in their own words.

Emily Eagle

I’m a third-year law student in Austin, Texas, hoping to pursue disability rights. I lost my vision when I was 5 years old, so I’ve been blind pretty much

my whole life, yet I’ve been wearing makeup for nearly a decade. It’s a way to present myself to other people, but it’s also a ritual for me every morning.

I find doing my makeup very grounding before I have to start my day.

Before the app, I always had one foundation, one bronzer, one blush, and one highlighter. I never experimented because I live alone and had to have a routine

nailed down that I always knew worked for me. I had to be really familiar with a product to use it well, to the point that I would memorize how many times

I tapped my brush on the powder and how many swipes it took on my face. Otherwise, I needed so much feedback from people to tell me what looked good and

what looked symmetrical.

“I can finally go to the bathroom and check how my makeup looks by myself—for the very first time.”

When I started using the app after working with an organization called Disability:In, makeup stopped being just a ritualistic moment for me—it also became

a form of creativity. I love bright red lipstick, but I would only ever do it when I had somebody to check it—plus, I needed someone who would be with

me throughout the day to continue to check it to make sure it wasn’t smeared or faded. I also love eyeshadow, but I basically just never did it because

it was too risky—even if I get one eye good, how do I know the other eye matches? Now, it’s fun to be able to be creative with makeup and try out new techniques

and shades. And I can finally go to the bathroom midday and check how my makeup looks by myself—for the very first time in my life.

These days, I see a TikTok suggesting smudging a brown eyeshadow on your lash line to make brown eyes pop. Before, I would have thought, Sound cool, but

can’t try it. Now, I’m able to play around and figure it out with the app. Being able to participate in these fun things I see on TikTok, an app I’m constantly

scrolling on, has been everything. It’s empowering to finally feel so independent.

Hannah Chadwick

I strive to be as independent as I can with everything that I do. So when I got the chance to help develop this app all the way in Colorado Springs, Colorado,

I was so excited. It’s super incredible to just have something like this out there. A real game-changer.

I think back to when I was in high school and first became interested in makeup. I’d experiment, but certain products like lipstick were challenging. Overall,

the hardest part of makeup for me is that I’d have to get people to check it every single time. The older I get, the less I care about it, but when I was

younger, I was so easily embarrassed, so I would never want to go out with weird, blotchy makeup. I just remember spending so much time in the bathroom

doing my makeup and then getting frustrated and just asking someone else to do it. Ultimately, makeup was time-consuming and deflating, and I felt like

I just couldn’t do it myself. That was something that really bothered me. It felt like it went against my entire definition of independence.

“Now I do my makeup just like everybody else. And I feel good about it.”

Now, with VMA, it will hopefully minimize the logistics and stress of applying makeup for a lot of low-vision people. When I am more independent and can

do my makeup myself, I can go out with so much more confidence. Like, I did my makeup just like everybody else. And I feel good about it! That’s a huge

part of self-confidence for me.

The app has gone through so many rounds of reviews and testing, and it’s been really cool to experience them develop it right in front of me as I provide

feedback. For example, at first, I didn’t love the voice; I use synthesized voices pretty much every single day, so I think it’s important to hear a voice

that sounds pleasant. And in the next update, the voice was different—not overly positive or fake-sounding.

And now, I think the more I use this app, the more I trust that it works well and the more comfortable I feel going out with makeup and feeling good about

whether it’s blending, missing spots or getting mascara on my cheeks, the app is always able to help with those and give me feedback to fix it. It

adds a new layer of independence not having to rely on others. Just get the app out, put on your makeup, get a check, and then you’re done. It’s really

leveling the playing field.

I’m an athlete and always working out and sweating, so I don’t wear much makeup these days, but I love that I have the option and picture myself using

the app when I go to a work conference or when I go to the Paralympics. I can do my makeup and go stand on the world stage and feel confident being independent.

Like, I think that’d be cool.

Follow Hannah on INSTAGRAM-

https://www.instagram.com/hannahsonthego/

Esha Khator

I’m a college student in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area, and I have low vision due to my albinism. Everything to me is like watching a super

low-res YouTube video. I love art, and I’ve always been curious about makeup because I saw it as another art form. But it just seemed difficult for me

because I don’t have the best hand-eye coordination when trying to see what’s on my face. Getting really close in a mirror doesn’t help. So if I wanted

to wear makeup for parties or events, my mom would help me. And now that I’m in college, my roommate helps.

So I didn’t really wear makeup aside from special events because it felt too complicated. But when I came to college, I realized getting ready was part

of the fun experience. I started feeling a little left out because I didn’t really know how to do makeup, especially by myself. Disability:In sent out

an email looking for low-vision people with an interest in makeup. I reached out, started beta-testing the app, and have used it ever since.

The app has encouraged me to start branching out and trying makeup on my own without having to ask for help. I can do it for myself and choose my own colours,

feeling more confident that I’m going out looking nice. VMA has encouraged me to wear makeup more, honestly. Now it’s part of my going-out routine. I open

up the app, and I’ll throw on a little lip gloss, maybe touch up my spots, or even swipe on some glitter. Glitter eyeshadow is the best thing ever.

“No one wants to be told that something isn’t for them.”

When I open the app, it tells me the order to put on my makeup. So I’ll start by putting on foundation myself, then ask the app to scan my face to tell

me if there are any spots I missed or if it doesn’t look symmetrical. Then, I’ll touch it up and ask again, repeating that loop until it says my foundation

is good. I move on to eyeshadow or lipstick following the same process: Zoom in, ask if it looks okay, and receive feedback on what needs to be fixed.

It gives me so much independence, especially when I’m going out with friends and we can all get ready at the same time. I don’t always have to ask them

to check over my makeup.

A lot of people tend to feel like those who are blind or have low vision wouldn’t care about art, makeup or movies. But no one wants to be told that something

isn’t for them. Being able to participate in something that’s typically only been considered as a sighted thing makes me feel hopeful and really happy.

Follow Esha on INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/etherspayce/?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Robin Mayr

I was born three months early, which led to retinopathy of prematurity. Currently, I have no sight in my left eye and very, very little sight in my right

eye. But I’m a trooper. I’m a retired social worker living in Hauppauge, New York, and I stopped working to help my daughter with my grandson when he was

diagnosed with autism. During the pandemic, I felt like I needed to keep busy and do more, so I joined a chapter of the National Federation of the Blind

where I met a woman who was involved in the VMA beta testing.

I was excited. I was hopeful. Even if the app didn’t work, it’d be a star just for existing. Because finally, there’s a beauty company that understands

that people with disabilities are people and that beauty is not what you put on your face, it’s about what gives you confidence and empowers you. So I

thought, Well, this app, if it does nothing else but empower people who have disabilities to say, “I’m worth it,” then it’s a beautiful thing.

“Beauty is not just about what you put on your face. It’s about what gives you confidence and empowers you.”

It makes me feel proud that it exists. I’m proud to say that I feel included. It’s an inclusion thing for me, like somebody is finally seeing people with

visual disabilities. We’re no longer invisible and we’re no longer thought of as people who wouldn’t care to wear makeup.

Don’t forget to download the app HERE (Alert- this App is available only on the APP Store)

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/voice-enabled-makeup-assistant/id1638156284

Announcement: Tax Time Approaches

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is conducting a pilot program for its new free Direct File Service for paying taxes. They are looking for ACB members

to test out the program and provide feedback on its accessibility and usability with assistive technology.

The pilot is operating in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee,

Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Participants will be compensated for their time. To learn more, visit:

https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/strategic-plan/direct-file

Interested participants can contact Swatha Nandhakumar, ACB’s Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, at:

snandhakumar@acb.org

Valentine’s Day Humor: Appreciate us pups!!

(submitted by Toto)

Some call it a Hallmark holiday while others just call it hell. Valentine’s Day brings high-stakes expectations no matter your relationship status. If

Cupid’s arrow has left you feeling more peeved than passionate this year, why not look to another species to find your Valentine?

10 reasons dogs make better valentines than humans do.

Dogs don’t need flowers

If you’ve ever been walking your dog when they’ve stopped to smell the roses, you know that while humans see these flowers as a symbol of love, dogs see

them as just another thing to pee on. If your Valentine is of the canine variety, consider yourself (and your bank account) lucky. No dog is sitting at

home waiting for their human to come bursting in with a dozen overpriced, long-stemmed toilets.

They won’t buy you chocolate

If your New Year’s resolution involved cutting extra calories, a heart-shaped box of sugary chocolates isn’t exactly welcome a month and a half later.

Some of us are still working off the results of the junk-food frenzy also known as the holiday season, and would really rather get some puppy kisses than

chocolate kisses at this point. Even if our pups could walk to the store to purchase a V-Day present, they wouldn’t pick out something we’ve repeatedly

told them is poison.

They’re easy to please in the kitchen

Attempting to get to a human Valentine’s heart through their stomach can be a recipe for disaster. A home- cooked meal can be the highlight of the night,

but it’s so hard to get right, especially if you’re used to cooking for canine companions with less discerning tastes. Not all of us have the culinary

skills to wow a human date, but it’s guaranteed our dogs will love us even if the can opener is the only kitchen tool we’ve mastered.

No reservations required

If you’re the kind of cook only a dog could love, restaurant reservations are definitely required to impress a human date. It doesn’t matter if you’re

going to spend 20 bucks on a heart-shaped pizza or drop some serious dough at a fancy five-star restaurant — you need to book way ahead or risk ending

up in the drive-thru. Of course, if your dog is your date this V-Day, don’t stress. they’ll totally love a car ride and a value menu cheese-burger.

Pups don’t care what you wear

Choosing a dog as your date this Valentine’s Day also means you can say you’re going to slip into something more comfortable and actually mean it. Forget

about lingerie or silk ties — your pup loves it when you wear your fur-covered sweat pants. To add extra excitement to your evening, pull your dog-walking

jacket out of the closet, and you’ll have your pooch panting in no time.

You know what they want

Your dog’s expectations on Valentine’s Day are the same as they are any other day of the year — they want you to come home, feed them, play with them,

walk them, and cuddle them! Having a doggie date is so much simpler than dealing with a human honey. You never have to worry that your heartfelt but inexpensive

gift will be met with an extravagant present and a disappointed date. Dogs know that J.Lo was right — love don’t cost a thing (but that doesn’t mean your

pup wouldn’t appreciate a new chew toy).

Their presents aren’t pricey

Bones and balls are so much cheaper than diamonds and wristwatches, and thanks to the billion-dollar pet industry, dog lovers have near infinite choices

when it comes to showing low-cost love for a canine Valentine. From blinged-out collars to heart-shaped satin beds, there are limitless ways to pamper

your Valentine on a limited budget. Best of all, no dog is going to ask for a gift receipt.

They’ll definitely go to bed with you

For many, the big question on a Valentine’s Day date is this: Will I be spending the night alone? Many people in long-term relationships have found themselves

in the proverbial dog house after picking up a last-minute Valentine’s Day card at the gas station, but a dog would never banish you to the couch just

because you bought their treats at the last minute. They’re just happy to be in the bed in the first place.

Dogs don’t see red — or pink

If the typical Valentine’s Day color scheme of red and pink makes you want to puke, don’t worry — a doggie date won’t care if you choose to forgo the traditional

hues on your night together. After all, our pups can’t even perceive pink, so go against tradition, and consider getting your best friend something in

shades of blue or brown. I guarantee you they didn’t have their little doggie heart set on a color they can’t even see.

They just love us unconditionally

Dogs are everything a good Valentine is supposed to be. They’re devoted, adoring, and never late for a date. While a dog won’t be Instagramming your romantic

Valentine’s Day carriage ride or popping the question over champagne, their commitment to you can’t be questioned. They say diamonds are forever, but the

love of a dog is even stronger and worth more than the fanciest sparkler in the jewelry store.

Announcement: Scholarships Available!

Calling All Aspiring Students!

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) offers educational scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $7,500 to eligible applicants: legally blind, maintaining

a 3.0 GPA (required for most scholarships), be a full-time student or a part-time student who works at least 32 hours per week, and be involved in their

school and local community. This program is intended to help students with educational financial needs such as tuition, fees, room and board and assistive

technology, and is geared toward entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate students, and students attending technical college.

The application deadline is February 14, 2024. For more information about ACB’s scholarship program, visit-

http://www.acb.org/scholarships

Announcement: Changes at Hadley

In the coming weeks, we will be changing our web and email addresses from Hadley.edu to HadleyHelps.org. We needed to make this move as our scope has expanded

beyond academics.

HadleyHelps.org

web address already works. If you type in

Hadley.edu

by accident, you will be automatically redirected to

HadleyHelps.org

and your emails forwarded accordingly. These redirects, however, are temporary. So please update your bookmarks to the new address.

In the meantime, please know that emails from and links to

Hadley.edu

and

HadleyHelps.org

can be trusted.

If you have any questions, please contact our Help Desk:

1-800.323.4238.

I know this kind of change can be disruptive and I thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely, Julie

Julie Tye, Hadley President

jtye@email.hadley.edu

Poem: From the Poetry Foundation’s Poem of the Day

[From: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/]

My Doggy Ate My Essay- BY DARREN SARDELLI

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/145936/my-doggy-ate-my-essay?mc_cid=0aac8af567&mc_eid=2206e8d343

My doggy ate my essay.

He picked up all my mail.

He cleaned my dirty closet

and dusted with his tail.

He straightened out my posters

and swept my wooden floor.

My parents almost fainted

when he fixed my bedroom door.

I did not try to stop him.

He made my windows shine.

My room looked like a palace,

and my dresser smelled like pine.

He fluffed up every pillow.

He folded all my clothes.

He even cleaned my fish tank

with a toothbrush and a hose.

I thought it was amazing

to see him use a broom.

I’m glad he ate my essay

on “How to Clean My Room.”

Announcement: Accessible Pharmacy Services

Blindness and Prevention of Diabetes

Program Registration Now Open for Medicare and Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries

Do you have Medicare or Medicare Advantage? Join the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to get healthy and avoid type 2 diabetes! Our courses are taught

by two diabetes lifestyle coaches who are blind and one diabetes lifestyle coach who teaches the course in American Sign Language. Program is free for

Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and 100% virtual. Fill out the form below or send us an email to get started.

Available in:

Alabama
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Virginia
West Virginia

Overview:

Year-long program
100% virtual
Learn to identify and address barriers to healthy eating and physical activity through weekly peer sessions

Coming Soon! Diabetes Management Program

While this program is for individuals with pre-diabetes, we are currently building a Diabetes Management Program for individuals diagnosed with type 2

diabetes. Continue to fill out the form below if you are interested and we will get back to you with more information!

send us an email to get started:

info@AccessiblePharmacy.com

If you have any questions, please email us. (VP available upon request)

Sincerely,

Your friends at Accessible Pharmacy

Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC

1-888.633.7007

http://wwwAccessiblePharmacy.com

Article: Get Curious, Explore, Become Engaged, and Focus on Making Impactful Contributions

by Kenneth Semien Sr.

[From: The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXII • February 2024 • No. 8]

The Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee seeks to identify five curious ACB members who have demonstrated leadership potential and have an eagerness

to enhance their lives and others they meet through personalized leadership development activities. Apply to join the Class of 2024 ACB JPMorgan Chase

Leadership Fellows by completing an online application for consideration. The link to apply will be announced on various ACB lists and on the ACB website.

The ACB JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows award brings five recipients to join us in Jacksonville, Fla. for the 63rd annual ACB conference and convention

from July 5-12, 2024.

You may currently serve in a leadership role, or have served in a leadership role previously, and wish to renew your interest in engaging in the work of

ACB, your affiliate or chapter. This award could be of support; therefore, if you meet the criteria below, we invite you to learn more about and participate

in ACB’s advanced leadership development program.

To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must be age 18 or older; blind or visually impaired, and current on ACB membership dues. Applicants must

be able to travel independently, navigate the convention hotel, and request support when necessary.

Applicants will experience a 30-minute interview with a team of DKM committee members during mid-April. In addition, a letter of recommendation must be

submitted by the applicant’s state or special-interest affiliate president. Applicants are to be sure that they meet the award criteria before requesting

a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation should include the applicant’s demonstrated leadership qualities, potential, and contributions

on any level within the organization or in their local community.

The DKM program and ACB honor recipients by funding round-trip air travel and supporting transportation, hotel accommodations (double occupancy), per diem

allowance for meals and incidentals, reception, banquet tickets, the general convention registration fee, and other determined activities. Optional tours

and other fun activities are not covered by the program.

The responsibilities of each recipient include but are not limited to attending the full week of conference and convention activities from Friday, July

5 through the end of Thursday, July 11; participating in daily general sessions and the Keys to the Convention seminar, along with special-interest and

committee seminars, while making efforts to interact with ACB leaders and fellow members.

The applicant submits an online application, and the affiliate president submits a letter of recommendation to Kenneth Semien Sr.,

semien.k@outlook.com,

to be received no later than April 3rd. Recipients will be selected by the ACB president and executive director during the latter part of April. Recipients will be notified shortly thereafter. All questions should be sent to DKM Chair Kenneth Semien Sr.,

semien.k@outlook.com,

or dial (409) 866-5838.

Announcement- Registration Is Now Open for the 2024 ACB Leadership Conference!

(The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXII • February 2024 • No. 8)

ACB’s 2024 Leadership Conference will be a hybrid event.

ACB’s Board Meeting, Presidents’ Meeting, Legislative Seminar, and Capitol Hill visits will take place between Friday, March 1st, and Tuesday, March 5th,

at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, VA.

To register visit:

members.acb.org

and Log into your account, or create an account by clicking the “Create an Account” button; or call our Minnesota office at 612.332.3242, or our Virginia

office at 202.467.5081.

Once you have logged in, visit the “DC Leadership Registration” link at the top of the page.,

The room rate for the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is $149 per night, plus tax. This rate applies to any night starting on Sunday, February 25th, through

Friday, March 8th. The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is located at 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, VA 22204. To make a reservation at the Sheraton, visit

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1698415960940&key=GRP&app=resvlink,

or call 1-800.325.3535 and inform the Marriott representative that you will be attending the “ACB Leadership Seminar” to receive the group rate. The room block cutoff date is Monday, February 12, 2024. If you experience any issues booking a room, please email Kaitlyn Herrera at

kherrera@acb.org.

More details will appear in “Dots and Dashes” and on the Washington Connection, 1-800.424.8666, as well as on the ACB email lists.

Announcement: From The Viscardi Center

Aspiring Disabled Entrepreneurs – Ideaspark is Now Accepting Applications

Do You Have An Entrepreneurial Mindset?

Do You Want To Put It To The Test?

APPLY TODAY FOR THE 2024 IdeaSpark VIRTUAL PROGRAM!

A collaboration between The Viscardi Center and the Hynes Institute of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Iona University

For a second year, the IdeaSpark Program engages individuals with disabilities in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants will explore what

it takes to be an innovator and entrepreneur, by engaging in a series of activities that will let them identify an entrepreneurial opportunity and develop

a feasible business idea over a six-week period.

Embedded in the virtual program will be opportunities for participants to interact with entrepreneurs and experts in their fields, as well as partner with

Iona University students serving as Peer Mentors.

Participants will be given challenges that will help them develop and apply entrepreneurial skills in action. At a culminating Pitchfest event, they will

practice presentation skills and share aspects of their personal learning experiences, while pitching their business ideas and competing for equity-free

cash grants.

The free, fully accessible program sessions begin on May 14, 2024.

Apply at the following link by April 5, 2024.

https://www.viscardicenter.org/disability-entrepreneurship-institute/

For more information about the program and eligibility requirements, download our flyer.

https://www.viscardicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Entrepreneur-Flyer-A.pdf

From the Kennel Kitchen: Yummy!

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

[From: THE INSIGHT SCOOP, FEBRUARY 2024 Newsletter of SE CT Community Center of the Blind,

http://www.centeroftheblind.com]

1 head of cauliflower, stem removed, broken into small pieces

½ c flour

½ c water

Salt and pepper

Cooking spray

2/3 cup buffalo hot sauce

1 tbs butter

½ tsp honey

Celery sticks and ranch dip for serving

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.

In large bowl, whisk together flour, water, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat. Place on a single layer on the baking sheet

and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.

While that is baking, whisk the buffalo sauce, honey, and butter together in a bowl. Take cauliflower out of oven. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower

and toss to coat. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve immediately with celery and ranch dip. Enjoy!

Article: Can dogs have onions? An expert weighs in on how bad the vegetable is for your pup.

Clare Mulroy- USA TODAY

[From: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/01/29/can-dogs-eat-onions/72246060007/]

You’re sitting down to eat when suddenly you feel the brush of fur on your leg or the thump of a tail at your feet. It’s your dog, of course, looking irresistibly

cute and begging for a bite of your dinner.

But is it okay to “accidentally” drop a piece?

Some human foods are healthy for pups. Chicken and rice, for example, make an easily digestible choice now and then to soothe a dog’s upset stomach. Others,

like avocados, are toxic to dogs.

Here’s where onions and other similar vegetables fall on the spectrum.

Can dogs eat onions?

Onion is toxic to dogs. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives all belong to the plant genus Allium and are dangerous for dogs and cats, says Diana Watkins,

a veterinarian and owner of 143 Veterinary Services in Cohasset, Massachusetts.

Onions and garlic often fly under the radar for pet owners when it comes to toxicity, Watkins says. They may be ingredients in the chicken broth you saved

for your dog or the seasoning in a scrap they munched off the floor. Onion powder, a common seasoning, is particularly toxic because it’s more concentrated

than the raw vegetable.

Allium vegetables contain oxidizing agents that, in dogs, destroy red blood cells and make it so their organs don’t get enough oxygen. These dogs develop

hemolytic anemia, which is a low red blood cell count that causes various health complications and even death. Some dog breeds of Japanese descent, like

Akita and Shiba Inu, may have a higher risk for onion toxicity, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

How much onion is toxic to dogs?

The amount depends on your dog’s weight and size, though Watkins says it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call for professional help if you see your dog

eat any amount of onion, she advises.

“You can give (the ASPCA poison hotline) your dog’s body weight and tell them how much they ate and they will tell you right there over the phone whether

it’s a toxic level or not,” Watkins says.

What to do if your dog eats onion

If your dog ate any amount of onion contact your vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. If your dog is exhibiting signs

of anemia, bring them to your local emergency vet.

Symptoms of anemia may take three to five days to appear in your dog, according to Watkins. Keep an eye out for any of these signs:

Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea

Depression

High heart rate

High respiratory rate

Loss of appetite

Weakness or unwillingness to exercise

Pale gums

Yellow hue in the whites of the eyes

Red or brown urine

Article: New Technology for Navigating the Great Indoors

[From https://engineering.lehigh.edu/news/article/new-technology-navigating-great-indoors]

Vinod Namboodiri, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rossin College; Professor, Department of Community and Population Health,

College of Health; Director, Accessibility and Assistive Technologies (ACCESS) Research Laboratory

Lehigh University researcher Vinod Namboodiri leads team developing an app offering responsive maps and turn-by-turn directions to make indoor environments

more accessible for people with visual impairments, mobility limitations, and other challenges

For some researchers, personal experience sparks innovation.

“Since childhood, I’ve had issues seeing in low light,” says Lehigh University Professor Vinod Namboodiri. “And I always wondered about people who are

completely blind: How do they get around? So as an academic with a background in computing, wireless communications, and networks, I knew I had the skills

and the personal connection that could help me solve a problem faced by so many people with disabilities—how to confidently get from point A to point B

when inside unfamiliar spaces.”

Namboodiri, a faculty member in both the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Health, recently received funding from

the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator program to advance from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the program’s Enhancing Opportunities for Persons

with Disabilities track. The computer scientist and his team—which includes partners such as Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, the Smithsonian’s museums in

Washington, D.C., and the American Foundation for the Blind, among others—will use the three-year grant to build a prototype of a personalized, scalable

app, called MABLE (Mapping for Accessible Built Environments), that will allow people with a range of impairments to get turn-by-turn instructions when

navigating indoor environments.

The award is part of a total investment of $30 million that the NSF is spreading across six multidisciplinary research teams to develop systems, technologies,

and tools to enhance the quality of life and improve the employment opportunities of those with disabilities.

Namboodiri’s app builds upon work he began as a faculty member at Wichita State University after spending a sabbatical at Envision. The nonprofit, which

is based in Kansas and Texas, serves people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, education, research, rehabilitation, and outreach.

“While I was there, I learned about the different challenges these people faced,” he says, “and it became clear that while Google Maps and Apple Maps allowed

them to find their way outdoors fairly easily, they really struggled once they walked into a mall or into a store.”

Soon, however, he realized it wasn’t just blind or visually impaired people who had a hard time navigating these environments.

“Those who use wheelchairs often have a tough time locating the most accessible routes, like where the ramps or elevators are in a building,” he says.

“Similarly, older adults and those with cognitive impairments might get from point A to point B, but then have difficulty finding their way back to point

It became clear that people with disabilities face a lot of anxiety when they visit new spaces, and so the question became, How can we use a computing

and engineering perspective to solve some of these challenges?”

Namboodiri plans to create a smartphone way-finding app that can be personalized to the specific needs of the user. But he and his team must first overcome

two vexing problems: the absence of a universal positioning system—like the satellites that power navigation apps—and a dearth of maps for indoor spaces.

To address the former, Namboodiri deployed wireless devices called beacons within a single academic building as part of what he calls a “low-fidelity prototype”

he developed while at Wichita State.

“We spread them around the building, and smartphones connected to them through Bluetooth. So, as you got closer to them, the phone knew where you were,

and in that way, it kind of mimicked the satellite system. “Such beacons may be the answer going forward, he says, but his team is working on alternative

methods of orientation, such as using the phone’s camera or video capabilities.

“We don’t want to marry ourselves to one approach because there may be some building owners who don’t want to use beacons due to the need to add them to

existing built environments,” he says. “Camera-based approaches are increasingly viable due to greater computing capabilities, but some users do not want

to use them due to extensive smartphone battery drain. Coarser positioning schemes based on Wi-Fi and Inertial Motion Units may be sufficient for some

users, but are inadequate for those that need more precise location and associated contextual information. So, while this project started with beacons,

we’ll be pursuing a much broader range of possibilities that allows building managers to choose what they want to offer for their end-user base and users

to voice their opinion on what they prefer.”

The lack of comprehensive indoor maps poses a unique challenge. When floor plans do exist for a given building, it’s rare that they contain the level of

detail that would make them useful to those with visual, mobility, or cognitive impairments. Namboodiri and his team of collaborators plan to design scalable,

automated approaches to convert floor plans to maps and then leverage crowdsourcing to enable users to contribute the information that will make the plans

relevant to a diverse range of needs. And they’ll be available not only within the mobile app, but online as well, all in accessible formats personalizable

by a diverse set of users to their specific needs.

“The app will allow independent way finding,” he says, “but say you’re planning on going to a conference in a hotel. You’ll be able to use your web browser

to study the maps and plan out the best routes ahead of time, so when you arrive, you’ll already know where you’re going, in a sense.”

He says the long-term vision is to provide a service in which the appropriate tools, software, and algorithms are available for purchase online for owners

interested in making their buildings more accessible.

“So maybe there’s a lower cost service for owners who can do everything on their own, and a specialist service they can hire for more complex buildings,”

says Namboodiri.

That future service could also become attractive to an even wider audience, like tourists and firefighters. That’s because Vinod sees way finding as a

base layer of sorts—once you have the ability to know where you are and to get routes within a building, the potential applications are vast. Tourists

traveling abroad could use the service inside transit stations and get information on arrivals and departures in their own language. Firefighters could

navigate when they’re otherwise blinded by smoke. And it could be used in situations requiring emergency evacuations from a building when the typical exits

are blocked.

“Once you have the core functionality of the map and the location, you can add so much on top of that,” he says. “The ultimate goal is to make people with

disabilities—and anyone else—visit unknown spaces more confidently.”

It’s a goal that is especially meaningful to him. And it’s one that could have profound ripple effects on society at large.

“Within the U.S., around 25 percent of the population identify as having some kind of disability,” he says. “If we can make it less stressful and easier

for them to get around, not only will the quality of their lives improve, but it could help increase their participation in the workforce. And that would

be a huge boost to the economy.”

Article: Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? A New Theory Speaks Volumes

by Tyler Santora

[From: Fatherly-

https://www.fatherly.com/life/dog-wags-tails-theory-adorable]

WOOF WOOF!

Scientists have two hypotheses why dogs evolved to wag their tails, and one is absolutely adorable.

Whether a dog is thumping its tail along to a beat or giving a full wiggle butt, people love when pups wag their tails. We often take it as a sign that

an unfamiliar dog is friendly or that our family pet is happy. But in a new paper, scientists argue that the reason dogs evolved to wag their tails might

be even more heartwarming than that: They may have started wagging their tails just because people liked it.

First, it’s important to know that dogs are different from their close relatives in that they wag their tails much more frequently. Even when dog and wolf

pups are raised the same way, the species have different tail-wagging behaviors as early as three weeks of age. Although individual dogs wag their tails

different amounts, and wagging can vary by breed and sex, dogs wag their tails more often and in more contexts than any other canid, which includes species

like coyotes and foxes.

And dogs wag their tails to communicate a lot of different messages. When carrying their tail low, wagging can be a sign of submission, appeasement, or

that they’re not being aggressive. Dogs may wag their tail as a requesting signal — like to ask for more food from humans. Of course, dogs also wag when

they’re fired up or happy. Interestingly, dogs wag more to the right when they have positive emotions and more to the left when they’re withdrawing from

a situation.

But why did dogs evolve to wag so much?

For a new opinion letter published in the journal Biology Letters, researchers had two hypotheses. Both have to do with dogs’ domestication about 35,000

years ago — because their evolutionary history is deeply tied to ours.

The first hypothesis is that dogs evolved to wag their tails so frequently because ancient humans liked it. Either consciously or unconsciously, people

may have preferred dogs who wagged more often — and perhaps more rhythmically. Humans have a keen sense of rhythm, and our brains prefer rhythmic stimuli,

which are evenly spaced in time. This could have led humans to select for dogs who wagged more often and more rhythmically and could explain why present-day

dogs wag their tails so often when interacting with people.

The other hypothesis is that as dogs became domesticated, and humans selected for traits like friendliness, genetically linked but unexpected traits became

more common. In one famous example of this phenomenon, scientists bred the most docile silver foxes in a speed-run at domestication, and the foxes evolved

floppier ears and wagged their tails more frequently than their wild ancestors. This could be due to a genetic link between tail anatomy or brain function

related to a wagging tail and friendliness — and could be exactly what happened to dogs tens of thousands of years ago.

But no matter how or why tail-wagging evolved in dogs, two things are certain: Tail-wagging doggies are cute as heck, and they’re all good boys (and girls).

Article: 7 National Parks Where Your Dog Can Fetch a B.a.r.k. Ranger Badge

All Good Boys and Girls Are Eligible — if They Follow These Park Rules

Advice by Kinsey Gidick

[From: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/national-parks-bark-ranger-pet-rules/]

January 19, 2024 at 9:43 a.m. EST

(Illustration by Katty Huertas/The Washington Post

For national parks enthusiasts, the joy of bringing a dog along for a hike or history tour is a significant part of the experience. However, in recent

years, some at the National Park Service saw that visitors weren’t always matching their admiration for these protected places with responsible canine

behavior. Furry companions were disrupting wildlife and disturbing plants, and pet waste was becoming a growing problem.

“We had some people that thought their dog was so gifted and special that they did not need to abide by park rules,” said Ginger Cox, a ranger at the

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

just outside of

Asheville, N.C.

Rather than allowing these sites to go to the dogs, the NPS devised a canine-friendly solution in 2015: the B.A.R.K. Rangers program.

This lesser-known initiative, available at roughly 50 sites, provides dogs with the opportunity to become more considerate NPS guests by following four

straightforward steps represented by the B.A.R.K. acronym:

list of 4 items

Bag your pet’s waste.
Always leash your pet (no longer than six feet).
Respect wildlife.
Know where you can go.

list end

Upon successful completion of the challenge, a pup can attain the esteemed title of B.A.R.K. Ranger and receive rewards such as a bandanna or a coveted

ranger badge. (Service dogs are welcome to join in, too, though their parameters may be different as they are legally permitted anywhere that visitors

can go.) Here are seven NPS sites where your pup can earn the B.A.R.K Ranger title (and don’t forget to

make a reservation

if you need one).

Acadia National Park

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

Hot Springs National Park

For centuries people have visited the geothermal pools of Hot Springs, Ark. The ancient site remains culturally significant to the Quapaw and Caddo tribes,

along with others. Today you can take your dog to walk past its remaining eight historic bathhouses or hike 26 miles of trails. Participate in

Hot Springs B.A.R.K. Ranger program,

and your dog can earn a certificate sealed with their own inked paw print.

Yosemite National Park

Dogs are allowed in

Yosemite National Park,

Natchez Trace Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile road that runs through three states (Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee) and has 60 miles of footpaths to explore.

It encompasses the old

Natchez Trace that was once a footpath for bison herds before becoming a travel corridor for Indigenous people, as well as European settlers in the late

18th century.

Many of its paths are open to dogs. The best way for a pup (or cat!) to earn the

B.A.R.K. Ranger title

here is to visit the visitor center near Tupelo, Miss., where guests can pick up a four-page activity booklet.

Prince William Forest Park

Prince William Forest Park is a great example of the enduring legacy of the

Civilian Conservation Corps.

The park opened during the Great Depression as a “relief” camp for D.C.’s underprivileged children. Today, the 15,000-acre natural refuge invites visitors

to explore 37 miles of trails, all of which are pet-friendly, with the exception of the

Chopawamsic Backcountry Area.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field — 275 square miles of desert — and one of the most dog-friendly NPS sites you can visit.

“Dogs are allowed anywhere in the dunes as long as they are following the

B.A.R.K. Ranger principles

,” ranger Sarah Sherwood said in an email. “This means that they are absolutely welcome to join their people while they sled.” That’s right; dog sand sledding

is not only allowed, it’s encouraged.

Once you’ve recovered from the thrill of racing down a dune with your furry friend, dog owners can take the pledge, stamp and sign their B.A.R.K. Ranger

brochure, and take it as a park keepsake. The Western National Parks Association bookstore also offers B.A.R.K. Ranger souvenirs for purchase.

Article: In Touch With Nature

Submitted by a GDUI member

Hello:

For those who may not know me, I’m Patty Fletcher and I’m working my second dog from The Seeing Eye®. He is a black Labrador cross named Blue and he’s

got me wrapped round his paw four times over.

I write with the goal of:

Bridging the great chasm which separates the Disabled from the non-disabled

I found this article fascinating for several reasons. First, I really enjoy learning about nature and its impressive power.

The ways of the animals have always captured my deepest imagination and longing to know more.

As a child I read Ranger Rick, watched Wild Kingdom, and devoured the children’s National Geographic. and now, I seek out information on the web. It’s

that seeking which has enabled me to share this with you.

I also enjoyed this article for the lovely photos with captions. That makes reading for a visually challenged or totally blind reader easier and allows

us to enjoy the photos as well. and I’m appreciative to the author for doing so.

Speaking of the author, I’ve known and worked with Robbie Cheadle for some time. I’m in anthologies with her and it’s a big thrill to say so.

Thanks for reading, if you do. Please make sure to reach out to Robbie and me to let us know your thoughts.

For now, I give you Robbie Cheadle.

in-touch-with-nature

Kaye and I are starting a new series this year entitled “In Touch With Nature”. We will be sharing information about the natural environment, and I will

include some of my nature videos, artworks, and photographs.

For any writers, poets and authors who have an interest in nature conservation and our natural environment, I have joined the Society of Environmental

Authors and Journalists. You can find out more about it here: Society of Environmental Authors and Journalists – Robbie Cheadle

For this first post in this series, I am discussing the topic of herbivores and carnivores.

The Oxford dictionary defines an herbivore as an animal that feeds on plants.

National Geographic expands on this to say that an herbivore is an organism that mostly feeds on plants. Herbivores range in size from tiny insects such

as aphids to large, lumbering elephants. You can read more on this topic here: Herbivore (

nationalgeographic.org)

Conversely, Oxford defines a carnivore as an animal that feeds on other animals.

National Geographic says: “A carnivore is an organism that eats mostly meat, or the flesh of animals. Sometimes carnivores are called predators.” You can

IMPORTANT- Editor’s note- announcements and articles, for Paws for GDUI- News You Can Use, are culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not…

imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies their contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as

such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Paws for GDUI- News You Can Use!

Visit our web site: guidedogusersinc.org

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Our Facebook page can be accessed at

https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Our Facebook group can be accessed at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Our Twitter timeline can be accessed at

https://twitter.com/gduinc.

To join the GDUI-Announce List, visit this link:

http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/gdui-announce.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link:

chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org

Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use! – VOL. III, NO. 6, December 2023 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the editor: Hello fellow GDUISters

Happy HowlyDays!!! Even with the hustle bustle of December, this is one of my favorite times of year. While I don’t much enjoy the emphasis on commercialism I cherish my family’s traditions! One thing that does frustrate me about this time of year is the exaggerated focus on being kind, everyone makes a big deal about appreciating people and performing acts of kindness. Please- do not misunderstand me- I am a devotee of both, however, as an all-year thing not a seasonal event. I encourage thoughts to be turned to the months when the vast majority of folks are not donating to food banks, shelters (human and animal), and similar organizations. Our contributions are needed, perhaps even more, during those non-holiday months!

Well, enough of that soap boxing! Toto and I hope you, your dogs, along with all your other family members- furry and otherwise- have a wonderful final few weeks of 2023! Here’s hoping 2024 is full of laughter, high-value treats, adventures, simple pleasures, fun surprises, and time spent with people- and animals, that make the world a better place!

I encourage everyone to remember how easy it is to get involved in publishing this newsletter! – share a favorite podcast; an interesting, silly, absurd, or touching tidbit from your local paper; something you wrote yourself or written by someone else; a helpful app or other resource; even a yummy recipe. Remember, submissions about guide dogs, or blindness/visual impairment are not the only topics of interest to we GDUISters!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President- Greetings and Happy Holidays!

GDUI has had another remarkable and productive year, we could not have done this without the fantastic support, work, suggestions and concerns from the membership! I am proud to be a member of such a creative and forward moving organization surrounded by guide dog handlers and supporters.

Thank you to everyone who voted in the GDUI 2023 elections. The membership elected Liz Bottner, Vickie Kennedy and Kay Malmquist to fill three director positions. Three of the four proposed Bylaw amendments passed. GDUI will begin the 2024 New Year with a terrific board of directors.

Membership renewal is open! You can renew your membership by visiting our website www.gdui.org or call our office manager, Lynn Merrill at 866.799.8436. Your support is greatly appreciated, we value your loyalty.

From our house to yours, wishing you, your guide dog, family and friends a Blessed and enjoyable holiday season!

Sarah Calhoun & retired Lakota

For your Calendar

(many of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue)

12/7/2023, 6PM ET Unidentified Canine Respiratory Illness:

What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog (Webinar)

(free, online-only event hosted via Zoom. )

12/13/23, 11AM (PT)- AT Guys’ free webinar, Discover the Hable One

12/26/2023, 7:00PM (CT)- Tech It Out- Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

Announcement- Unidentified Canine Respiratory Illness:

What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog

Webinar on Thursday,12/7/2023 at 6PM ET

Join us as AMC’s Dr. Ann Hohenhaus leads an informative session on the unidentified canine infectious respiratory disease complex. Tune in for the latest developments and to discover steps you can take to protect your canine companion. Please submit your questions in advance upon registering for this event.

This is a free, online-only event hosted via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants the day of the event. Please email UsdanInstitute@amcny.org with any questions.

https://app.glueup.com/event/94471/

The Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is the leading provider of pet health information. If you have a question about pet health, we have the answer.

Questions about the Usdan Institute?

Email: usdaninstitute@amcny.org

Visit: www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute

Call: 212-329-8524

Announcement- Titer test sites for travel to Hawaii

If you wish to travel to Hawaii, now your veterinarian has three choices to send your guide’s titer test to. Originally, all of the titer tests were sent to Kansas State University, but with an increase in demand, it started to become overloaded. So now, there are two other processing centers. Many veterinarians are not yet aware of this. Your veterinarian can now send the titer test to any of those listed below. Of course, they should call or email them first to be sure they have a processing account there.

Kansas State University,

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

PH: 785-532-5650 or,

866-512-5650

Email: clientcare@vet.k-state.edu

Auburn University,

Serology-Virology Lab

PH: 334-844-2659

Email: virology@vetmed.auburn.edu

University of Missouri,

One Health-Rabies Lab

PH: 573-882-3646

Email: muvmdlrabies@missouri.edu

If you or your veterinarian have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Respectfully submitted by,

Vickie Kennedy

PH: 808-222-8862

Email: vreikok@gmail.com

Announcement- Seeing Eye webinar about air travel with guide dogs

On September 22 2023, The Seeing Eye presented a webinar about air travel with a guide dog. The webinar was recorded and is now available to the general public through The Seeing Eye website on the Rights & Legal Information page, under Airlines & Cruise Ships.

To access the webinar directly, go to: https://tinyurl.com/34sur8v6

Seeking gifting ideas? Still haven’t gotten your holiday cards? Check out the following-

From- National Braille Press

2023 Holiday Cards (Merry and Bright)

10 print/braille cards with envelopes, $20.00

New print/braille magnet “You make me happy when skies are gray.” $6.00

2024 Peanuts Happiness Is Calendar- $17.00

Favorite Christmas Carols, $12.00

Contact NBP to learn more about these items, and so much more at

888-965-8965

www.nbp.org

From APH- InSights Art Calendar: Large Print-Braille, 2024 $9.00

Catalog Number: 5-18971-24

This beautiful full-color calendar features the artwork of visually impaired artists. Suitable for low vision or blind students and adults or anyone who enjoys unique artwork.

Months, days, holidays, and moon phases appear in both braille and large print.

https://www.aph.org/product/aph-insights-art-calendar-large-print-braille-single-copy-2024/

Editor’s note- I love giving sighted children and adults print/braille calendars, and sending braille/print cards. It’s a great way to spread the beauty of braille!

Contributed by Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)

Holiday Giving Guide for Dog Lovers, December 2023

Trusted, tail-wagging favorites to make the most of everyone’s holiday season.

L.L. Bean Yellow Lab Diner Mug- 16 ounces, $16.00.

Add a touch of whimsy to your coffee time with this fun, vintage-style diner mug featuring a yellow Lab puppy chewing on an iconic L.L. Bean boot. Made of thick, durable stoneware, this glossy off-white mug makes a great gift for the holidays or any day of the year. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Measures 4.75″L X 3.5″W X 4.5″H.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/129239?page=puppy-with-bean-boot-diner-mug&bc=&feat=diner%20mug-SR0&csp=a&attrValue_0=Multi&searchTerm=diner%20mug&pos=1

Deluxe Fleece Nonskid Dog Mat- Available in three sizes, starting at $29.00

Soft, thick and comfy! Give your favorite pup a cozy warm place to curl up with this durable, nonskid fleece dog mat. Custom milled in the US, the mat’s high-density polyester fiber is non-allergenic, non-toxic and resistant to staining. The rubberized ribs on the backing help to prevent the mat from slipping on smooth surfaces. Makes an excellent car seat cover or furniture protector for the pampered pet. Machine wash and tumble dry.

https://www.cleanrun.com/product/deluxe_fleece_nonskid_dog_mats/index.cfm

Wild Maine Blueberry Dog Treats- Three one-ounce bags, $10.00

Lab tested and approved. Bella’s all-natural wild Maine blueberry bite-sized morsels are perfect for clicker training — or anytime you want to spoil your favorite canine fur babies. Bella’s Blueberry Bites are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and other wholesome ingredients including whole wheat flour, oatmeal, Wyman’s dried wild Maine blueberries, molasses, vegetable oil, flaxseed, and cinnamon.

https://www.bellaboosblues.com/products/bella-bites

Waterproof Phone Pouch- $10.00

Whether you’re paddling Maine’s scenic Allagash Wilderness Waterway, or exploring new territories during inclement weather, ensure that your cell phone stays dry with this waterproof pouch made with a crystal-clear transparent material. The pouch offers complete protection against rain, snow, and other water hazards, while still providing excellent touch screen response sensitivity when using the phone for outdoor activities, such as taking pics of your pup and launching Be My Eyes or Aira. Available in a variety of colors with an adjustable lanyard that can also be detached. Fits most cell phones with or without a case. Measures 8.27 x 4.33 x 0.05 inches.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HV3TC9/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A3DJTZRS1C5A82&th=1

Sea Bags Black Lab Bucket Bag- $50.00

All paws on deck! Handcrafted from recycled sail cloth on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine, this adorable little bucket bag with a hemp rope handle stands upright and open, ready to be filled with puppy outing essentials or other go-bag gear. The design on this unique and durable bag features a black Lab wearing a blue bandanna while carrying a red ball in its mouth. Measures 9″h x 7″w. Machine wash, line dry.

https://seabags.com/black-lab-bucket-bag/S001589.html

Kuranda Platform Dog Bed- Prices start at $80.00

Elevate the everyday with Kuranda’s cot-style dog beds. A favorite among many puppy raisers, these platform beds are comfortable, chew proof and easy to clean. The beds are specially engineered to evenly distribute your dog’s weight to provide greater joint relief. The edges of the base fabric are secured inside a special channel in the frame making it totally inaccessible to dogs that chew. Unlike pillow beds that hold onto dirt, odors and pet hair, the bed can just be wiped down or rinsed off with a hose to clean. Kuranda Bed Pads and other accessories are all machine washable. Available in a variety of colors, sizes, styles, and materials.

https://kuranda.com/

Duffel Poop Bag Holder- $10.00

Sparkle and shimmer this holiday season with a stylish glittery gold or shiny red duffel bag specially made for storing doggy waste bags. Flashy and festive dog couture not your style? Dial it back a bit and choose from an array of solid colors, patterns, faux leather, and even a highly visible, silvery gray reflective model. The soft fabric holder includes a roll of 12 large easy tie handle bags with side gussets, a zipper for refilling rolls, and an opening in the bottom for dispensing bags. Fits both tie handle and standard refill rolls. The duffel attaches to any leash, belt, purse or pack using the hook-and-loop strap or metal carabiner clip. After picking up, simply clip the filled bag to the carabiner and continue on your way — hands free. Measures 3.25″ L x 1.5″ W x 1.5″ H.

https://dogbag.com/faux-leather-waste-bag-duffel-holder/

KoKoLati Hand-Crafted Leather Dog Collar- Prices start at $110.00

Go ahead, splurge! Choose from an array of luxurious hand-crafted leather dog collars with intricate designs ranging from sea turtles to mythical dragons and more. Or work with owner Mary Esposito, a legally blind artist and leather crafter to bring your very own design to life. The artistry on these unique leather collars is showcased on beautiful, natural vegetable tanned European leather. Some designs even have a hint of sparkle with embedded Swarovski crystals. Collars come in a variety of colors, sizes, and widths. Matching bracelets for humans are also available.

https://www.kokolati.com/

Packable Rain Dog Poncho- Pricing for larger sizes starts at $16.00

Gear up for your dog’s next outdoor adventure with the RC Pet rain poncho. It easily tucks away into a small convenient carrying pouch, making it a snap to toss into your purse or pack so you’ll be prepared to cover up your best canine companion on the next rainy day. The lightweight pet poncho is made of a water-resistant Taffeta shell with a hood and an adjustable Velcro waist band. Available in several fun colors and designs including rubber duckies, paper planes, raindrops and more. Comes in seven different sizes.

https://rcpets.com/packable-rain-poncho/

KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy-

Spin, roll, and wobble for action-packed fun! KONG’s rugged, multi-functional treat dispensing toy provides entertaining, interactive fun by engaging your dog in a mind-bending game of get the treats. To load the toy, just unscrew the top and fill it with your dog’s treats or food. The toy sits upright until pushed by a dog’s paw or nose and then periodically dispenses tasty rewards as it bops about in unpredictable movements. The Wobbler can also be used as an alternative to a dog bowl to help slow and extend your dog’s mealtime. Made in the USA using globally sourced materials.

Amazon

From- 64 Ounce Games

We’ve just created a new site on

Threadless

where we have put some blind themed shirts and other things like mugs, phone cases and more.

Shirts Available in multiple colors and sizes, designs include…

Blind not Deaf – Shows a stick figure yelling at a blind stick figure

Do I look like a know sign? – A shirt celebrating the question that blind people are asked all the time

WARNING! Don’t touch me – A shirt showing a blind stick figure smacking someone who touched without permission with their cane

A black circle that says “I read in the dark” in print and braille

A picture with a blind stick figure saying “I don’t speak braille”

Find all at- https://64ozbrl.threadless.com/?syclid=clm4ure5ji7s73fcrp6g&utm_campaign=emailmarketing_137627926728&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

From Access Information News for Monday, November 27, 2023

Low Vision Resources on a Dime, Future In Sight

Remember the five and dime stores, when items were literally priced 5-10 cents each? Nowadays we enjoy our local dollar store, which used to mean $1.00 but now means $1.25. Regardless, there are still great deals! Did you know that your local dollar store has amazing low-vision products for a fraction of the cost? Here are a few of our favorites!

futureinsight.org/blog-lowvisionresources/

Announcement- NLS launches listserv for patrons

Want to learn how to make the most of the services NLS provides? The NLS Patron Engagement Section now hosts an announce-only listserv that will include information and updates about NLS programs, services, and products that might be of interest to patrons. New posts will be added to the list a few times a week. If you are interested in signing up for this listserv, please send your name and email address to the Patron Engagement Section at nlspes@loc.gov. You will be able to unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time

Book Review- By Ann Chiappetta

Forward Together

An Inside Look at Guide Dog Training

Author- Christie Bane

NLS BARD catalog # DB100008, Narrated by Kristin Allison

Also Available in print and eBook formats from Amazon

ide-Training/dp/B089729GJL

Christie Bane, the author of Forward Together An Inside Look at Guide Dog Training, is candid, direct, and this reader found it refreshing and gratifying. She simplified the nomenclature, acronyms and jargon used by instructors and program staff, explaining myths like corrections, food rewards, and many other aspects of canine behavior. Bane also explained how behavior is developed and how instructors identify and test a dog’s temperament, drive, and a desire to assert intelligent disobedience.

Bane is thorough in explaining many of the lesser-known aspects of the service dog industry, including the frequently used acronym GDMI, which stands for a guide dog mobility instructor. She explained how the various guide dog training programs train dogs and each program is an independent, nonprofit organization and not affiliated with the other programs in the United States. It struck me that the various training programs are like colleges, each with an established identity and philosophy and style related to raising and training guide dogs and training the people being matched with them. She also reviewed the history of guide dog training and how it reached the United States first with the Seeing Eye ™ and so forth.

I downloaded this book from the National Library Service BARD website after hearing positive feedback about it from another guide dog handler. This Book was powerful to this reader because of being a guide dog handler. It provided an in-depth and complementary perspective of training a guide dog. Bane is also a technically astute author and the book flows well. Her talent kept me reading which is another reason for liking this book; it kept my interest even when it became a bit more technical at times.

I enjoyed the way Bane described the equipment and surroundings a blind person might miss in the scenes as well as the body language a dog displays during the training and matching process. Bane’s passion for dogs and the people matched with them is clearly defined in this book, as is her professional experience and compassion and deep empathy and respect for people with vision loss.

The shift in training methods, i.e., from compulsion and negative reinforcement to positive reward-based training methods was fascinating and I came away with a better understanding of why my dog does what it does based on her explanation in this book. The message of this book is thoughtful and practical while also suggesting that above all else, a GDMI must be humble and possess not just confidence and organizational skills, but know how to communicate with both dogs and people. This reader especially likes the ending for it shows the author’s genuine connection with dogs and the passion to train, match, and understand them.

This is a must read for guide and service dog trainers, staff members, puppy raisers, perspective handlers, family members, and trainers/ apprentices and individuals interested in disability studies.

Rating: Five stars

Note from Editor- This book sounds like a good bet for gifting to puppy raisers, trainers, and anyone who loves our guides for the work they do and the independence they give us!

From the editor- My Grandmother always said, “a penny saved is a penny saved.” Becoming more informed about all things financial is always a good idea, however, at this time of year, it seems more pressing. I want to learn more about the following organization and am delighted to share their mission and website information here.

Penny Forward is a nonprofit organization founded and led by blind people. Through education, mentoring, and mutual support, we help each other learn to confidently navigate the complicated landscape of personal finance.

Penny Forward- Website: https://www.pennyforward.com/

Membership Specials- https://www.pennyforward.com/membership/

Until 12/31/2023, a monthly membership is $6.66 a month for the first year and a yearly membership is $66 for the first year. After the first year, membership goes up to $9.99 monthly and $99 yearly.

Opinion from Toto’s “uncle” Cosmo (beloved pet dog of this Editor’s mom and Stepdad

Why it is great to be a dog!!(Dogthor unknown)

1) No one expects you to take a bath every day.

2) If it itches, you can scratch it.

3) There’s no such thing as bad food.

4) A bone can entertain you for hours.

5) If you grow hair in weird places, no one notices.

6) You can lie around all day without worrying about being fired.

7) You don’t get in trouble for putting your head in a stranger’s lap.

8) You’re always excited to see the same people.

9) Having big feet is considered an asset.

10) Puppy love can last.

Announcement- Accessible Advent calendar!

You can access this Web-based Advent calendar by visiting the following link.

https://games.tactiletimes.org/advent

Announcement- More from Usdan Institute

Sharing Hanukkah with our furry family members makes it even more special, but some traditions can be dangerous. Hanukkah starts this week, and with eight nights of festivities, it’s important to take precautions to keep pets safe.

For more ways to keep pets safe during the holidays, watch Dr. Carly Fox’s presentation at the link below!

Holiday Pet Safety- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0JzlkmbSMA

For access to pet health articles, upcoming events, video tutorials, and other pet parent educational resources, Explore the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at- www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute

Announcement- Discover the Hable One- AT Guys’ free webinar!

Wednesday December 13, 2023- 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT

Learn About The Hable One, AT Guys’ newest product that allows you to remotely control your smart phone with an easy-to-use interface. Use the Hable one as if you were using braille screen input in screen away mode. No need for a table to quickly enter text and control your phone. You can even wake your phone up with it still in your pocket! This webinar highlights its simplified text entry, app navigation, and call management. Reserve your spot here:

https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=24

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

Beef, Pork, and Black Bean Chili

Seeing Eye Students look forward to a steaming hot bowl of this thick and meaty chili after training in Morristown on a cold winter’s morning.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 lb. ground pork

1/2 lb. ground beef

1/2 lb. chuck steak, fat trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup water

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar

3 large roma tomatoes, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 large red bell pepper, diced

2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed & drained

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 1/2 cup beef broth or less, if desired

Grated cheddar cheese for garnish

Heat oil in heavy stock pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and pork and cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Add cubed beef and garlic and cook 5 minutes more. Add water and bring to a boil. Add cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, and sugar. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, onions, and peppers and simmer about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add black beans and cilantro. Stir in beef broth, 1/2 cup at a time until chili is desired consistency. Bring to a boil and simmer about 3 minutes. Ladle chili into bowls and top with grated cheddar cheese.

Cooking Tip: Brown ground beef for a few minutes on each side before breaking apart into smaller pieces.

Snippets from Access Information News for Monday, November 27, 2023

From Wish Lists to Checkouts: Making Holiday Shopping Accessible for Everyone

AccessibilitySpark.com, November 19, 2023

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. It’s a time when people come together to exchange gifts, express gratitude, and create cherished memories. For businesses, it’s also a time of increased sales, where shoppers look for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. In this digital realm, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of making the shopping experience accessible to everyone. While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it also presents challenges for individuals with disabilities. Navigating online stores, selecting products, and completing purchases can be cumbersome or even impossible without proper accessibility features. Let’s explore the concept of accessibility and holiday shopping and its profound impact on individuals with disabilities:

The 8 Best Grocery Delivery Services in 2023- CNet.com

According to some reports, as much as half of the US population participates in some form of online grocery shopping. There are now dozens of places online to buy your weekly provisions and have them shipped directly to your home. Much like meal kits and meal delivery services, these companies provide lightning-fast shipping, competitive prices and major convenience in hopes of earning a slice of your weekly food budget. To save yourself time and hassle, an easy grocery delivery service can take one of your big weekly tasks off your hands and allow you to carefully curate your grocery haul from the comfort of home. To help you pick the right one, we’ve set out to test all the top players to find the best grocery delivery service for 2023:

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-grocery-delivery-service/

OrCam Technologies Unveils OrCam Read 3-First AI-Driven All-In-One Solution For People With Low Vision And Visual Impairments

This groundbreaking, all-in-one solution was unveiled on November 14, 2023 by OrCam Technologies, a global leader in personal, AI-driven assistive tech innovations. OrCam Read 3 will change the way individuals with vision loss and reading difficulties interact with visual materials. Just point the device at a book, computer screen, product packaging or any text, and the AI technology will loudly and clearly read the text aloud or through earphones. It even supports 17 different languages:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orcam-technologies-unveils-orcam-read-3—first-ai-driven-all-in-one-solution-for-people-with-low-vision-and-visual-impairments-301987140.html

Board Game Playing Tips for People with Vision Issues

Board games are an exciting pastime that people of all ages and walks of life can enjoy. Though many think these are a little outdated compared to gaming in the digital world, innovative board games are coming out and are highly anticipated. However, not everyone can play at their fullest potential; board games rely heavily on visuals and careful observation, which is difficult for those with vision issues. Millions of people struggle with vision impairment and blindness in America. Though people with vision issues can enjoy board games, it’s much more challenging and can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are ways to make playing more comfortable and accessible so more people can join the fun. Here are some board game-playing tips for people with vision issues:

sequentialplanet.com/board-game-playing-tips-for-people-with-vision-issues

Study Finds Brain Area That Can Assist Blind People In Face Recognition

Researchers have identified a specific brain region that helps vision-impaired people recognize basic faces. They have also created an experimental gadget that assists blind people in recognizing basic facial expressions. Georgetown University Medical Center neuroscientists revealed that the fusiform face area, a vital region for face processing in sighted people, plays an important role in helping blind people recognize faces:

interestingengineering.com/science/brain-assist-blind-face-recognition

Podcasts and blogs- Check these out!

Ask the Vet Podcast

https://www.amcny.org/ask-the-vet-podcast/

Insights & Sound Bites- Hadley audio podcast: Listen in as people facing vision loss share their insights about what has helped them cope and adjust.

hadley.edu/podcasts/insights-and-sound-bites

AppleVis Unleashed November 2023: Liar, Liar Pants on Fire

Listen to “AppleVis Unleashed November 2023: Liar, Liar Pants on Fire”

Digital Accessibility Podcasts- Ricky Onsman, TPGi- November 14, 2023

You’ve subscribed to the newsletters and RSS feeds, you’ve expanded your library, but what about digital accessibility podcasts? Podcasts have been one of the great enablers for exploring digital accessibility issues and for giving voice to people with disabilities in general. There are literally thousands of podcasts out there, and there are hundreds that have at least some relevance to digital accessibility. In this article, I’ve concentrated on three groups of podcasts:

www.tpgi.com/digital-accessibility-podcasts/

Accessible Insights Blog

Happy Holidays! Let’s Go Shopping Attendees! As promised, below is a link that will take you to my blog, on which you will find the audio recording of the recent LGS event. There are a total of 4 files, day one, parts 1 and 2, and day two, parts 1 and 2. Each part is separated by a header identifying the part, along with the names of the businesses you’ll hear in that part. Listen here:

https://accessibleinsights.info/blog/2023/11/22/the-lets-go-shopping-2023-audio-recordings-are-here/

Story- News Flash!! 🦮Big Yellow Dog Retires

By Ann Chiappetta

Bailey, my second Guiding Eyes dog guide, has hung up the harness. He is now the senior adopted dog of house Chiappetta and for him, at least the change is good. It’s a push and pull of relief and regret for the humans, though. But hey, he’s almost eleven, has bounced back from lung cancer and enjoys napping in the sun in his new backyard.

We met in 2015 and during the second week of class I returned home with a serious case of RSV. A month later, when we reunited, he flew into my lap and nibbled my cheek as if to say, “Finally, we’re together again!”

Our first year was exciting and focused. His energy and love of working became infectious. He approached it all with curiosity and confidence. This is his best trait. The most difficult one to control is his scavenging and I hope his successor is not as intense in this category.

He is a great swimmer, doesn’t play fetch, drools profusely waiting for his meals and tolerates our cats with quiet dignity. He loves learning new tricks and learned to roll over, spin and balance a treat on his nose.

Amusing quirks:

When he barks, which isn’t often, he scares himself.
When exiting a vehicle in a new location he needs a moment to scent the air before moving on.
Loves to sleep under my desk
Expresses impatience by sighing like a person
Walks on the tips of his toes and spreads out his toes when excited.
Air licks if he can’t get to your face.

The most significant saves while working were clearing us from a dangling wire hanging from the ceiling in an office building and a utility wire laying on a sidewalk. Avoiding e-scooters more than once while crossing a street. Plus, numerous traffic checks on the block leading to my former office building .

As with the retirement of my first dog, Verona, I am posting my call for a new canine partner. My needs have changed over the past ten years yet the drive to be independent has become stronger as I age. I am cognizant the next dog will most likely be the last guide dog for me. Here’s to the next potential partnership and adventure.

Situation Wanted

A sixty-something white female who just happens to be blind is seeking a highly motivated working dog. If you are a Labrador retriever and are willing to work with me, please read the job requirements. Only serious applicants need apply.

Males preferred but will consider a female if all other character and personality traits are met.

Height: over 20 inches; weight: 75 lbs. Color: no preference.
I am a moderate walker, use a support cane and travel in all modes of transportation. This includes paratransit vans and public buses. I also fly at least once a year and ride passenger trains. I stay in hotels and motels. I visit cities and live in the suburbs. I shop and attend social gatherings and meetings.
My new partner must be experienced in offering a kind and gentle nose to other furry critters including cats and guinea pigs and other dogs as well as children. You will be filling the paws of my current partner, who is retired. He has been an amazing worker, friend, and part of our family for over ten years.

If you have read these requirements and feel that you have the right combination of breed, personality, manners, strength, adaptability, affection, drive, and possess intelligent disobedience skills, and wish to work with a human who will trust and love you the best she can, please send your contact information to Ann Chiappetta, Care of: Guiding Eyes for the Blind 611 Granite springs Road, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.

Article- Department of Justice Focused on Advancing Web Accessibility

By Michael Caprara, Chief Information Officer

(The Viscardi Center, 8/9/ 23- https://das.viscardicenter.org/department-of-justice-focused-on-advancing-web-accessibility/)

In a continued effort to promote equal access and inclusivity, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Biden-Harris Administration have joined forces to advance a proposed rule that aims to strengthen web and mobile app accessibility for people with disabilities. With the ever-increasing reliance on digital platforms, ensuring that public services are accessible to all is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive society. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed over 30 years ago, many people with disabilities still cannot access services that are web or mobile-based. The pandemic brought to light the unequal access and the inability for the disabled to conduct vital online transactions, such as filing taxes, enrolling in health and human services, signing up for COVID vaccines and conducting banking activities, that those without disabilities simply take for granted.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key points of the DOJ’s proposed rule and how it seeks to bridge the accessibility gap in the digital realm.

Promoting Inclusive Innovation: In recognition of the 33rd anniversary of the passing of the ADA, the Biden-Harris administration made clear its commitment to making public services accessible to all and underscores the significance of inclusive innovation. By taking a proactive approach to address digital inequalities, the administration sets an example for other institutions to follow. Implementing universal design principles and prioritizing accessibility can lead to technological advancements that benefit everyone.

Clearer Guidelines for Online Accessibility: One of the most notable aspects of the proposed DOJ rule is its emphasis on clear accessibility guidelines. It suggests that digital content should be presented in a way that accommodates individuals with various disabilities, such as visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive. By providing specific, standardized criteria, state and local government agencies can take actionable steps to remove digital barriers and create a more inclusive online environment.

Prioritizing Inclusive Digital Spaces: By setting new accessibility standards, the Department of Justice aims to encourage businesses and organizations to prioritize accessibility during the development of digital services. This shift towards inclusivity has the potential to create a more diverse and representative online landscape that benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also a broader audience.

Broader Impact: The proposed rule has the potential to significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities by removing digital barriers. By enhancing online accessibility, it naturally promotes independence and self-sufficiency. Moreover, the initiative sets a precedent for private businesses and organizations to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the public sector.

Digital accessibility is a fundamental right that ensures equal opportunities for everyone. The proposed rule by the DOJ and the ongoing efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration showcase actionable support for the disability community and the importance of accessibility. Read more on the proposed DOJ rule and the administration’s efforts to make it easier for people with disabilities to access public services online.

Poem- Doggone Good

By Ann Chiappetta

Good dog

Guide dog

Love what you do

Cool dog

Goofy boy

So much respect for you

Yellow dog

Poochie-poo

with a big brown nose

Steps out,

Nostrils flared

Catching

Air-scented code.

Guide dog

Good dog

There’s so much we do

In you

There is acceptance

loyalty

My moods don’t have you fooled

Big dog

Bigger heart

Grateful to be a pair

Stepping out

I want to shout

I trust in your care.

Good Dog

Guide dog

My heart is full

Love you

To the moon and back.

Glad to be matched with you.

Editor’s note- announcements and articles, for GDUI- News You Can Use, are culled from a variety of sources; Hence inclusion herein does not imply GDUI endorses, supports or verifies their contents. Information, ideas, or expressed opinions are not advice, therefore should not be treated as such. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed source.

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use

Visit our website: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Our Facebook page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Our Facebook group can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Our Twitter timeline can be accessed at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

Download or subscribe to the GDUI Juno Report podcast here: http://acbradio.org/gdr.xml

Support GDUI when you use this link to shop at Amazon.com:

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1871119.

To join the GDUI-Announce List, visit this link: http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/gdui-announce.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

Welcome to Paws for GDUI – News You Can Use! – VOL. III, NO. 5, October 2023 – A Publication of Guide Dog Users, Inc.

President: Sarah Calhoun

Editor: Andrea Giudice

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) A special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) since 1972

https://guidedogusersinc.org/

Toll-Free: 866.799.8436

From the Editor

Hello fellow GDUISters

This issue just kept growing!! It is a bit long; however, I have really enjoyed compiling it and feel confident you will find lots of gems!

Sending cyber hugs and wags,

Andrea and Super T

From the President

Greetings,

As Fall settles in I hope you are enjoying the season, however, it reveals itself where you live! This is a busy time of year for me personally and for GDUI. This issue is full of interesting information, heartwarming articles, readings that touch on the Fall and Winter of the guide dog/handler relationship, and so much more.

Please remember to mark your calendars to attend the next Candidates Forum. If that date doesn’t work for you, the recording of the previous one is available. The board joins me in extending a great big happy welcome to the annual membership meeting- and of course, speaking of that meeting, don’t forget to purchase tickets to have the chance to give Venture the forever home I have been telling stories about! Remember, this is gift giving season and while I would never suggest you give an actual puppy for a holiday gift, Venture is absolutely perfect for holiday gift giving!

Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit a spell and read on- enjoy this issue of Paws!

Wishing you, your guide dog, family and friends a very Happy Easter, Passover, and/or anything else you are celebrating! Enjoy the beautiful springtime!

Happy tails and trails!

Sarah Calhoun and Lakota

For your Calendar

Following are important dates for GDUI as well as other upcoming items that may be of interest. The GDUI dates are listed first.

(many of the items listed are expanded on later in this issue)

GDUI IMPORTANT DATES

Wednesday, 10/4/23- festive and fragrant GDUI holiday fundraiser

Thursday, 10/12/23, 7:00PM (eastern) Candidates Forum

Saturday, 10/21/23, Annual Membership Meeting, and drawing for Venture!

Sunday, 10/22/23- Elections begin

Monday, 11/6/23- Final day of the festive and fragrant GDUI holiday fundraiser

Saturday, 11/18/23, Annual Board Meeting

Other notable upcoming dates-

10/11/23, Webinar- Envision Glasses (Access Ingenuity)

10/13/23, Webinar- Blindness and Clinical Trials (Accessible Pharmacy)

10/16/23, Webinar- Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts (The Carroll Center)

10/19/23, 16th Annual ITNAmerica Retreat- Attendance is free and open to the public!

10/25/23, Webinar- Menus v. Ribbons with JAWS (Access Ingenuity)

11/1/23, PTGDU annual fall membership meeting- Special guest speaker Lukas Franck

11/3 and 11/4, 2023- Let’s Go Shopping- 2023 holiday edition

12/1/23 and 12/2/23, Blind Health Expo 2023, Registration Now Open

Announcement – Drawing for Venture, a large plush golden retriever, quietly sitting proudly wearing his leather harness handmade by Hava

All during the lazy, hot dog days of summer, through the celebration of National Service Dog Month in September, and finally, now in October with Blind American’s Equality Day on the horizon- Venture is so ready! It is time to leave foster care with President Sarah and go to this mystical place of which she speaks so blissfully- the forever home.

Venture, A beautiful majestic gentle hearted dog, has the very softest, beautiful golden hair, measures approximately 17 inches from top of head to bottom of front paws, 17 inches from back end to front legs, 7 inches wide, and the tail… it is 10 inches long.(of course it is, Venture is a golden!)

Drawing tickets are available now through October 21, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. The lucky winner will be drawn during the GDUI annual membership meeting scheduled for Saturday, October 21st beginning at 1:00 p.m. EDT. You do not need to be present to win.

Tickets are 3 for $5.00 or 7 for $10.00. You can purchase as many as you wish at https://guidedogusersinc.org/september-2023-drawing, via PayPal (does not require a PayPal account) or call our Office Manager, Lynn Merrill at (866) 799-8436.

Good luck to everyone and thank you for supporting GDUI!

GDUI Fundraising Committee

Sarah Calhoun

Cynthia Hawkins

Lynn Merrill

Article- Helping a Blind Dog Navigate the World

Schwarzman AMC’s Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education

PET HEALTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

amcny.org

In August 2017, Oliver’s world turned dark when he lost his sight due to glaucoma. But with guidance from AMC’s board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Alexandra van der Woerdt, Oliver found relief from pain and now gets ongoing management of his condition. Whether blindness comes on slowly or suddenly, dogs and their humans can conquer challenges together. Here are tips to help navigate this journey:

Consistency is Key: Dogs thrive on a routine, and that’s especially true for blind dogs.

Safe Surroundings: For blind dogs, familiarity breeds comfort. Keep furniture in place and introduce new areas slowly. Fences and barriers protect against hazards like stairs or pools.

Verbal Cues: Teaching new commands like “step up” and “careful” can greatly assist your dog in understanding their environment.

Scent and Sound: Use scents to mark certain areas or introduce them to new spaces. Gentle sounds, like a soft clap, can help them locate you.

Outdoor Adventures: Exploring the outdoors is still possible! Use a harness and a long leash to give them freedom while ensuring their safety.

Canine Companionship: Having a sighted dog buddy can boost your blind dog’s confidence and provide them with a constant companion.

Patience and Love: Above all, shower your blind pup with love, patience, and positive reinforcement. Celebrate their victories, big or small, and watch them thrive in their unique way.

To learn more about vision loss in pets, watch Dr. Alexandra van der Woerdt’s lecture at the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLj10XjNAi4

Announcement- Explore the Usdan Institute

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

For access to pet health articles, upcoming events, video tutorials, and other pet parent educational resources, visit the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at

If you have a question about pet health, we have the answer.

Questions about the Usdan Institute?

Email: usdaninstitute@amcny.org

Visit: www.amcny.org/usdaninstitute

Call: 212-329-8524

Toto’s Pawnderings-

Hey, all you guides out there, I have been wondering about something. It is on my mind particularly as my Mom is keeping me up way past my bedtime editing this issue instead of tucking me in to my crate and snuggling with me, all cuddled under my purple blanket, as we “talk” over the day.

Are you a circle or side sleeper?

Now, here is a cool Fall tip (did you catch how I did that… cool and Fall! I am a punny guy!)-tip unashamedly stolen from another newsletter! *big doggie grin*

THE INSIGHT SCOOP NEWSLETTER- October 2023

A publication of the Southeast Connecticut Center of the Blind

It is fall – the air smells crisp and clean, the leaves are falling, and it is getting dark earlier. Remember safety and visibility are two of the highest priorities when trundling about after dark. Drivers may have difficulty seeing you so here are some tips-

Wear light-colored clothing and stay on the sidewalks when possible.

Always wear reflective gear (coats, vests, arm/leg bands, or carry reflective packs or pouches)

You can also purchase reflectors and lights for yourself or your dog. I wear both. I have a purple reflective collar- I mean of course I do; I am my mom’s dog! and my harness also has reflective material on it. Ruffwear has a blinking beacon for guide dog users that plays sounds when lit so the owner can tell if it is on. You can purchase it at ruffwear.com. Jimmy Leach, GDUI member and owner of jandghoovesandpaws makes collars (flat and martingale) along with leashes that are reflective and come in heaps of colors. He is more than able to create collars and leashes in custom lengths. Contact him at (410) 918-8890

Be very careful when crossing streets. Try to cross in well-lit areas and always use crosswalks when available. Stay aware of your surroundings and don’t take unnecessary risks when scampering about in the dark.

Well, I am going to my crate and make a bunch of noise so Mom realizes how late it is and gets the hint!! Catch y’all later- Toto

Announcement- Recording of 2023 GDUI Candidates Forum 1 now available

Thank you to all who participated in our first Candidates Forum of 2023! If you could not attend or wish to review it again, below is the recording link and passcode for our 2023 Candidates Forum 1. Please join us for our second Candidates Forum on Thursday, October 12, at 7:00 PM Eastern time.

Topic: 2023 GDUI Candidates Forum 1

Date: Sep 30, 2023 12:53 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/58d5jbsDt0in3iTbYFQLZsRwZBG02OsfW5l3ROYhiYkHmvOYuMZofhmY8tGgGZEo.WwVAV6ZDfv8qyp0L

Passcode: Dn&24YUn

Editor’s note- Thanks Maria K for always getting the recordings out so promptly!

Announcement- online survey to learn more about the public access barriers guide dog users are facing

Submitted by- Patty Fletcher

Hello everyone.

The following is something I feel strongly we as guide dog handlers should participate in.

See below for more.

Dear Seeing Eye graduate:

Please feel free to forward this message to any guide dog user you think might be interested.

Calling all guide dog users who live in the U.S. or Canada or spend time there while working their dogs!

The Seeing Eye is conducting an online survey to learn more about the public access barriers guide dog users are facing as they go about their daily lives working their dogs and the impact those barriers are having on guide dog teams. Are you currently working with a dog or waiting for your next dog? Do you live in the U.S. or Canada or do you travel there with your dog? If so, then this survey is for you and we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to complete the survey regardless of where your dog was trained. Also, if you are blind or low vision and have decided not to work with a dog, you have the opportunity to tell us why. The information you provide will help us improve our advocacy and education efforts. Thank you for taking the time to share this information with us. The survey will close at midnight on November 30, 2023. Please go to the below link to access the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SeeingEye_Access

Thank you,

Melissa Allman, Senior Specialist, Advocacy and Government Relations

The Seeing Eye

Announcement- October is Medication Safety Awareness Month

En-Vision America, www.envisionamerica.com

October is Medication Label Safety

Awareness Month

We hope you will join us in promoting safe prescription labeling practices.

Prescription labels in Audible, Braille, Large Print and Translated formats help those who cannot read small print or English safely access their prescription label information.

Every year we hear patients and pharmacists say,

“Why didn’t I know about this sooner?”

Please help us spread the word by hosting an event or social media campaign to educate patients, pharmacies, health care providers, and policy makers of the need for and availability of accessible and safe prescription labeling practices. Visit our Medication Label Safety Awareness page for more ideas, social media content, and videos.

We’d love to know what you are planning to do for MLSA Month in October!

Are you planning an event, zoom, health fair, white cane day, or other outreach activity? We would love to hear about it!

Would you like a representative from En-Vision America to join your group on a webinar or conference call?

Do you need brochures or samples to demonstrate at your event?

Are you a Lion’s Club and need pins for your participants? We have Medication Safety Life Saver pins available upon request.

Contact Loretta Roberts at lroberts@envisionamerica.com or 941-702-6709 to make arrangements!

You can also request brochures and samples to demonstrate at your event. on the website www.envisionamerica.com

For information about reaching out to elected officials and policymakers contact Sharla Glass at sglass@envisionamerica.com or 941-702-6602

Don’t’ forget to share your social media posts with us using #MLSA23

Tech Roundup- A hodge podge of technology information

(Top Tech Tidbits, September 28, 2023 – Volume 930)

Great news- now you can follow Top Tech Tidbits On Your Preferred Channel

In addition to receiving Top Tech Tidbits via email every Thursday morning at 4:00 AM ET you can also pick up the newsletter and its trending articles on any of the following channels:

Email: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe

Facebook: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook

LinkedIn: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin

Mastodon: https://toptechtidbits.com/mastodon

RSS: https://toptechtidbits.com/rss

Threads: https://toptechtidbits.com/threads

X (Formerly Twitter): https://toptechtidbits.com/x

YouTube: https://toptechtidbits.com/youtube

Apple Updates

A) macOS Sonoma: New Features, Changes, Improvements, and Bugs for Blind and Low Vision Users | September 26, 2023 | AppleVis

Apple has today released macOS 14 Sonoma to the public. As usual, we won’t cover the mainstream features here, concentrating instead on what’s new and changed for blind and low vision users. For an overview of the mainstream changes, we recommend this in-depth review by MacStories:

https://www.applevis.com/blog/macos-sonoma-new-features-changes-improvements-bugs-blind-low-vision-users

B) Review: Apple Watch Series 9 | Wired: Subscription Required

Apple’s latest wearable has a new chip, new interactions, and some serious OS updates to help you log your mental health:

https://www.wired.com/review/apple-watch-series-9/

C) What’s New With Siri In iOS 17? | Joe Lonergan | National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)

Siri got some notable updates in iOS 17. In previous iOS updates, you might have noticed that you can use the Siri voices as your VoiceOver voices if you wish. But you could not customize these voices. Now in iOS 17, you can select a Siri Voice of your choice to use with VoiceOver and you can speed up or slow down the voice to suit your preference: www.ncbi.ie/whats-new-with-siri-in-ios-17-2/

Amazon Gives Alexa An AI Facelift As It Launches New Smart Speakers

The new Alexa will have a more human-like voice and will be able to hold more natural conversations without being prompted by a wake word:

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/amazon-event-2023-heres-everything-the-company-just-announced.html

‘Be My AI,’ Soon Available for Hundreds of Thousands of Be My Eyes Users

Be My Eyes’ AI assistant, powered by GPT-4, is rolling out to hundreds of thousands of iOS users over the next several weeks:

https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/announcing-be-my-ai

Android 14 Features: Everything You Need To Know

From privacy to accessibility and more, here’s what you should know now that Android 14 betas are out:

https://www.androidauthority.com/android-14-features-3280726/

Linkedin Adds Accessibility Features With The Help Of Microsoft’s Immersive Reader

Here at Top Tech Tidbits, we concur with David Goldfield’s commentary around these updates, that while appreciated, the LinkedIn experience still provides a poor and awkward navigation experience to non-sighted users. And the experience for sighted users is not an awful lot better. LinkedIn serves up one of the most complex sighted user interfaces that I have ever used. And as a Marketing Manager I use them all.

Engadget: The platform will support text-to-speech and real-time translations in articles and newsletters:

https://www.engadget.com/linkedin-adds-accessibility-features-with-the-help-of-microsofts-immersive-reader-170923659.html

Letter-from a GDUI member, and JP Morgan Chase Leadership award recipient

2023 ACB Convention Experience Narrative

Liz Bottner

Date: 7/15/2023

To the 2023 DKM Committee:

I remain grateful, honored and humbled to have been selected as a 2023 JP Morgan Chase Leadership award recipient. In attending the convention in-person this year, I feel that I was able to deepen those connections I have with current ACB members, whether or not those individuals hold an official leadership title, make initial connections with (up to the point of the convention) ACB leaders who I had not yet met, learn from the various convention sessions I attended and overall continue to develop and grow in terms of my personal and professional leadership journey. I believe I gained takeaways from the experience that I will be able to apply to my local and national work both inside and outside of ACB.

I very much appreciated the JP Morgan Chase Leadership reception as it gave me time to get to know more about my fellow leadership classmates in a smaller setting. Yes, we did have a Zoom meet-and-greet prior to the convention, but meeting in-person has a different feeling than does meeting virtually. I honestly wish there had been more opportunities to get to know my fellow leadership classmates in a structured setting, in terms of scheduled time to do so, not necessarily in terms of the structure of how this would have been done. It happened that some of us connected in other sessions as it was, but it was harder to plan connecting outside of structured times given the different schedules we ended up having, depending on our own unique interests and needs for attending sessions.

I found that I was able to take something away from every session I attended, whether that was from what was presented or from me speaking up and providing a perspective/comment that I felt would be helpful in terms of what was being discussed. In the session on how to conduct a well-run meeting, I would have liked to have seen a roleplay take place at the end of the presentation related to how a meeting should be run, to put into play everything that was discussed in terms of topic items that stemmed from the roleplay at the beginning of the presentation related to how not to run a meeting for the purpose of seeing in action what a well-run meeting looks like. TO me, I think that would have better cemented to the audience the overall takeaways of the presentation. I found the general session programming interesting and varied such that it appealed to a wide variety of subjects and important informational topics. I also appreciated the mix of general sessions to breakout sessions and found the mix of both to work well. Thank you for allowing me to reflect on my experience and for the opportunity to attend the convention in the first place.

The Calendar-more details-

Guide Dog Users, Inc., is holding our popular festive and fragrant holiday fundraiser

Dates- Wednesday, 10/4/23 through Monday, 11/6/23

Brighten your home with these beautiful holiday live, evergreen displays. These make great holiday gifts for your family and friends!

In addition to the 22-inch mixed evergreen wreath and the 12-inch diameter centerpiece, we have a new item- a 19 inch Tall Snowy Gift Reindeer!

After the directions on how to access the website are descriptions of each of the above items.

When you are ready to order enter on this link:
https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/guidedogusersinc

You will be directed to another page, then enter on:
VIEW ALL PRODUCTS

The last day to order is November 6, 2023. Please feel free to share our live evergreen fundraiser!

If you need help in placing your order(s), please contact me by email sc-tico@att.net or call me at (636) 942-5956.

And now, here are the wonderful holiday items! Enjoy!

Tall Snowy Gift Reindeer
This tall, snowy reindeer is approximately 19 inches tall, snow dusted with a faux wreath and crafted from high quality metal, ensuring durability and longevity so you can enjoy its beauty for years to come
Price: $35.00

22-inch Mixed Evergreen Gift Wreath
Noble fir, incense cedar, berried juniper and faux holly berries with a Deluxe, red and gold snowflake bow
Poly bag wrapped to retain moisture
Guaranteed fresh delivery within the first two weeks after Thanksgiving
Price: $48.00

Gift Centerpiece
Cedar, noble fir, pine and berried juniper arranged in an oasis block and bowl faux white snow berries and red holly berries
Approximately 12 inches in diameter
Includes 10-inch tapered LED candle
Delivered within 2 weeks after Thanksgiving
Price: $47.00

We appreciate your support! Happy Holidays!
GDUI Fundraising Committee

Webinar- Envision Glasses: New Features and Advancements

Presented by Access Ingenuity

Date- October 11, 2023

Time- TBA

The Envision Glasses are quickly becoming an essential tool for the visually impaired. Lightweight glasses with a camera and direct speaker, Envision Glasses speak out text and environmental information, recognize faces, light, and colors, and let you share that information. Envision Glasses is unobtrusive and intuitive, excelling in text recognition, including handwriting in over 60 languages. This session will focus on some new features available now, which harness the power of GPT-4 by OpenAI, one of the most advanced language models in the world, to understand and answer natural language questions. This new feature brings next-level access by giving users nearly unlimited control over how they interact with scanned text. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity on a virtual tour of this technology. We will also have a team member from Envision join us to add valuable insights and maybe even some “insider” information on what’s in store for this technology. Learning Outcome: General overview of the glasses. In-depth discussion and demonstration of the new “Ask Envision” feature and others. How these glasses impact users at work, school, and home. Discussion on what features to look forward to in the coming months:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85092976442?pwd=cVk2L09GQzl3UWpLZ3R1dUhHQ2M3dz09&mc_cid=c2cb69a0b0&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

Webinar- Blindness and Clinical Trials

Presented by- Accessible Pharmacy

Date-

October 13, 2023

Time- 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT

Please join us as we discuss clinical trials for the blind and low vision community with these expert presenters: Ben Shaberman, VP Science Communications Foundation Fighting Blindness. Marin Allen, former Deputy Director of Communications, National Institute of Health. Maggie Cashion, Clinical Research Manager, Prism Vision Group:

https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blindness-and-clinical-trials-webinar/

Webinar, Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts

Presented by The Carroll Center for the Blind

Date- October 16, 2023

www.carroll.org

Estate planning is one of the most important processes an individual can complete to ensure their family’s financial security after their passing. Celebrate National Estate Planning Awareness Week with the Carroll Center for the Blind by joining us for a webinar on Monday, October 16 at 12:00 pm.

The Carroll Center has partnered with experts from PLAN of MA & RI, our Exclusive Trust Partner, and the law firm of Bowditch & Dewey to offer this informational webinar about Estate Plans, Special Needs Trusts, and how they can help you and your loved ones plan for your future.

Special Needs Trusts are one component of an estate plan that allows money to be set aside for a person with a disability. The trust helps to preserve funds for this person, enhances their quality of life, and protects their eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.

Speakers

Kathy Vitello, LSW, Director of Operations at PLAN of MA and RI
Eileen Y. Lee Breger, Esq., Attorney, Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

What You’ll Learn About

The different components of an Estate Plan
The various types of Special Needs Trusts
Why a Special Needs Trust is beneficial for a disabled individual
How to provide funds for a disabled individual without interfering with public benefits.

Who Should Attend

Individuals who want to learn more about establishing an Estate Plan
Parents, family members, and other caregivers of a person with a disability
Individuals who think they could benefit from a Special Needs Trust
Individuals who receive or potentially will apply for public benefits.

Register here: carroll.org/estate-panning-special-needs-trusts-webinar-registration/?bbeml=tp-MUUse5ZSIEidSn7H3nSXkA.j2ipQpTDO6US0THen5N72MA.r4xLsy_c_20-FvdSgT_iXzA.lXXLhktkM70KinbVgUTYg5g

About The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their workplaces. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living.

16th Annual ITNAmerica Retreat- Transportation on the Horizon: Empowering Community Mobility

Hosted by ITNAmerica

Date- October 19, 2023

Time- 12:00pm (Eastern)

Attendance is free and open to the public!

The Annual Conference is from 12:30–2:30PM and is followed by an optional ITNCountry workshop, 3:00-4:30pm. Both events are free, virtual and all are welcomed to attend.

Webinar- Menus v. Ribbons with JAWS

Presented by Access Ingenuity

Date- October 25, 2023

Time- 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT

Want to know how to navigate menus and ribbons with JAWS? Join Marisa Church and Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity to review the differences between menus and ribbons by activating in separate programs and presenting hotkeys. Learning Outcomes: Discuss the difference between menus and ribbons. Explore programs with menus or ribbons. Demonstrate commands for navigating menus and ribbons:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84433535781?pwd=SkJ4QjF4cng5aXBjbnpNdEJwZEE5UT09&mc_cid=c2cb69a0b0&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

Pine Tree Guide Dog Users annual fall membership meeting

Date- Wednesday, November 1st

PTGDU will hold(virtually) its annual fall membership meeting.

Special guest speaker Lukas Franck, COMS, GDMI, and recent recipient of the prestigious Ken Lord Award, the highest honor bestowed by the International Guide Dog Federation will share his extensive knowledge and experiences about improving safety and walkability for blind and low vision pedestrians.

Wait, you’re not a member of Pine Tree Guide Dog Users yet?

Join now and receive three free months! Dues paid after October 1st 2023 will provide membership with PTGDU through December 31st 2024.

info@pinetreeguidedogusers.org

https://pinetreeguidedogusers.org/

Shopping event- Let’s Go Shopping 2023 Holiday Addition

Laura Legendary

Dates- November 3 and 4, 2023

If you are a business owner, consider this your invitation to join us as a vendor. I’m looking for entrepreneurs who want to present their best products for the holidays. Food, fashion, accessories, gadgets, crafts, or artists selling their work are examples of the kinds of vendors I’m looking for. There are a few important guidelines to which all vendors must adhere, and not everyone is eligible to participate, but if you or if someone you know might be interested, keep reading.

To get started, follow this link and complete the instructions:

https://accessibleinsights.info/blog/lets-go-shopping/.

You can also read my most recent blog post about the event here:

https://accessibleinsights.info/blog/2023/09/19/call-for-entrepreneurs-time-to-plan-lets-go-shopping-8/

After I receive your info, we will have a quick chat about your business. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive our vendor guidelines containing everything you need to know to become a seller on Let’s Go Shopping. The registration deadline is Friday, October 13th.

A few F A Q’s:

* You do not need to have a disability in order to participate as a vendor in LGS. However, you must have a fully accessible web site, or provide alternative means by which customers can place orders, such as via email or over the phone. You must provide excellent customer service.

* Your business must be individually owned and operated, with an inventory that you control. Product representatives, associates, consultants, or employees of a corporation are not allowed. MLM schemes or any organization with a “downline,” or that encourage others to host parties to sell products , or to enroll in their program, are not allowed.

* While there is no charge for attendees, participating vendors pay a registration fee.

If you know someone who might like to become a vendor for LGS8, feel free to share this email. Please select the links above, follow the instructions, and when I receive their business info, we will arrange for a quick interview.

Laura Legendary, founder

Let’s Go Shopping Virtual Events

lgsvirtualevents@gmail.com

Blind Health Expo

Accessible Pharmacy Services

December 1, 2023

10:00AM to 4:00PM Eastern Time

Join us for the 2nd annual Blind Health Expo! The Blind Health Expo is the largest virtual event of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals in the blind, low vision, and disability communities.

Exhibitors can:

Register for FREE
Interact with thousands of attendees
Showcase their products and services

Have questions about exhibiting? Exhibitor Information Sessions:

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 and Wednesday, October 25, 2023

To attend, send an email to- info@AccessiblePharmacy.com

Click the following link to Exhibit for FREE: accessiblepharmacy.com/expo-exhibitor-information/

Attendees can:

Browse virtual exhibit booths
Learn about services and products in the healthcare and disability communities
Network with organizations and companies across the country
Learn about our Accessible Pharmacy 2023 Vision Healthcare Award Winners

Click the following link to Attend for FREE: accessiblepharmacy.com/expo-attendee/

If you have any questions, please send us an email.

info@accessiblepharmacy.com

Sincerely,

Your friends at Accessible Pharmacy

Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC

1-888-633-7007

https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/

Article- LEGO® Braille Bricks on Sale for the First Time

https://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/news/2023/august/lego-braille-bricks-play-with-braille-?locale=en-us&consent-modal=show&age-gate=grown_up

Bringing Braille Fun Home: LEGO® Braille Bricks on Sale for the First Time

August 24, 2023

Download all assets – 1 GB

Following an overwhelming response from around the world, LEGO® Braille Bricks are now available to purchase online at LEGO.com.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the development of more inclusive learning through play experiences.
With both braille and printed letters, numbers and symbols on each brick, and games designed for all ages, the new ‘LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille’ set makes learning braille more fun and accessible to everyone.
Available in English and French from 1st September 2023 with pre-order starting 24th August and additional languages to follow next year.

Billund, Denmark, 24th August 2023:Ahead of World Blind Awareness Month this October and in response to global demand, the LEGO Group announces LEGO® braille bricks are available to purchase for the first time through LEGO.com. The new product – LEGO® Braille Bricks – Play with Braille – is aimed at kids aged 6+ and has been designed so that anyone who is curious about braille, be they blind, partially-sighted or sighted, can have fun getting to know the braille system at home with their family members in a playful, inclusive way.

Martine Abel-Williamson, President, World Blind Union, commented: “For blind and partially sighted children, and adults for that matter, it makes all the difference if they can share their journey of learning braille with the people they love the most. For the blind community, braille is not just literacy, it’s our entry to independence and inclusion into this world, and to have LEGO Braille Bricks made available for the wider public is a massive step forward to ensuring more children will want to learn braille in the first place. And because it’s based on a product that so many families already know and love, this is really an invitation for all family members to have fun building tactile skills and getting familiar with braille using the same tool.”

Until now, LEGO Braille Bricks have only been distributed free of charge by the LEGO Foundation to organizations* specializing in the education of children with vision impairment Since the launch of these educational kits in 2020, feedback from parents, carers, grandparents, children, and educators has continually highlighted the positive impact the bricks have and how they transform the way children with vision impairment can learn braille. This overwhelming response has led to the creation of LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille to give families the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and practice their tactile skills at home.

Lisa Taylor, mum to 7-year-old Olivia and 4-year-old Imogen, commented: “Olivia first discovered LEGO braille bricks at school and they had such a big impact on her curiosity for braille. Before then, she found it hard to get started with the symbols but now she’s improving all the time. To have a set at home changes everything. We can play with braille together as a family and she can introduce braille to her little sister in a way they both love. LEGO braille bricks are accessible for her without being really different for other kids, so she gets to play and learn just like every other child. That makes her feel included which is so important, not just to Olivia but any child.”

Braille includes 287 bricks in five colours: white, yellow, green, red and blue. All bricks are fully compatible with other LEGO products and the studs on each brick are arranged to correspond to the numbers and letters in the braille system, with the printed version of the symbol or letter situated below the studs.

The set also includes two baseplates to build on and comes in packaging with braille embossing. To enhance the play experience and support pre-braille skill development, a series of supporting play starters are available on LEGO.com and will teach players how to orient, attach and stack the bricks through well-loved games such as Rock, Paper, Scissors, which all members of the family can take part in.

Rasmus Løgstrup, LEGO Group Lead Designer on LEGO Braille Bricks said: “Play has the power to change lives; when children play, they learn vital life-long skills, so we were thrilled by the reception that LEGO Braille Bricks received in educational settings. We’ve been inundated with thousands of requests to make them more widely available, so we just knew we had to make it happen!”

“It’s been a fantastic journey collaborating with children, families and experts from around the world to develop the product and online activity packs. Our partners have been instrumental also in advising on what colourways should be used for the bricks, product packaging and digital experiences to ensure this is optimised for individuals who experience low vision and vision loss. We know this is a strong platform for social inclusion, and can’t wait to see families get creative and have fun playing with braille together.”

With its ongoing commitment to make its play experiences more inclusive, the LEGO Group has also partnered with the free mobile app Be My Eyes. The popular app connects blind and partially sighted people with companies to help with everyday tasks through a live video call. As part of the partnership, LEGO Customer Service colleagues will provide confidential, live visual assistance through the app covering support from a wide range of topics from unboxing, to general product support.

Mike Buckley, Chairman and CEO, Be My Eyes, commented: “The fact that the LEGO Group is investing in inclusion is huge because so many people in the blind and low vision community already love and enjoy LEGO products. Be My Eyes is incredibly honored to partner with the LEGO Group to enable and inspire the creativity of blind and low vision builders across the globe.”

The LEGO Group is also pleased to announce that LEGO® Audio & Braille Building Instructions will now become a permanent offering. Inspired and co-developed by entrepreneur Matthew Shifrin who is blind, this experience gives builders the option of having select LEGO building instructions available as audio or text for braille readers.

LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille is priced at 89.99 USD and now available for pre-order in English and French versions ahead of launch September 1st 2023. In early 2024, the set will also be available in Italian, German and Spanish versions.

The LEGO Foundation will continue to carry out research and distribute LEGO Braille Bricks educational kits free of charge through partnering national blindness associations and other partnering organizations.

Notes To Editors

For more information, please contact media@LEGO.com

Note: *LEGO Braille Bricks as a concept has been tested and developed in close collaboration with partnering blind organization’s from around the world.
LEGO Braille Bricks educational toolkits are distributed free of charge to select institutions, schools and services catering to the education of children with vision impairment. In each country where they are available, the LEGO Foundation works with an Official Partner to distribute them to these institutions.

Announcement-Shirts, and more, with blind themes available now

64 Ounce Games- www.64ouncegames.com

We’ve just created a new site on Threadless where we have put some blind themed shirts and other things like mugs, phone cases and more.

Available in multiple colors and sizes

Shirts include…

Blind not Deaf – Shows a stick figure yelling at a blind stick figure

Do I look like a know sign? – A shirt celebrating the question that blind people are asked all the time

WARNING! Don’t touch me – A shirt showing a blind stick figure smacking someone who touched without permission with their cane

A black circle that says “I read in the dark” in print and braille

A picture with a blind stick figure saying “I don’t speak braille”

Snippets from THE VISCARDI CENTER

Digital Accessibility Advisor – September 2023

Massachusetts Gov Aims to Make State More Digitally Accessible

Boston.com

Governor Maura Healey recently signed an executive order creating the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board, which will work to make the state’s digital services and resources more accessible to people with disabilities.

https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2023/07/26/with-executive-order-healey-aims-to-make-state-more-digitally-accessible-for-people-with-disabilities/

AI is Helping Expand Accessibility for PWD

Cointelegraph

A holistic approach to empowering lives: how AI redefines the accessibility landscape for people with disabilities.

https://cointelegraph.com/news/ai-accessibility-disabilities

Driving Forward the ADA for Digital Inclusion

American Foundation for the Blind

The American Foundation for the Blind reflects on ways technology plays a role in meeting the expectations of the ADA.

https://afb.org/blog/entry/driving-forward-ada-digital-inclusion

THE VISCARDI CENTER

Digital accessibility is vital to empowering the world’s largest minority group towards equal access and representation online.

Making digital environments accessible allows:

Students of all ages to use eLearning applications and complete schoolwork independently

Customers to navigate websites and apps to shop and use services

Residents to actively participate in the community

Parents to utilize online resources for their children’s benefit

Employees to operate internal documents and applications to conduct work and increase productivity Through global, strategic partnerships, The Viscardi Center delivers digital accessibility services to over 100 businesses, organizations, educational and financial institutions, and municipalities across the U.S.

The Viscardi Center, 201 I.U. Willets Rd., Albertson, NY 11507

516-465-1596

daservices@viscardicenter.org

www.viscardicenter.org

Article- Anders, Safe journey Dear Boy- 8/14/23

By Andrea Giudice, GDUI member and Editor of Paws

I write today with sad tidings. It has taken nearly three weeks for me to gather the tattered pieces of me so as to put fingers on keys. (so much less elegant sounding then, “pen to paper.”)

I find myself employing a storytelling style I have enjoyed in many books but didn’t anticipate utilizing myself-alternating between past and present.

Past- early July, 2023.

While visiting my cousin Laural and her husband we watched a documentary on Dolly Parten. (It was great, by the way!) At one point Dolly sings “I Will Always Love You”, which she wrote. I found the words to this beautiful song, when sung by her, to be far clearer; I understood so much more of what was being said. As I listened Anders came to my mind and heart with such strength and intensity that I was “sure” something must be wrong with him. It was rather later at night than I would generally call Keri, his Retirement Mom, and I didn’t want to telegraph my “certainty” of a problem- so I sent a text just “checking in”; knowing that if something was wrong that would be the opening for her to let me know. (I need to go on the record- if something had actually been wrong, she would have already called and told me!) As my logical self already knew; a text or call delivering news of some catastrophe or another had not arrived, so I was off base of course, right?

Past- Thursday, July 27, 2023

At twelve years and 305 days old, Anders Gus Giudice Hooper crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

As I mentioned earlier, as I knew she would, Keri did in fact call. the call I have secretly dreaded receiving for almost 2 years; the call I didn’t ever want to receive. “Anders is in trouble, we are on the way to the hospital, I really don’t think he is coming home with us.” She also told me that my Mom and Aunt would be joining her and Greg there with Anders.

I was in Florida, days away from my flight home; hundreds of miles away from all of them. I asked her to call me when they reached the hospital. She called, holding the phone while the other hand held our sweet boy.

Anders was surrounded by love, cradled in the gentle, caring hold of four people who honored and respected him beyond words.

Keri talked me through the steps. She told me when he received the first injection of a calming medication, not that the big guy needed it- he never met a vet or vet’s office that made him worry. She told me when the other injection was given. When his enormous heart stopped- when his beautiful soul ran free across the rainbow bridge.

So… maybe there is something to all those blind “seers” of Grecian history! While Anders was only “sick” for that Thursday, perhaps something was brewing Back when I was watching that documentary, “knowing” something was wrong with Anders. (while we don’t know the precise cause of his illness, he went from good to completely unresponsive in the course of that Thursday)

Past- early July, 2023

When Dolly was singing I was, for the first time, actually able to understand all the words to “I Will Always Love You” . While watching the documentary I ruminated on how this song could apply to so many more situations than just the end of a romance.

Past- Thursday, July 27, 2023

As I sat in stunned disbelief after the phone call ended; my feelings in chaos; both to numb to cry and to raw to be touched- the words of the song came back to me- like a movie, the different parts of the song illustrated the different phases of my life with Anders- as partner, as former partner, as late partner.

Present- August 14, 2023

Although I continue to struggle with putting all my feelings, well lots of them anyway, into any type of “formal” tribute to Anders, the theme of the song, and how it “spoke” to me has been bubbling away in the back of my mind.

Past-September 4, 2021

Anders’ retirement. As difficult as it was, time had come for him to enjoy his so deserved reward for 8.5 years of remarkable service.

The following lyrics *speak* to this transition- “If I should stay I would only be in your way. So, I’ll go… We both know I’m not what you, you need. And I will always love you, I will always love you!” I got out of his way, let him go, and he dove head-long, joyously in to a magnificent retirement- to which he took masterfully!

As I started training, building a new partnership with Toto, the majestic, ridiculous, magnificent, epic, irrepressible, galoot was striding alongside , in truly countless memories, as only the knock-kneed; pigeon-toed, slipper-footed AndersSkaugan could!

Again, with the song- “and yet I know I’ll think of you each step of the way”

Present- August 14, 2023

I have been so ragged over the past weeks. Wanting to find a way to put my feelings into words, and being totally unable to bring myself to do it. How to eulogize Anders? How to express all it has meant to me having Keri and Greg gift Anders, and me, with the quintessential guide dog retirement. Along with their son Jackson, his boyfriend Atlas, and the various fuzzy Hoopers, Anders was simply engulfed in love!

He was spoiled; lavished with attention; provided with endless treats; allowed to sniff as often as he wished on walks, furnished with an Anders sized ottoman for his sleeping and lounging pleasure; spent long days lazing on his hammock by the fire pit while watching, from a safe distance of course, the brook babble along; given exclusive under-table privileges; provided private golf cart rides because those suited his needs better; snuggled, hugged, scritched, and petted to his heart’s content!

Finding just the right forever home, just the perfect retirement humans for a guide so as to accomplish the transition from my partner to their pet is immensely complicated. There are so many layers of considerations, both logistical and emotional. Even the best laid, most carefully, obsessively thought-out and through plans could go awry. Well, I really hit it out of the park! Anders could not have spent his retirement in any better situation!

As I stated, almost 2 years ago upon his retirement- no longer being required to make life and death decisions with each step he takes and each command I give ; no longer having all those pesky rules to follow; having the option to “say no” when asked to do something (which he totally embraced, if his middle name wasn’t used he pretty much didn’t hear!)- is the greatest gift I know how to give him; the best way I know to honor his years of work!

I truly wanted him to spend long days pondering whether it was better to chillax in the sun on the couch, the living room rug, or the recliner… maybe the love seat? To be free of responsibility, concern for the safety of me, to bliss out in his life as a dog rather than a guide dog! (both being fine and noble undertakings!)

Again, from his retirement message- (I had to gut my way through expressing it once already, I am going to indulge in a bit of good old self- plagiarism!)

I have been reflecting on the events, experiences, notable moments, joys and sorrows that all share one distinct feature, I got through them with Anders by my side. For me, all my moments- big and small, happy and sad, joyous and devastating, mad and glad, exciting and run-of-the-mill, adventurous and ordinary, vacation and work-a-day, scary and brave, home and away, frantic scampering and chilled out sauntering, familiar and unknown-are better with a guide by my side. I find myself marking life’s events by which dog I was partnered with when they occurred.

So, there has been a flood of event remembrances, momentous and mundane that coincide with the tenure of Anders.

Of course, there are the not so usual- cruises; train, bus, and plane trips; planning and attending conferences- alone or with friends; and so many road trips. The more usual daily life stuff- countless board, committee, and support group meetings; running errands in the neighborhood; walks with friends; visits to family near and far; simply doing life’s stuff. More challenging things like starting, losing, starting, leaving, and starting jobs; dealing with health crises; having and recovering from surgeries; the apartment floods of 2019 and 2021; the deaths of both my amazing Grandmothers; And struggling with all that the pandemic brought to bear.

Certainly, this is only the tip of the iceberg, however, it speaks to the moments that make up the minutes, days, weeks, months and years of the A Team.

Yet, all of this doesn’t touch on the quiet moments, the small things, the enormity of feelings that comprise the hugeness of life with Anders.

The sound of his gentle snores; his madly wagging tail making joyous music; the reassuring feel of his paw laying over my foot; the weight of his gaze as he stares in to my face; sneak attack chair hugs; the sweet sound of him nursing in his sleep; the way he jumps with joy- his front feet clear off the ground- when he finds me what I have asked him to find- the trash, stairs, bench, elevator, pretty much anything; when I am sitting on the floor and he gets in my lap, puts his paws on my shoulders and- oh so gently- nibbles my earlobes; the infuriating, yet somehow endearing, fact that no matter how long the leash- it is always one inch too short for him to reach the perfect busy spot; him acting as my personal weighted blanket when I lay on the floor; my trip down the collar rabbit hole, sure a collar for each month sounded so simple, 20 or so collars later it seems less wise; how he sleeps in the smallest possible circle, yet when he lies on his back and stretches out his legs he fills my entire living room; how he is all rough and tumble, reminding me of a polar bear, when he plays with his dog pals but is all gentle and careful when playing with puppies; snuggling with him in his crate- him in a little ball and me resting my head on his hip; the wonder that he is now so reliable in his house behavior that if I forget to take out the trash he never touches the bag sitting, all enticing like, in the kitchen- this given the rocky start we had with regard to sharing living quarters.

The unwavering trust I have in this steadfast, fuzzy, warrior of my independence is immeasurable!

… on the occasion of our second anniversary- Ode to Anders

I am laying here next to my dear, sweet Anders. As I see him through/with my fingers, my love, respect, admiration and awe for and of him swells my heart and swamps me. I feel as if it might burst from under my skin and erupt out of me. How can I ever tell all he means to and for me? He is a stupendous guide, an awesome dog, a most excellent companion… he is Anders!

My fingers trace the contours of his body. They, and my love for him, draw a vivid picture.

His golden amber eyes that see the world for me. An extra-long nose that, like the prow of a mighty ship, cleaves the still, troubled, or rough waters of our path. The long, ridiculously soft ears that flick back to catch my words and prick forward to show his anticipation of what is coming our way. His huge head, in which resides the brain he so cleverly uses, that holds the understanding of a vast array of commands and words. His body, so long and strong upon which rides his harness, the umbilical we communicate through with no need of spoken language. His legs, so long, that carry him stride for stride at my side, into the big world. His white-tipped, ever-wagging tail, which sweeps to and fro as we walk, brushing the backs of my legs, or clearing the surfaces of tables and counters with his exuberance.

As my hand rests on his side, I feel the rise and fall of his rib cage under which beats his brave, strong heart, enormous with love and courage. While our breaths synchronize, I think of the special things I treasure: His fur so soft; his ears like velvet; the slipper-scuffing sound of his back feet as he walks; the feel of his breath, feather light on my cheek; his eyelashes gently tickling as he gives me a butterfly kiss; the pressure of his paw, heavy and delightfully possessive, as he lays it over my foot; the feel of his intent gaze as he rests his head on my chest and looks directly into my face; the sweet sounds he makes while sleeping; the warm wetness of his nose as he touches it to my eyes, as if letting me know it is fine with him that they don’t do the job so he can.

The song again

“So goodbye, please, don’t cry. And I will always love you, I will always love you, My darling, you!” The “” please, don’t cry” is, of course, for me and, of course, simply impossible.

Keri and Greg not only gave you the greatest retirement, they gave you the peaceful, painless, respectful, blessed passing you so richly deserved! For this I am grateful beyond measure! For all the months, weeks, days, minutes, and seconds of your retirement- I am thankful beyond telling!

I have been reflecting on my last visits with Anders. He and Keri had a sleepover at my house, which was wonderful, fun and silly (not to mention popcorn filled)! Our annual Cape weekend happened to fall over the one-year anniversary of Toto and me returning from class, and of course, the following- in December of 2022.

…My heart is full to bursting with the tender peace which suffused me while sleeping curled with Anders on his ottoman (Yes, it is actually Anders sized!), snuggled under a plush blanket, while the Hooper household slumbered. Those quiet hours deep in the night precious beyond telling- our heartbeats in sync, his breath feathering across my cheek, and his magnificent self, keeping me all toasty from head to toe! “Thank you Hoopers for sharing your boy with me in such a special way!”

And, as for the rest of the song- “So goodbye… I will always love you; I will always love you, My darling, you!” Well, of course, that is for Anders – Derbers, Dersey Boy, Ders, Bers, BerGitieBog, AndersDahgon, Augon Daugon, Ahgon Bahgon (or just Ahgon or Bahgon), Auggie Dawggie,

Monster Pantz, Poggy Bear, Goat, Mr. Van Anderpantz (Pantz for short), Bawpie, Dear Boy, Pancake, Puddles, Poppycat, Derbawggens (this isn’t even all of them)- no matter the name by which you knew him he was most undoubtedly one-of-a-kind!

From the night you entered my home- Monday, 2/15/13- through the night you left this plain- Thursday, 7/27/23- to forever and beyond- always and forever- you, Anders!

I miss you with every fiber of my being

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)- Monthly News Update- October 2023)

Mom’s Pumpkin Harvest Scones

Seeing Eye instructor Kristen Oplinger’s mom baked up these golden scones to share with students when she volunteered at the downtown training center.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled

3/4 cup chopped crystalized ginger

1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans

2/3 cup pure pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

Milk for brushing on top of scones

Coarse white sugar for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Cut butter into small pieces and work into flour mixture. (The mixture should look like uneven, coarse crumbs.) Stir in crystalized ginger and nuts.

In a separate bowl, stir together pumpkin and eggs. Add to flour mixture and stir just until moistened and dough holds together.

Turn dough out onto prepared pan and divide dough in half. Form each half into a 6–inch circle, about 3/4 – inch thick. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Use a sharp knife to slice each circle into 6 wedges. Gently pull wedges out from center until separated just enough to make a 1/2 – inch space between each wedge at the outer edge. Set baking sheet into another baking sheet to keep bottoms from overbrowning. Bake for 16–20 minutes until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and serve warm. For a higher rise, freeze the raw scones for 30 minutes before baking.

Tip: For tender, light scones, avoid overmixing the dough.

Article- The bitter sweet season of living with an older guide dog

By Lolly Lijewski

All of the stages of living with a beloved and trusted guide are precious, but the waning days of the partnership are particularly poignant

As they age and health issues arise, you become aware that your time as a working team is nearing its end. So, you begin to notice little things, like how bossy they can be when they think they know better than you do, and they usually do.

Communication happens constantly between the handler and the dog unbeknownst to the casual observer. The team work is seamless.

Each day begins with gratitude for the ability to live and work together one more day. With appreciation of each tail wag.

For the joy of each nuzzle or licked

hand. With delight as we walk swiftly down the street, if just a bit slower than in her younger days.

EACH day brings memories of experiences we had together. Of streets crossed safely, of new things learned and mastered, of traveling on buses and in taxis or ride-share vehicles. Memories of the silly things she does and the humorous adventures we shared together. Memories about the times she just came to lay at my feet to be nearby. memories that are bitter sweet in the knowledge that time is counting down to the day we say good-bye.

There is not language to express the depths of such a partnership.

With each step she has responsibility for my safety as we travel through life together. Her skill and dedication to the job and to me is admirable from a handler’s perspective.

She chose to do this work. It isn’t always easy or exciting. I know there are times she’d rather be sniffing polls or rooting in the grass for unknown and likely forbidden treasures. I’m quite certain there are times that in her dreams she’s chasing rabbits or playing with her doggy friends. I imagine that there are times when I need her to do something with me and she’d rather be running free somewhere. But, she is committed to me as we both grow older.

I lighten our schedule as it gets harder for her to work in the heat or cold. I make sure she gets her medications and that she has comfortable places to lay and good toys to chew on or retrieve. I brush her and tell her how beautiful she looks.

And as I write my tears begin to fall because I know our days together are limited no matter when the end will come.

We are a perfect pair, she and I, as we both age. she has touches of gray in her shiny black coat as I have strands of silver in my own hair.

I know what it’s like to move through this process. I’ve done it before many times, but it never gets easier. You begin to prepare yourself years ahead of the known separation. The grieving as time grows nearer is deep and profound.

It is however the deal we make when we choose to travel through life with a guide dog. Whether at retirement or at the moment of death, we know there will be an end because they do not live as long as we do.

We can only love them through it and let them know how much they will be missed.

And when they are gone, the void is deep and vast. It seems as if it will never end. We miss the seamless way we navigated through stores and at the office, exploring new places and experiencing new adventures together. We miss them by our side as we travel down familiar streets. We miss the effortless dance as we weaved in and out of crowds, around obstacles smoothly traveling at a speed we never thought possible. We hear the tags on their collars as they move about the house. We smell their cent as we move through our days. We miss their cold nose against our leg and the soft silky coat beneath our hands. We miss the routine of feeding and relieving. We miss their very presence.

They know us better than perhaps anyone in our lives. They see us at our worst and at our best. They celebrate our victories and forgive our failures.

This is not like losing a pet. This partnership is like no other and we who are blessed to know this joy and this pain are truly touched by God or the DeVine, or the universe or whatever monicker you choose to use for the higher power that binds us altogether.

It is so much more than a mobility partnership or a “Lifestyle.” It is a spiritual bonding that helps each of us grow through adulthood baggage and all. They are the teachers and we are the students. Through training and working with them, we become more of who we are meant to be.

They provide us so much more than independence and freedom. We love and cherish them while they are with us. We are grateful for their guidance on the streets and walking trails, and for seeing us through the seasons of our lives. We hold them in our hearts forever.

For as long as she is with me, I am grateful.

This preparing for the time we will not be together, it is a bitter sweet season, but one I wouldn’t have any other way.

Announcement- Telephonic Pet Loss Support

Tufts Pet Loss Support helps pet owners who have lost an animal companion and seeks to serve the community at large by providing resources for people grieving the loss of a pet.

The hotline is staffed from 6 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday EST and has 24-hour voicemail. Calls left on the voicemail will be returned at the next scheduled shift.

508-839-7966

Call Today. Callers are assured the assistance of a caring, supportive, respectful, non-judgmental person when they contact our Pet Loss Support Hotline.

Announcement- Making a plan for your dog- if you can’t provide, who will?

(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users (PTGDU)- Monthly News Update- October 2023)

Make a plan and write it down! Who will care for your dog if something happens to you? In the chaos that frequently surrounds a person’s unexpected illness, accident, or death, your dog may be overlooked. To prevent this from happening, watch this video from a trusted source.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhQm44cJNvE

From the editor-

I included the following article from the CDC because I find myself lulled in to a false sense of security that I won’t get caught off guard because I am always prepared to be out for many hours (up to 8 or 10 hours) at a time with my guide. When the truth is that if I had only moments to “grab and go” I am not doing my best by Toto because I am in no way actually prepared to cover his fuzzy ass, or my own ass for that matter, so as to evacuate in anything like a prepared manner.

Article- What’s in your pet’s preparedness kit

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/emergencies.html

Do you have an emergency preparedness plan for your pet?

Planning ahead doesn’t cost anything, but it does help keep you and your family safe during an emergency. Use this easy guide to make a simple and effective plan for your pet. Gather important information. Store hard copies in a safe space with this checklist.

Put together a kit with these essential items. Keep it ready to go in case you have to evacuate quickly.

Step 1. DOCUMENTS

Important contact information for you, and a back-up person (Name, phone number, address)
veterinary records
Rabies certificate
Vaccination history
Medical summary
Prescriptions for medications
Most recent heartworm test result (dogs)
Most recent FeLV/FIV test result (cats)
Microchip information (microchip number, name and number of microchip company)
registration information (proof of ownership or adoption records)
Pet(s) description (name, breed, sex, color, and weight)
Recent photographs for each of your pet(s)

Put all in a waterproof container.(using copies of the above listed documents is best practice)

Step 2. FOOD, WATER, AND MEDICATIONS

2-week supply of food for each animal stored in waterproof containers
2-week supply of water for each animal
2-week supply of any medications (if applicable) •
Medication instructions (if applicable)
Non-spill food and water dishes
Manual can opener
Feeding instructions for each animal
1-month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm preventative

(don’t forget to rotate out food and medication to keep emergency supplies fresh and un-expired)

Step 3. OTHER SUPPLIES

Leash, collar with ID, and/or harness
Toys
Appropriate-sized pet carrier/crate with bedding, blanket, or towel
Pet first aid book and first aid kit
Ample supply of pick-up bags (dogs)
Litterbox and litter (cats)
Cleaning supplies for accidents (paper towels, plastic bags, and disinfectant)

Pod Casts and Blogs- Check these out!

Top Tech Tidbits- https://toptechtidbits.com/podcast

Blind Girl Blogs- https://blindgirlblogsapp.wordpress.com/2023/09/22/my-top-five-apps-i-use-as-a-blind-person/

Technology has played a pivotal role in enhancing my independence, confidence, and mobility. Here are my top five daily go-to apps that have empowered me to lead a fulfilling life independently:

Article- WayAround- a smartphone-based labeling app

(Top Tech Tidbits, September 28, 2023 – Volume 930)

WayAround is a smartphone-based labeling app that works with your preferred accessibility settings. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags ® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more. If you want to label something that’s inside, outside, wet, dry, hot, or cold, there’s a WayTag that will attach securely. WayTags come as stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Each of the different styles of WayTags work exactly the same. Simply choose the WayTag that’s best for what you want to label.

Label your kitchen, clothing, or medication.

Tag specialty items and tools for hobbies.

Organize lots of information about one thing on a single WayTag.

Scan each WayTag 100,000 times or more.

Keep adding more WayTags! Use any style of tag, in any order. There’s no limit to the number of WayTags you can use. So, you can rely on one system to label all your things. Try our Starter Pack to experience ALL of the different types of WayTags!

WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.

All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.

Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn’t poor eyesight. It’s that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn’t have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So, you can reduce stress and gain independence.

Apple, Download The App-

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8

Android- Download The App-

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround

Website: https://www.wayaround.com

General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465

Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465

Email: connect@wayaround.com

Article- University pairs up students with service dogs-in-training to help them manage stress and anxiety

https://scoop.upworthy.com/university-pairs-up-students-with-service-dogs-in-training-to-help-them-manage-stress-and-anxiety

By Rima Biswas

September 8, 2023

Rutgers University pairs up service dogs in training with stressed college students who could use a furry friend to aid them.

College life is never as easy as depicted in films and fiction. The burden of exams, writing papers at the last minute, compiling a thesis and attending classes puts a lot of stress on young students trying their best to survive college life. However, one university has recognized this issue, which is hardly addressed and has taken a great initiative to help the stressed-out students. The Rutgers University in New Jersey became one of the two colleges other than the University of Delaware to pair service dogs-in-training with college students, per Good News Network.

These young academics and puppies, who are training for their own canine careers, were brought together by Rutgers University Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club (RUSEPRC). The Seeing Eye is the oldest guide dog school in the U.S. and they have been training hundreds of pooches to accompany blind people each year. But before these dogs graduate from their canine academy, they have some more training to do in order to become reliable guide dogs.

They have joined hands with the university to host 10 to 25 students who will be responsible for fostering the puppies as they go through the initial stage of their training and also provide comfort to their temporary owners. The club has recruited dozens of student dog sitters like Ethan Saul. He told the outlet, “Luckily, a lot of raisers are animal science majors that can bring their dog to work,” Saul, a 20-year-old business major at the university, said.

“If they can’t, there’s lots of sitters like me who are happy to help watch them.” Saul also admitted that interacting with the dogs is probably his favorite thing about being at the university. “Being a student in the business school, I spend a lot of my time studying for classes like accounting or statistics, which is very dry and boring,” Saul added. “Being able to see a dog on campus, let alone being able to live with one, is amazing! It really relieves a lot of stress for us. As you know, school is exhausting

The Seeing Eye is the oldest guide dog school in the U.S. and they have been training hundreds of pooches to accompany blind people each year. But before these dogs graduate from their canine academy, they have some more training to do in order to become reliable guide dogs.

The initiative not only helps the students relieve some of their stress but also contributes to helping the puppies socialize, which is an essential aspect of their training. “From the second we get them, we shower them with a lot of love and we work on their basic obedience and commands – but the most important aspect of the training that we do with them is the exposure training,” RUSEPRC President Emily Cruz told the outlet. “We never know what type of person they will guide or in what kind of environment they will guide in. They may guide a retired man living in Florida or maybe a young woman with kids teaching at a college in a big city. The possibilities are endless!” she said. “Therefore, we make sure to expose them to many different people, places, sights, sounds, environments, and experiences to ensure that they are the most confident guide dog in every situation.”

The club and the participating students have raised over 200 service dogs as of 2019. In case a dog in training fails to pass the tests to become a service dog, the students who raise them can opt to adopt them. Saul further revealed that those dogs are often sent to live with “a family from a waiting list that is years long.” The RUSEPRC members admitted that getting paired up with these fur buddies was a life-changing experience. “This program has not only helped make a difference in the lives of blind people but also has shaped the lives of hundreds of Rutgers students,” Cruz said. “It might not be easy to give the dogs back up, but knowing that they are doing bigger things in the world and knowing that you played a part in that swells everyone involved with pride. While we teach our puppies a lot, they teach us so much in return. I know that I wouldn’t be myself if it wasn’t for this program.”

Article- The 3 soloists chosen for an orchestra performance? Barking dogs

Dogs perform Mozart with Danish orchestra

The Washington Post- https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/09/12/dog-orchestra-symphony-mozart-danish/

Cookie, Sophus and Sica were all selected to be part of the symphony for their woofing skills

By Cathy Free

September 12, 2023

On Sept. 3rd, three dogs joined the Danish Chamber Orchestra on stage to perform Leopold Mozart’s Hunting Symphony.

Members of the Danish Chamber Orchestra performing Leopold Mozart’s little-known Hunting Symphony began to smile as the third movement began. Three dogs pranced onstage with their humans before the audience of 750 people in Copenhagen — and on cue — the pups began to bark along with the instruments.

Cookie, Sophus and Sica were all selected to be part of the performance for their woofing skills. The symphony features barking dogs, hunting calls and simulated gunshots by a percussionist. Most orchestras that perform the piece choose to use recordings of dogs barking, but conductor Adam Fischer decided to showcase live experts baying in the piece.

“I immediately had the idea that I should try to perform it once in the original version,” he said, explaining that the composer — the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — included what he called “naturalism” in several of his works.

The audience gave a howling ovation after the Sept. 3 performance, Fischer said.

“I did this [symphony] once at a New Year’s concert in Budapest about 20 years ago, but only with one dog,” Fischer told The Washington Post in an email.

“This time, I thought we could stick to the composer’s intention of [using] several dogs that should bark,” he said, noting that he first came across the Hunting Symphony about 50 years ago as a music student.

Adam Fischer, conductor of the Danish Chamber Orchestra, at the April 2023 audition.

Fischer put out a call for show dogs earlier this year, and on April 13, about a dozen dogs and their handlers showed up for an open dog audition at Copenhagen Music House to show off their talent for barking on command. The difficult task of remaining silent on command was given equal merit.

About a dozen dogs showed up for the spring audition with the Danish Chamber Orchestra.

“The dogs showed whether they could bark and stop again, and afterward, a string quartet accompanied them so we could see how the dogs reacted to the music,” Andreas Vetö, CEO of the Danish Chamber Orchestra, said in an email.

Vetö, Fischer and a dog trainer were judges at the audition. Conductor Adam Fischer and several chamber musicians worked with the dogs at an audition to see whether they could bark and stop on command.

Helle Lauvring, 60, was thrilled that her four-year-old Spanish water dog, Cookie, was among the three canines to be chosen.

“I’ve been training Cookie for many years, and I knew she could bark when I asked her to and that she would be perfect for the job,” Lauvring said in an email. “She is very obedient and good at taking commands.”

Adam Fischer “conducts” Helle Lauvring and her dog Cookie at the audition in April.

For the next several months, Lauvring worked with Cookie at home and attended a few dress rehearsals with the other dogs, Sophus, a cocker spaniel, and Sica, a German shepherd. Vetö said the dogs were allowed to roam around the concert hall and spend time with the musicians so they would feel comfortable. They also had a few training sessions with a dog trainer, he said. But the most effective way to get them to respond to commands was having their owners give them treats.

Fischer said working with dogs as guest artists wasn’t much different from sharing the stage with human performers.

The three chosen dogs and their owners rehearsed their roles for several months before the performance on Sept. 3. Including dog performers in the Hunting Symphony helped to temper classical music’s elitist image, Vetö said, because almost anyone can relate to seeing a dog eager to perform.

“The dogs showed us that suddenly we can communicate music to an audience that would not necessarily listen to classical music,” he said, explaining that the canines inspired people who might not attend classical concerts to give it a try.

Although The Hunting Symphony is not often performed, it was put on by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with real canines at an outdoor concert nine years ago.

Composer Leopold Mozart was an accomplished violinist and teacher who became a court composer for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg in 1757. He was reportedly fond of the French horn and featured four horn soloists in the Hunting Symphony, written in 1756. The Danish Chamber Orchestra was excited to perform the piece, Vetö said, noting that members are always up for something new.

In 2014, guest conductor and pepper enthusiast Chili Klaus gave the musicians hot chile peppers to eat before performing “Tango Jalousie” by Danish composer Jacob Gade. Klaus, also known as Claus Pilgaard, is a musician and chile enthusiast known for sharing hot peppers with people and filming their reactions. During the performance in Copenhagen, the chamber musicians played the piece, some with tear-filled eyes, then rushed for the exits. With the Hunting Symphony, the only food onstage was dog treats.

Cookie, with owner Helle Lauvring, was in the spotlight on concert night.

On the night of the performance, Lauvring and the other dog handlers waved their arms like conductors to encourage their dogs to bark whenever Fischer gave them the nod. They kept plenty of snacks in their pockets so they could reward their dogs after each solo.

“Cookie barked at the right time, and I could see that she really enjoyed it and had a blast — so did I,” Lauvring said, noting that four of her family members were in attendance.

“I was really nervous to be onstage, but also very excited,” she said. “It was a fun experience. Cookie was really good and performed exactly as we planned.”

Cookie performed flawlessly on concert night, said her owner, Helle Lauvring. Lauvring isn’t certain whether more time in the spotlight is in her dog’s future, because Cookie’s day job might interfere.

“She is also a certified reading dog, supporting children who struggle with reading,” she said, explaining that Cookie focuses intently on each child and helps them feel comfortable reading aloud.

As for Fischer, he said he doesn’t know if other four-legged guest artists will grace the stage again in Copenhagen, but he’s keeping an open mind.

“I would be happy to perform other pieces,” Fischer said. “I love animals.”

Sincerely,

Sarah Calhoun, President

Guide Dog Users, Inc.

Andrea Giudice, Editor

Co-editor and GDUI Immediate Past President: Penny Reeder

Paws for GDUI News You Can Use

Visit our web site: https://www.guidedogusersinc.org/

Call us, toll-free, at 866.799.8436

Our Facebook page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/GDUInc/.

Our Facebook group can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/GDUINC/.

Our Twitter timeline can be accessed at https://twitter.com/gduinc.

Download or subscribe to the GDUI Juno Report pod cast here: http://acbradio.org/gdr.xml

Support GDUI when you use this link to shop at Amazon.com:

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1871119.

To join the GDUI-Announce List, visit this link: http://www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo/gdui-announce.

To subscribe to the GDUI Chat list, visit this link: chat+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

To subscribe to the (members only) GDUI Business list, visit this link:

business+subscribe@guidedogusersinc.org.

President: Sarah Calhoun

From the editor — Hello fellow GDUISters

From the President

For Your Calendar

Announcement — Employment Survey

Dear friends in the blind and low vision community,

News from American Council of the Blind

Article- Introducing Loving Touch Connection

Announcement- Open Doors Organization to Host National Service Animal Summit – Coming August 2025

Article- Facebook Penalizes the Blind

Article- The Word

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!

Pod Casts/Blogs/ webinars: Check these out!

Announcement- Innosearch AI – Empowering Independence, One Purchase at a Time

Article- Accessible online shopping with Innosearch

Announcement- Save your fuzzies from the Fuzz!

Announcement- MGM+ Now Offers Audio Description

Article- Paws Down on Severance! [From: Why your dog freaks out during ‘Severance’ – The Washington Post]

Trivia: This Issue’s Publication month!

Article- How a new arm of guide dog training is giving wheelchair users fresh independence

Announcement- BITS Unleashing RIM Support

A Poem

Announcement- ACB Launches Accessibility & Training Services Program

Announcement- Ask Emily & Garth – A New Advice Column

Article- Think You Understand Your Dog? Think Again.

Article- Look who’s in the news!

Article- Man’s Best Friend plus 2 By Anthony Corona, Host and Producer of Sunday edition

Crucial Health Information for our pups!

Bad breath?

Article- Teacher making hockey more accessible for visually impaired

Announcement- RideShare Updates

Article- Surprising Household Pet Poisons

Article- ACB Advocacy Handout

Announcement – ACB to Provide Advisory Services to NFL

From the editor- Hello fellow GDUISters

From the President

The Hidden Cost of “Voluntary” Self-Identification: A Critical Analysis of New

Ride-Share Policies for Guide Dog Handlers

Understanding the New Policy Framework

The Legal Context and Rights Erosion

The False Choice

Why This Matters

Consider the implications

The Broader Civil Rights Implications

A Better Path Forward

Conclusion

For Your Calendar

National Pet Dental Health Month: 2/2025.

Multi-State Auction! (Virtual): 3/29/2025, 7:00 PM/ET.

Announcement- Get your print/braille Valentines today!

New valentines for 2025: You’re One in a Melon!

Valentines 2024 (Pie Like You…)

Calendar Event Details: Stargardt Summit

Program Overview:

Calendar Event Details: Multi-State Auction!

Book Announcement: The extraordinarily ordinary kittens: a true story told by a rascally, rescue dog named Sneakers

Announcement: The Seeing Eye Advocacy App

Know Your Rights

Article: Traveling Blind

Awesome “guide dog song”!- Walk Like a Guide Dog Team (to the tune of “Walk Like an Egyptian”)

Announcement: Link to the Blessing of the Animals, 2024

Article: Why some Bay Area blind people say Waymos are changing their lives

Story- adventures of a skilled professional guide dog: Adventures in shopping

I Found My True Love in a Newspaper Article

A Conventional Couple

Meeting Ed

Announcement: Partnership Creates Accessible Home Appliances

Article: Emergency Planning for Pets

Article- GDUI’s Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAPP)

From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy! Crockpot Chili!

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Now… for dessert…Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Joke: Dog V. Human on Valentine’s Day

Ten reasons dogs make better valentines than humans do.

Books with BARDCT:

Pod Casts/Blogs/ webinars- Check these out!

Webinar- Seizures in dogs and cats

Dear friends in the blind and low vision community, 

Article- Man’s Best Friend plus 2
By Anthony Corona, Host and Producer of Sunday edition