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
Welcome to Paws for GDUI News You Can Use, the Feb-BRRRRRRRRRRRRR-ruary 2026 issue! Grab a hot cuppa and enjoy!
It is so cold as I am writing this that I can hardly get my fingers to work, and that is in my apartment with the heat higher than I want to have to think about paying for on next month’s bill. Toto is curled in the smallest of dog balls, with his tail firmly pressed across his nose. And, yes, he is totally, and unashamedly bundled under his quilt!!
This month you will find articles celebrating braille, as Paws isn’t published in January (the month of Louis Braille’s birthday) so… bumps are being honored this month instead! There are book announcements; sneak peeks; member’s submission’s; new, at least to your editor, apps; important dates; conference(s) information; recipes; helpful tips for keeping the pups safe in this ridiculous cold; stories of bravery, creative use of technology, and out-of-the box thinking; and so much more! (If I list more, there would be no reason for out to read any further! *smile*)
As always, I encourage everyone 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 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! To those of you who have sent items, your own work or something forwarded from another source, we offer heaps and piles of gratitude!
Sending cyber hugs and wags,
Andrea and Super T
***
Canine Contemplations
Toto’s Treasures- My mom always uses a tray or cookie sheet (okay Auntie Keri says that pan with sides that Mom always calls a cookie sheet is actually a jelly roll pan but I am going to side with Mom) when preparing food. She puts the cookie sheet on the counter and then makes the sandwich, or whatever she is doing on the cookie sheet instead right on the counter (or table or whatever surface she is working on). This way anything that spills- liquid or crumbs or whatever- stays in the cookie sheet and doesn’t escape all over the kitchen. I can tell you I am very sad about this particular practice of Mom’s! It actually works, that d***n cookie sheet catches all the spills!! Mom also always does the same thing when she is putting pills in her pill organizer. She says it is not good for me to get any pills that might “jump!”
Winnie’s Wisdom- This month it all about the pool noodle! My mom uses them everywhere but the pool! She will tell anyone who asks, and even some who don’t actually ask, the following- when cut in half lengthwise, pool noodles become wonderful tools of protection. Once cut in half, length-wise, you now have two long, slightly curved pieces of a material that is both soft and pliable. Now you can further cut each pool noodle half in to smaller pieces and put them around the legs of tables, chairs, bed frameset.; on the sharp corners of counters, shelves, tables, cabinets, Etc.; pretty much anywhere that toes will be stubbed, heads will be bumped, and/or any part of you will be hurt by any part of the inanimate objects in your world!
Remember, we welcome all you guides out there to send in tips and tricks you may of over heard from your humans. We can’t promise that everything will get published, (After all, we don’t get the last word on such things. That’s way above our pay grade!) However, we promise to give our attention to all submissions!
***
For Your Calendar-
(Some of the items listed here are expanded upon later in this issue, others may be a ways off)
2/5/26, 4PM (PT)- Careers & Canine Connections Informational Webinar
2/6/26, Last day to reserve rooms for Leadership Conference
2/7/26, 7AM (PT)- TUG’s What’s New In JAWS And ZoomText For 2026
2/12/26- growing the circle a reading an advocacy event with Barbara Hinske and Sunday edition
2/26/26, 6PM (ET)- usdan-institute Webinar Dental Health for Dogs & Cats
3/6-10/26- 2026 Leadership Conference (hybrid event)
3/10/26, 7 PM (ET)-Blind Birder Community Conversations- Living on the Wind: How and Why Birds Migrate
4/1/26- 2026 DKM / Chase applications close
4/14/26, 7 PM (ET)-Blind Birder Community Conversations- Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Info Session
5/3-4/26- 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon
7/24-31/26- 65th annual ACB Conference and Convention
***
Calendar Event- 2/5/26, 4PM (PT)
Guide Dogs For The Blind And APH ConnectCenter present Careers & Canine Connections Informational Webinar
February 5, 2026- 4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
(Access Information News for Monday, January 26, 2026 – Volume 1051- https://www.accessinformationnews.com/ain2026/01262026/)
Join Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH ConnectCenter for an informational webinar about Careers & Canine Connections, a weeklong program designed for blind and low-vision young adults ages 18 to 26 to explore career opportunities and the guide dog lifestyle.
To register, visit- https://gdb-official.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bzRg7tePS5O391U35jJicQ#/registration?utm_source=accessinformationnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01262026&utm_content=editorial
***
Calendar Event- 2/6/26
Registration for the D.C. Leadership Conference is OPEN
Important reminder: the hotel room block closes on February 6!
The 2026 Leadership Conference will be a hybrid event. The optional tour, ACB’s Board Meeting, Presidents’ Meeting, Legislative Seminar, and Capitol Hill visits will take place between , at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, VA.
Registration is OPEN. You can register through the members site here: https://members.acb.org/. The registration fee for in-person attendees is $115. The registration fee is $30 for virtual attendees. Registration closes on February 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT. For more information on the D.C. Leadership conference please visit our conference page here- https://members.acb.org/
Hotel reservations are available with the room block cutoff date of February 6, 2026, Visit the conference webpage for details about how to reserve your hotel room- https://www.acb.org/2026-acb-dc-leadership-conference
A schedule of events, including information on the optional tour, and information on the legislative imperatives are also available on the conference webpage.
We hope you can join us for this year’s event!
American Council of the Blind | www.acb.org
****
Calendar Event- 2/7/26, 7AM (PT)
What’s New In JAWS And ZoomText For 2026
Presented by Technology User Group(TUG) At The Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled
(Access Information News for Monday, January 26, 2026 – Volume 1051- https://www.accessinformationnews.com/ain2026/01262026/)
February 7, 2026- 7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
TUG is proud to welcome Elizabeth Whitaker of Freedom Scientific for an in-depth presentation you will not want to miss. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices behind the tools so many rely on every day. Elizabeth will walk us through the newest updates to JAWS and ZoomText, including: The redesigned login process that streamlines access and improves security. Page Explorer, a powerful feature that enhances navigation and efficiency and training resources and podcasts that are available to all users, offering ongoing learning and support. This session promises practical insights, expert guidance, and a firsthand look at features that can make a real difference in daily technology use. This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge tools, ask questions, and connect with others passionate about technology and its impact.
February 7, 2026 What’s New In JAWS And ZoomText For 2026
***
Blind Dog Rescue Alliance (BDRA)
(February: The Insight Scoop newsletter
South East CT Community Center of the Blind, https://centeroftheblind.org/)
Our Mission
Our goal is to identify and rescue blind and visually impaired dogs of any breed. These may be dogs that have been abused, neglected, abandoned or surrendered by their owners. We network with shelters to help find forever families. The hope in rescuing these dogs is to foster, provide medical care, and adopt them to permanent homes to live their best lives.
Have a Heart Fundraiser
Blind Dogs See with their Hearts
For just $5, you can purchase a virtual heart and be part of saving these wonderful dogs. Fundraiser will end February 17th.
Your heart will be displayed for all to see on the BDRA Facebook page (no Facebook account needed to view the hearts!).
https://www.facebook.com/blinddogrescue
Please like and share to help us spread the love and reach more supporters. You’ll also receive a copy of your heart to use and share. Every heart helps.
For questions, please email: fundraising@blinddogrescue.org
Blind Dog Rescue Alliance
(877) 254-6301
https://www.blinddogrescue.org/
P.O. Box 1855, Boothwyn, PA 19061
***
Calendar event- 2/26/26 at 6 PM (ET)
Upcoming Online Event- You’re Invited! Webinar on Dental Health
for Dogs & Cats
Signs, Treatment, and At-Home Care
(Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education- https://www.amcny.org/usdan-institute-for-animal-health-education/)
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, highlighting the importance of dental care for your pet’s overall health. Dental disease is common in both dogs and cats and, if left untreated, can cause pain, tooth loss, and infection that can affect the entire body.
Join us on Thursday, February 26th at 6 PM ET on Zoom as Dr. Brad Cingolani, Resident Veterinarian in Dentistry and Oral Surgery at AMC, discusses common dental conditions in dogs and cats. He will review signs that may indicate a problem, explain what to expect from a veterinary dental examination and treatment, and share practical steps pet owners can take at home to promote healthier teeth and gums.
Register at- https://app.glueup.com/event/dental-health-for-dogs-and-cats-signs-treatment-and-at-home-care-166531/
Please note: This webinar is intended for pet owners and is not eligible for CE credit.
*****
As It’s National Pet Dental Health Month….
(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users February 2026 Monthly News Update, www.pinetreeguidedogusers.org)
Brushing your dog’s teeth is an easy, daily step towards protecting your dog’s overall health and vitality. Watch this how-to video from the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center to ensure your dog is getting the dental care it needs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD7xsS99M90
***
Advocacy in Action:
Looking Ahead to Capitol Hill
by Claire Stanley
( The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV • February 2026 • No. 6)
ACB is excited for our 2026 Hill Day on Tuesday, March 10. We always carry out a fly-in Hill Day the Tuesday following the legislative seminar at the D.C. Leadership Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to visit their Congressmembers and explain important issues and legislation impacting the blind and low vision community across the country. The opportunity to travel to Capitol Hill and be involved in the advocacy process is a wonderful experience for anyone and everyone to experience.
As in past years, ACB wants to put a special emphasis on meeting with specific members of Congress who sit on the applicable committees overseeing the three 2026 imperatives. It is crucial that all people reach out to their senators and representatives on the legislative imperatives. However, if your Congressmembers sit on the responsible committees, it can help to bring about greater movement in pushing the bills forward. As a result, ACB will be reaching out to specific state affiliates if your members fill such committee roles. We greatly encourage you to place an emphasis on meeting with those offices. ACB is glad to help and schedule meetings with those offices. When planning for those meetings, please collect constituent anecdotes on how the three bills will positively impact the lives of blind and low vision people. Hill staffers repeatedly ask for stories of the lived experiences of their constituents.
In summary, make sure you know if your senators and representatives sit on applicable, bill-related committees. Don’t worry, we will help. And second, start collecting those stories now to have ready when you go to the Hill on March 10.
***
A 2026 Leadership Opportunity
from the Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee
( The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV • February 2026 • No. 6)
Are you hoping to build your leadership skills or get more involved in ACB? Maybe you’re already taking on leadership roles and want to connect with others who share your passion. If any of that sounds like you, we’ve got a great opportunity you won’t want to miss.
This year, the Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee is proud to reach two major milestones of helping drive leadership in ACB! Thirty years ago, the DKM Committee launched the First-Timer program. Meanwhile, this year marks 10 years since we celebrated the inaugural class of ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows.
As tradition holds, the DKM Fund Committee will select two ACB members — one on each side of the Mississippi River — to be our DKM First-Timers this year. Five members will also be chosen to take part in the ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows program. Both programs are designed to help you grow, learn, and experience ACB in a deeper way.
If you’re chosen, you’ll get to attend the 65th annual ACB Conference and Convention from July 24–31, 2026, in St. Louis, Mo. You’ll meet other leaders, spend time with past recipients, and take part in a wide range of convention activities that can help you build confidence, skills, and lasting connections.
Who Can Apply?
You must be blind or visually impaired, at least 18 years old, and a current ACB member.
DKM First-Timer Award:
- You must have never attended an in-person ACB Conference and Convention.
- You need at least two years of continuous membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or you must be a member-at-large serving on an ACB committee.
ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows Award:
You need at least three years of continuous membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or you must be a member-at-large serving on an ACB committee.
If you qualify, you’ll just need to fill out the online application and ask the president of your affiliate — or your committee chair if you’re a member-at-large — to submit the recommendation form.
Important Dates
Applications open January 1, 2026.
2026 DKM/Chase Award Application- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYccBNo7-EgxUYG2xHIsOp0wC1JgPW1GkABEQMOxbEUp6nwg/viewform
2026 DKM / Chase Recommendation Form- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0BRlLQFnpVEjJf8ccWmuETu0zc6V-wGzSRRrVYPGEZRUw5g/viewform
Everything is due by April 1, 2026.
After applications close, the DKM Committee will schedule a 30-minute interview with each applicant in mid-April. Once interviews and reviews are complete, we’ll make our selections in late April. Two First-Timers and five Leadership Fellows will be chosen. If there aren’t eligible applicants on one side of the Mississippi, both First-Timers may be selected from the same region.
Everyone will be notified soon after decisions are made.
What’s Covered?
If you’re selected, ACB will cover round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the convention, double-occupancy hotel room, per diem for meals, registration, and tickets for certain events like the reception and banquet. Optional tours and activities aren’t included. You’ll be responsible for arranging any personal accommodations you need so you can fully participate throughout the week — including attending all general sessions and required events.
If you have any questions, reach out to Zelda Gebhard, DKM Committee Chair, at zgeb@drtel.net or (701) 709-0262.
***
Convention Preview — Announcing the 2026 banquet speaker
A huge thank-you to Microsoft for their generous diamond sponsorship of Conference and convention announcements.
(Excerpted from The Dot Experience Cast: Precious Perez. Website- https://tinyurl.com/msz34f3d)
We are extremely excited and fortunate to announce that the banquet speaker at the American Council of the Blind’s 2026 Conference and Convention will be Precious Perez. She will speak with ACB about her life as a blind musician, her advocacy work, and entertain us with some of her music. Don’t miss this great opportunity; join us on Thursday, July 30.
Precious Perez was born with Retinopathy of Prematurity, a condition causing blindness from birth.
At the age of 6, Perez received a Barbie karaoke machine. “I would sing along to the radio in my room by myself, and I loved it. I started getting involved in school chorus and music class, and as the years went on, I got more interested in writing my own music. I wrote my first good song when I was 13, and my first terrible one when I was 10,” said Perez. “It grew into more than just a hobby, it became what I wanted to do.” In 2021, Precious graduated with a double major in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music and began her pursuit of a full-time music career. “Initially, I thought I would become a teacher and do gigs in my free time, trying to have the best of both worlds. But I quickly realized I’m not built for full-time teaching,” said Perez. “I decided to just jump into freelancing and embrace my LLC, because I was getting more opportunities on the entertainment front. That was a scary leap to take.” Since then, Perez has worked in accessibility testing, voice acted for a Paramount Plus miniseries, as well as a new Dora animated series, played in a local cover band, and written a book about her experience growing up blind. “I have so many irons in the fire, but my main passion is making Latin music. That’s what all of this has been for,” said Perez. With two new singles out since September and four more on the way, Perez’s music career and content creation are at the top of her priority list.
Perez has been working to create awareness for blindness and disability, as well as advocate for accessibility in the music industry. Working with Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD) has been a way to keep her goals at the forefront of her work. “My whole goal is to spread love and uplift all of my communities,” said Perez. “It’s so important to use whatever influence you have to empower other people. If your work touches even one person, you’ve already done what you came to do.”
Learn more about Precious and listen to her music at- www.PreciousPerezMusica.com
- hotel details: Room rates at the Hyatt Regency Arch, 315 Chestnut St, are $104.00 single or double, $129.00 triple or $154.00 quad,.) plus applicable state and local taxes (currently 17.92 % (
To make reservations online go to
https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/STLRS/G-ACBL.
If you prefer to make your reservations by telephone, please call central reservations at
(888) 591-1234. Make sure to let them know you are reserving a room at the Hyatt St Louis Arch at 315 Chestnut street and use group code G-ACBL
The cut-off date for reservations is July 5, 2026, but don’t delay, make your reservations today!
Room amenities
All sleeping rooms have safes, ironing boards, refrigerators and k-cup coffee makers.
The hotel has a twenty-four-hour fitness center; it does not have a pool.
There are not guest washers and dryers, there is a dry-cleaning service.
The hotel is cashless; any purchases must be made with a credit or debit card.
For any convention-related questions please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair,
(651) 428-5059
***
Books, authored by members and/or about blindness, now available-
*It is my pleasure to announce the release of my latest book, “Blind Like Me”; The Danny
Kysor Story
(Dan Kysor, dankysor@comcast.net)
Its now available on Amazon as a Kindle book. The easiest way to find it is to search on Amazon shopping my name, Dan Kysor in the search box.
The audible version will be out very soon.
More about “Blind Like Me”
In “Blind Like Me,” Dan Kysor shares his personal journey navigating life with Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a congenital eye disease that gradually led to total blindness in his 50s. With an outgoing spirit, Kysor recounts his experiences from childhood, including humorous anecdotes and the challenges of adapting to a world designed for the sighted. He explores the perceptions of blindness, both from the sighted world and within the blind community, drawing on personal stories and insights, such as his acquaintance with partially sighted Paralympian Mike May. Through heartfelt recollections and excerpts from his mother’s book about raising a visually impaired child, Kysor offers a candid and engaging perspective on living beyond the limitations often associated with blindness, emphasizing adaptability, the power of other senses, and the importance of individual experiences.
*Braille’s Superpower Children’s Book Release
I just released my fifth children’s book: Braille’s Superpower!
Calling all parents, teachers, librarians, daycare providers, homeschoolers, and anyone who loves inspiring and empowering stories for kids—this is the book your bookshelf has been waiting for!
Meet Braille—an 8-year-old totally blind girl with a bright spirit and a powerful message: being different is a superpower. In this uplifting, educational, and heartwarming story, Braille teaches her classmates (and readers!) about blindness in a way that’s fun, interactive, and full of kindness.
What Readers Can Expect-
- A lovable main character who proudly owns her uniqueness
- Real facts about blindness and what braille is
- A classroom adventure filled with curiosity, courage, and friendship
- Age-appropriate life lessons about inclusion, empathy, and respect
- Colorful illustrations that bring Braille’s world to life
- A special letter from Braille herself—plus critical thinking questions to spark important conversations
Who This Book Is For
- Elementary school teachers & special educators looking to teach inclusion and disability awareness
- Daycare & childcare providers wanting meaningful, values-based read-a-louds
- Parents and guardians raising kind and compassionate kids
- School counselors supporting SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
- Librarians & community leaders building diverse and inclusive collections
- And most importantly… kids ages 5–10 who love stories about everyday heroes!
Why Braille’s Superpower Matters- In a world that often misunderstands blindness and disability, this book opens hearts and minds. It helps children see the strength in differences, recognize the importance of accessibility, and grow into thoughtful, inclusive humans.
Let’s raise a generation of kids who lead with love, listen with curiosity, and celebrate ALL kinds of superpowers.
Story Summary- Meet Braille—a bright, curious, and confident 8-year-old girl who just happens to be totally blind.
When her school hosts Superhero Day, Braille doesn’t show up in a cape or a costume. Instead, she brings something even more powerful: her true self.
With her trusty long white cane and her braille book in hand, Braille teaches her classmates what it means to be blind. She opens their eyes to a world they’ve never known—one filled with strength, creativity, and courage.
This heartwarming story reminds young readers that real heroes come in all forms—and sometimes, they read with their hands.
Grab your copy of Braille’s Superpower today- and let the learning and kindness begin!https://www.amazon.com/Brailles-Superpower-Blaque-Diamond/dp/B0G26XK3XC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XDEIJAX77UH0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T3FcQS4YJ3lCyTW-pYREsg.HacNLJ4gT-YqJT0HkcRSsW_oY7MtiXFGFvG9QLNkPg4&dib_tag=se&keywords=braille%27s+superpower+blaque+diamond&qid=1763570774&sprefix=braille%27s+superpower+blaque+diamond%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1
***
BITS Announces New Organizational Name
(The ACB Braille Forum, Volume LXIV • February 2026 • No. 6)
Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), a long-standing affiliate dedicated to advancing access, education, and leadership in technology for blind and low-vision individuals, is proud to announce that its members have overwhelmingly approved a historic organizational name change. Beginning immediately, the organization will be known as Blind Information Technology Solutions.
This change was adopted following a vote of the full membership, in which 85 percent supported the new name. The decision reflects the organization’s growth, its expanding programs, and its evolving role in shaping accessible technology across industries.
The updated name signals a strategic shift toward:
- Broader technology solutions designed by and for blind and low-vision users
- Expanded technical training, including AI, data tools, coding, web accessibility, digital productivity, and assistive technologies
- Greater organizational partnerships, including industry, academia, and advocacy groups
- Stronger representation within the American Council of the Blind, reinforcing the importance of digital equity and innovation
- A clearer identity that resonates with both emerging technologists and established professionals
For more information about Blind Information Technology Solutions, upcoming programs, or opportunities to get involved, please visit the organization’s website, www.bits-acb.org, or contact our leadership team via email, president@bits-acb.org.
***
I Wish I Could Shovel Snow Again
By Carla Hayes
(The ACB Braille Forum- Volume LXIV • November-December 2025 • No. 4)
(Author’s Note: This is a poem that I wrote after my cardiologist told me that I was never allowed to shovel snow again.)
I wish I could shovel snow again.
Slowly, carefully, I would bend
And shove the shovel under a big pile of snow
And push it and heave it as far as it could go.
I wish I could shovel snow again
And enjoy that moment of accomplishment when
Beneath my feet, I’d feel that vast empty space
And know that the snow had once been in that place.
I wish I could shovel snow again.
Peaceful hours I would spend.
Stillness and silence all around,
Punctuated by faraway sound.
I wish I could shovel snow again,
And go back to the time when I was nine or ten
And discover anew God’s symmetry and truth
In each long, fragile icicle hanging from the roof.
I wish I could shovel snow again.
Now all I can do is dream and pretend.
I long for the breeze of the brisk winter air
Gently blowing through my long blonde hair.
I wish I could shovel snow again.
I’d make a snowman who would be my friend.
Even though I have no man, that snowman would be there.
I’d let him melt my heart and pretend that he cared.
I wish I could shovel snow again.
I’d work my way down to the driveway’s end.
The snow and the ice would crunch under my feet
And after a while, I would reach the street.
I wish I could shovel snow again.
And not worry about the effort I expend
And not think about my heart that might attack.
I’d just shovel a path and follow it back.
***
Dear GDUI Members,
With the current storm system stretching over 2,000 miles and impacting many parts of our country, we want to take a moment to check in with our community and remind you that support is available.
Guide Dog Users Incorporated’s Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program (DAP) is here for you and your guide dog during times of emergency. If you encounter a situation related to severe weather or another disaster that creates unexpected challenges for you and your guide dog, DAP grants may be available to help with emergency-related needs.
Emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when they affect your safety, mobility, or your guide dog’s well-being. Please know that you do not have to navigate these situations alone. GDUI is committed to supporting our members during difficult times.
For more information about the Disaster Assistance and Preparedness Program, including how to apply for assistance, please visit our website at:
http://www.guidedogusersinc.org
If you need immediate guidance or assistance, you may contact the GDUI office manager at:
866-799-8436
Please stay safe, remain prepared, and know that GDUI is here to support you and your guide dog.
Warm regards,
Tammy Robbins
Guide Dog Users Incorporated
committee chair Disaster Assistance & Preparedness Program (DAP)
***
Winter Pet Safety
How to keep your pets warm, healthy, and happy during the coldest months of the year.
(Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education- https://www.amcny.org/usdan-institute-for-animal-health-education/)
Updated: 1/8/26
When the temperature drops, our pets rely on us more than ever to help them navigate the challenges of winter. Here are some tips to ensure your pets stay warm, healthy, and happy during the cold months-
9 Cold Weather Tips for Your Pet-
- Keep antifreeze out of reach and clean spills immediately!
- Honk the car horn before starting in case a cat is hiding in a wheel well or under the hood!
- Smaller, short-haired, or senior dogs may need a jacket or sweater.
- Avoid over-bathing or shaving pets in winter!
- Never leave pets in cars due to the risk of hypothermia!
- Provide a warm sleeping area away from drafts!
- Ensure pets have access to fresh water that won’t freeze!
- Use only stable, cool-to-the-touch space heaters and supervise pets when in use!
- Protect paws from ice and salt with booties or paw wax!
Weathering Winter Walks-
- Keep Your Dog on a Leash! Ice and snow can mask familiar smells, and dogs can easily lose their way. Make sure your pup is microchipped and wearing an up-to-date ID tag.
- Know Your Dog’s Limit! Watch for signs that your dog may be too cold. If your dog is slowing down, shivering, whining, or holding up one or more paws, cut the walk short and head inside.
- Bundle Up! If you feel cold in your coat, it may be too cold for your dog without one! If the air is cold but dry, opt for a sweater. If it’s snowing, a water-resistant coat is a better choice.
- Keep Your Hound Hydrated! Bring water and a portable bowl with you. Eating snow is not a good option since it may be contaminated with antifreeze, deicers, or other harmful chemicals.
- Paw Protection! Invest in a good set of waterproof boots that fit. Along with keeping feet warm and dry, they will protect paw pads against irritating deicers. For dogs who won’t wear boots, paw wax can provide a protective barrier.
- Post-Walk Care! Deicers aren’t just irritating to paws, they’re toxic if ingested. When you get home from a walk, clean your dog’s paws, belly, legs, and any other areas that may have come in contact with poisonous-to-pets chemicals.
The Hidden Danger in Your Coat Pocket-
Air-activated hand and foot warmers may keep you cozy, but the iron powder inside is toxic if ingested by pets, and the pouch material can cause an intestinal blockage.
- Keep them out of reach!
- Dispose of used warmers in a covered trash can!
- If your pet chews or swallows one, seek emergency veterinary care immediately!
***
Safeguard your dog from winter’s cold and wet weather.
(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users February 2026 Monthly News Update, www.pinetreeguidedogusers.org)
Ruffwear Highlands Dog Pad
Ruffwear’s gray Highlands Pad is a lightweight, backpacking dog bed with an easy-to-clean microsuede sleeping surface and accordion-fold design for compact and easy transport. The closed-cell foam and synthetic down insulate from hard, cold surfaces, while the non-slip waterproof base ensures a dry spot for your pup. Perfect for protecting your dog at the bus stop, or from car and other floors that are wet from snow melt and covered with sand and deicing chemicals. Size medium measures approximately 23 x 33 x 1 inches when flat and 12 x 5 x 5 inches when folded. Weighs 12 ounces. $50.00.
***
More Convention sneak peeks!
Some fun facts about the city of St. Louis and the state of Missouri (reprinted from the February 2018 convention article):
(The ACB Braille Forum- Volume LXIV • November-December 2025 • No. 4, Submitted by Nancy Christine Feela)
The state bird of Missouri is the eastern bluebird, and the state flower is the white hawthorn blossom.
Missouri’s nickname is the “Show Me” state; you will definitely see a lot and learn many new things during convention week.
The state motto, adopted in 1822, is “Salus populi suprema lex esto.” Translation: “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.”
Pierre Laclede Liguest, recipient of a land grant from the King of France, and his 13-year-old scout, Auguste Chouteau, selected the site of St. Louis in 1764 as a fur trading post. Named for Louis IX of France, the site was chosen because it was not subject to flooding and was near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
***
From the Kennel Kitchen- Yummy!
Frozen Banana Dog Treats (Guide Dog Foundation)
Switch up the peanut butter with canned pumpkin or crushed blueberries for a delightful twist to this canine favorite.
Ingredients
1 banana, frozen
12 ounces plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup peanut butter
Directions
Blend banana, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter until smooth. Spoon into silicon molds and freeze for about 2 hours. Pop out of the molds and serve! Uneaten treats can be kept in an airtight container in the freezer for 2 weeks.
Banana Bread
(February: The Insight Scoop newsletter
South East CT Community Center of the Blind, https://centeroftheblind.org/)
Ingredients-
4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1 cup butter, softened at room temp
2 cups sugar
2.5 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Directions-
Cream butter and sugar together. Mix in bananas and eggs. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt just until mixed. Pour into a 13×9 greased dish. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Optional add ins include 12 oz bag of chocolate chips, or 1 cup of nuts such as pecans or walnuts. Try it with espresso chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this special guide dog recipe filled with a blend of dedication, love, and teamwork. (Guiding Eyes for the Blind)
(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users February 2026 Monthly News Update, www.pinetreeguidedogusers.org)
Ingredients
A touch of Home Litter Care Volunteers for round-the-clock nurturing of our future guide dogs.
A generous scoop of Early Socialization Volunteers to introduce newborn pups to gentle hands and the wonders of the world.
A spoonful of Home Socializers, ensuring young puppies experience new sights, sounds, and textures with confidence.
A handful of Puppy Wranglers to help manage active, curious pups during events.
A few frames from our Puppy Test and IFT Videographers, capturing vital milestones in training.
A sprinkle of Drivers, who transport dogs, puppies, and supplies wherever they need to go.
A strong foundation of Puppy Raisers, providing love, socialization, and early training.
A pinch of Puppy Sitters, ready to step in when a raiser needs a helping hand.
A dollop of Region Coordinators, guiding and supporting raisers every step of the way.
A splash of Class Helpers, ensuring smooth training sessions
A swirl of Region Social Media Volunteers, sharing inspiring stories and updates.
A dash of Kennel Volunteers providing daily care, comfort, companionship, and enrichment at the Canine Development Center and Training School.
A hearty helping of Brood/Stud Fosters and Sitters, giving our breeding dogs the best care and love in a home environment.
A drizzle of Puppy and Dog Massage Volunteers to soothe muscles and promote relaxation in our hardworking dogs.
A pinch of Administrative Volunteers preparing supplies and assisting with genetics, adoptions, student services, and fundraising efforts.
A final garnish of Ambassador and Event Volunteers, spreading awareness and enthusiasm in the community and connecting us with future supporters and friends.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all ingredients with passion, patience, and unwavering dedication.
- Mix thoroughly in an environment filled with encouragement and expert guidance.
- Proof your puppy – allow time for growth, learning, and bonding.
- Season with love and positive reinforcement.
- Serve with a full heart and the joy of knowing a life has been changed forever with a Guiding Eyes guide dog at their side!
***
No Cocoa for Canines!
(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users February 2026 Monthly News Update, www.pinetreeguidedogusers.org)
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s a good time to remember that chocolate and dogs are a dangerous mix. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine—stimulants that dogs struggle to metabolize. Generally, the darker the chocolate, the higher the risk of illness to dogs. You can learn more about chocolate poisoning from the experts at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/chocolate-poisoning-dogs
****
She Refused to Give Up Cooking After Losing Her Vision. Her Guide Dog Became Her Sous Chef (Exclusive)
This home cook is legally blind, but these tools helped her preserve her love of cooking.
By- Danielle DeAngelis|
(From: Woman Loses Vision, Cooks with Help from Guide Dog (Exclusive))
Published on January 5, 2026
Anne Hatton Ogden was 7 years old when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive and chronic eye disease. Later in her adulthood, she
lost her ability to read and became “print-disabled,” meaning she had to leave her job as a bookkeeper. But Ogden has never let the impairment of one of
her senses stop her from doing the things she loves—and this includes cooking.
“Cooking became a therapy and an outlet, and it’s a way for me to share something I could succeed at with others,” Ogden tells EatingWell. She’s able to
succeed in the kitchen by using some technological aids, but primarily, she depends on her sous chef, Angelo.
Angelo isn’t your typical assistant shopper and cook; he’s a yellow lab adopted through
Dogs Inc,
a nonprofit providing guide and service dogs at no cost to those in need.
A woman stands in a kitchen wearing an apron with a guide dog by her side
Credit: Dogs Inc
“[Angelo and I] have been a team for three years, and he is amazing,” Ogden says. “He’s most helpful in the grocery store and shopping. He navigates me
safely in the store around objects and displays so I don’t knock anything over, moves me around the people, helps me find the doors in, the doors out,
the cash register and the counters.”
Once Angelo leads her to the right place, Ogden uses assistive technology on her phone: “I use my assistive technology on my iPhone. I have an app called
Be My Eyes where I can either use their artificial intelligence by snapping a quick picture and get feedback of what I’m looking at, or talk to a live
volunteer.”
She also has a pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which can help her identify objects hands-free. This is most helpful while cooking, as the glasses will alert
her what’s in frame as she chops, seasons and stirs. As for her favorite foods, Ogden admits that breakfast is more grab-and-go, but the home cook loves
preparing a homemade soup and a half sandwich for lunch. But some of her favorite dishes to make are one-pan dinners that she can easily throw together.
“I have fallen in love with sheet-pan recipes because chopping is such a therapy for me,” Ogden explains. “I mean, it’s just such a stress reliever, so
I find cutting my protein and my veggies up, tossing them with olive oil and herbs—I grow my own fresh herbs. They may not be attractive, but they’re herbs!”
One of her favorites is a Mediterranean chicken dish that she shares in a YouTube livestream cooking show,
Cooking Without Looking.
Some of Ogden’s cooking inspirations include
Ina Garten,
as she’s a Barefoot Contessa fan. Now, alongside her recent livestream, she hosts her own cooking show at home with a canine audience.
Ogden grew up in a small farming community, so she’s used to using fresh, whole foods in her meals. That’s the epitome of what eating well means to her.
“Eating nutritious, healthy foods is important to me,” she says. And through home-grown ingredients and Angelo’s guidance while shopping, Ogden is able
to enjoy them in every meal.
***
Love is in the air!
(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users February 2026 Monthly News Update, www.pinetreeguidedogusers.org)
The Seeing Eye has launched a heartwarming new page where its graduates can share original songs about their dogs. Some of these tributes are crafted with a little help from AI, blending human emotion and creative technology to honor their special partners.
***
A very good boy: A day with Gaston, a facility dog at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Julie Scharper
(From: With patience & snuffly kisses,facility dogs bring comfort to sick children – The Baltimore Banner)
When Gaston Langezaal enters the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital parking lot each morning, his wet, black nose begins to twitch with excitement.
But from the moment Gaston’s human, Jennifer Langezaal, buckles a blue working-dog vest around his chest, the 7-year-old retriever mix is singularly focused
on his duties: bringing comfort, healing and joy to sick and seriously injured children.
“Having a dog around just makes the whole day better,” said Dr. Julia Rosenstock, a Mt. Washington Pediatric attending pediatrician. “There are so many
things that a kid won’t do for us that they’ll do for a dog.”
Like all of Mt. Washington Pediatric’s therapy dogs, Gaston graduated from the
Canine Companions
service dog training program in New York. The program teaches dogs to ignore the urge to run after a squirrel or bark at the mailman and instead channel
their energy into opening doors, turning on lights and navigating tricky situations with a person with special needs.
The program, which trains dogs at six sites around the country, enrolls 18-month-old retrievers who have been nurtured by specially trained college students,
prison inmates or puppy raisers, said Jessica Reiss, Canine Companions program director for the northeast region.
The dogs receive six to nine months of additional training, learning 40 verbal commands and the ability to pick up objects as small as a credit card or
as heavy as a frying pan, said Reiss. Most of the graduates become service dogs, dedicated to one person with medical needs, but some of the most gregarious
dogs become facility dogs, like those at Mt. Washington Pediatric.
Gaston’s canine colleagues include two golden retriever mixes: 3-year-old Bata, a recent facility dog training school grad, and Babs, who at 10 is the
elder statesdog of the group.
With his graying muzzle and calm demeanor, Gaston’s responsibilities include aiding some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.
Gaston lay perfectly still on a recent afternoon as Langenzaal, a child life therapist, placed 9-week-old Cameron Beres across his silky flank.
Cameron, who was born two months early, spent several weeks at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s NICU. He was transferred to Mt. Washington to be
weaned off of oxygen and a feeding tube before joining his parents and older brother at home.
Dressed in dinosaur print pajamas, Cameron snoozed peacefully on Gaston’s side, his chest expanding to the rhythm of the dog’s breathing. Langezaal hovered
close by, poised to catch Cameron if the baby started moving.
Gaston lays still while Jen Langenzaal, a child life therapist, placed 9-week-old Cameron Beres on him at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital, Wednesday, December 8, 2025. Cameron, who was born two months early, spent several weeks at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s NICU before being transferred to Mount Washington to be weaned off of oxygen and a feeding tube before joining his parents and older brother at home.
Gaston’s eyes were partially closed, but it would be a mistake to assume that the dog was drowsing.
“It is a lot of effort for a dog to keep himself that still,” said Langezaal, explaining that Gaston had spent many months learning to suppress his instincts
to scratch an itch or lift his head when someone walks in the room. “I know he’s working very hard.”
Resting on a therapy dog helps newborns learn to regulate their breathing and heart rates, said Dr. Rosenstock. The experience helps shape the baby’s rapidly
growing brain and can help prepare them to adjust to family pets when they are released from the hospital.
Cameron’s grandparents, Michael and Paula Beres, said they often find the baby resting on a dog when they arrive to hold and feed him each day.
Canine Companions, a nonprofit funded through donations, provides dogs free of charge to hospitals, rehab centers and other facilities. The organization
retains ownership of the dogs to ensure they are treated properly, although each dog lives with a dedicated handler who works at the facility to which
they are assigned, Reiss said.
It took two years and many site visits before Mt. Washington was approved for its first facility dog, Yuba, in 2012. “There was a lot for us to learn,”
said Lindie Ashman, Mt. Washington’s child life manager and the hospital’s liaison with the Canine Companions program.
Yuba retired in 2019, but his presence is still felt at Mt. Washington. A memory box containing his photo, ID tag and a plaster cast of his paw hangs on
a hospital wall.
Canine Companions usually gives the dog to its handler at retirement, so the dogs can spend their golden years enjoying a well-deserved rest.
Many former patients feel a deep nostalgia for the therapy dogs they bonded with at Mt. Washington, said Dr. Rosenstock. “The first thing they ask when
they come back is, ‘Where are the dogs?’” she said.
Seven-year-old Bert Edelman has been working with Babs and Gaston for more than half his life.
Bert, who has Down syndrome, has undergone heart surgery and three hip surgeries, said his mother, Megan Edelman. He receives physical therapy at Mt. Washington
and graduated from an intensive program for children with feeding challenges.
“He’s been in therapy since he was born in one way or another,” said Megan Edelman. “It can really feel like work, and it’s hard to have to watch your
kid working all the time. The dogs make it feel like fun and not work.”
After leaving little Cameron in the nursery, Gaston and Langezaal headed to a physical therapy room to meet with Bert, who was doing exercises to improve
his balance, coordination and stamina.
Dogs helping kids in the hospital
“Gaston!” said Bert, clasping the dog’s face in an exuberant hug. As the adults cautioned Bert to pet Gaston gently, the dog licked the boy’s cheek.
“Should we take Gaston for a walk?” physical therapist Kathryn Jendras asked Bert, who bounced up and down with excitement.
Bert raced into the hall clutching Gaston’s leash. His sneakers pounded the hallway as Gaston’s nails clicked along beside him.
“Don’t go too fast! He can’t keep up with you,” said Jendras, as Bert giggled and tried to run faster.
Back in the physical therapy room, Jendras assigned Bert a challenge: Navigate a short obstacle course, then pick an item from a toy doctor’s bag to perform
a play exam on Gaston.
Bert flew through the tasks — climbing a step, balancing on round discs, and teetering along a balance beam — then lifted Gaston’s velvety black ears to
peer inside with a plastic otoscope.
“Working with the dogs has been a big confidence booster for him,” said Edelman. “He loves it when they give him kisses.”
While Gaston’s work is more patient and tedious, his younger colleague, Bata, is assigned more high-energy jobs.
On this same day, Bata spent the morning playing fetch with the children in the eating program that Bert had attended. Several of the children had significant
mobility challenges and struggled to throw the ball, but Bata chased each throw with equal excitement, ears flapping as he flew down the hall.
Later Bata joined a group of older kids, including two teens with traumatic brain injuries, for adaptive curling, as they used a metal stick to push discs
down the same hallway. Bata gripped a thick rope in his teeth to pull the discs on a wooden cart as the kids cheered.
Between assignments, Bata and Gaston hang out in adjoining crates in their handlers’ offices, gnawing on chew toys or napping. The walls around their crates
are covered with photos of them with patients and drawings and cards that children made for them.
Staff members assess each patient to see which are amenable to working with a dog. If children are in isolation due to an infection or immunodeficiency,
staff members encourage them to write cards to the dogs or arrange a no-contact game of fetch.
While the dogs use their well-honed skills to play complicated games with the children as part of occupational, physical or speech therapy, a big part
of their duties is simply providing emotional support. When children undergo a delicate and uncomfortable procedure, they often elect to recline their head on a dog’s back. The dogs press their faces against those of the children, breathing quietly.
On this chilly December afternoon, Gaston ended his work day by comforting 9-year-old twins, Kamille and Kent Pabich, who were getting blood drawn. When
Kamille tucked her face into her mother’s shoulder as the needle entered her vein, Gaston turned his big brown eyes to Langezaal, as if mirroring the girl’s
actions.
Gaston often seems emotionally exhausted after a challenging procedure, Langezaal said.
At the end of the work day, she takes off Gaston’s vest and drives him back to their home in Sparks.
Then it’s time for a walk in the woods, a bowl of kibble and a long snooze on the couch before the next work day begins.
“I try to give him some time to be a dog,” said Langezaal.
***
Calendar Event- Growing the circle a reading an advocacy event with Barbara Hinske and Sunday edition
(Sunday Edition News,www.anthonycorona.com)
On February 12 we welcome “Growing the Circle”, the reading and advocacy conversation with Barbara Hinske. This special reading event invites members of our community to share the latest book in the Guiding Emily series with family and friends and to bring them into the conversation. Together we will be discussing representation in media, the power of advocacy through storytelling, and we are hoping to offer Barbara a few new ideas as she continues the next books in the series
Now for a sample of Ask Emily and Garth
A fun, furry advice column from Barbara Hinske, author of the Guiding Emily series, and Anthony Corona
Welcome to Ask Emily and Garth, where guide dog wisdom, lived experience, and a little fur covered insight help navigate everyday challenges. In each installment, we select two questions from our community. Emily answers first with thoughtful clarity, followed by Garth, who brings honesty, humor, and practical dog sense.
Question One
Danny from Fayetteville writes,
I recently started a new job and have to use Paratransit to go to and from work every day. I often get paired up with a driver who is very fussy about my Guide Dog. I am keenly aware of my responsibilities as a handler and keep him extremely well groomed. My boy Trigger is well behaved and always sits on the floor between my legs, compact in the backseat. The Paratransit driver I am referring to has begun bringing large pieces of cardboard to place on the floor and has instructed me to have my Guide Dog sit on this cardboard. This makes my Guide Dog extremely uncomfortable. This has happened twice now and I have tried to explain, but there is a slight language barrier. What would you do in this situation?
Emily answers, Danny, first, congratulations on your new job. That is an important milestone, and you deserve support as you settle into this new routine. You are clearly meeting your responsibilities as a handler. A Guide Dog who is clean, well behaved, and settled on the vehicle floor is already complying with appropriate public transportation expectations.
Requiring cardboard or other barriers is not standard practice and, as you have observed, can interfere with your dog’s comfort and ability to settle safely. Given the language barrier, I recommend carrying a brief written explanation stating that your Guide Dog is trained to sit directly on the floor and that additional materials cause discomfort. If the issue continues, contacting Paratransit customer service or the ADA compliance office to document the concern is appropriate. Advocacy can be calm and respectful while still firm. You and Trigger deserve transportation that honors access, safety, and dignity.
Garth answers, Danny, from a dog’s perspective, floors are predictable and safe. Cardboard is not. It slides, crinkles, and smells odd, which makes it hard for a working dog to relax and focus.
Your boy Trigger is doing exactly what he was trained to do, and you are doing exactly what a good partner should by speaking up for him. This is not about your dog needing to adjust. It is about humans needing better information. Let the system handle it when possible so your dog can just do his job and enjoy a calm ride. Give Trigger an extra scratch from me for staying professional.
Question Two
Anne Marie from Jericho Turnpike, New York writes,
My husband and I both have Guide Dogs, and my frisky little golden Labrador mix is extremely affectionate and loves us both as well as anyone who walks through the door to our home. The problem is she is apt to shove her way between my husband’s Guide Dog, Charlie, and anyone who might be giving him affection. We have tried to show through action that both dogs are equally loved and will always receive affection and love, as will guests who come to our home, but this behavior persists. Please help.
Emily answers, Anne Marie, your golden mix sounds like a dog who thrives on connection and social interaction. What you are seeing is not uncommon in affectionate dogs and is usually rooted in excitement rather than intentional disruption. While your reassurance is important, affection alone does not always communicate boundaries clearly.
I recommend structured affection time. Invite one dog at a time for attention, and reward calm waiting behavior from the other. Teach your golden mix that patience leads to positive outcomes. Gentle redirection paired with consistent praise when she waits appropriately will help her understand that love is shared, not competed for. Over time, this clarity will help both dogs feel more secure and reduce the need for interrupting behavior.
Garth answers,
Anne Marie, some dogs treat affection like a race and they do not want to come in second. Your golden girl sounds like she just wants to be included in every single moment.
The solution is not more affection all at once. It is turn taking. Humans set the pace. Dogs wait their turn. When she learns that barging in does not work but patience does, the pushing will fade. Charlie will get his well-deserved attention, your golden girl will still feel loved, and guests will enjoy calmer interactions all around. Tell Charlie I said he is doing great. Quiet dogs matter too.
Ask Emily and Garth is a special offering from the Sunday Edition family of podcast and digital media content services. In each installment, we choose two questions from our community and do our best to offer thoughtful, experience-based perspectives from both human and canine viewpoints.
Please note that Emily and Garth are not professionals. Every Guide Dog team is unique, and your Guide Dog school, instructor, or veterinary professional should always be consulted before making major changes that could affect your dog’s training, behavior, or well being.
If you would like to submit a question for Ask Emily and Garth, send an email to
SundayEdition@anthonycorona.com.
And please subscribe to my Substack for more from Emily, Garth, Barbara, and a wide range of special content from guests, listeners, and producers across the Sunday Edition family of podcast and digital media content services universe.
Bonus: growing the circle a reading an advocacy event with Barbara Hinske and Sunday edition.
For more details head over to above the fold: the Sunday edition family, a podcast and digital media content services Facebook group.
We’re inviting members of the community to Reed growing the circle with friends and family in their lives this book is a heartwarming story filled with advocacy, real life experience, and lots of puppy love!
For all things, Sunday edition, ask Emily and Garth and Moore head over to www.anthonycorona.com
****
Pod Casts/Blogs/ webinars- Check these out!
*Tech It Out – Hadley Discussion Group for the Visually Impaired
Fourth Tuesday- 11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
*Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview with Jerred Mace, Founder & CEO, OnceCourt
https://drkirkadams.com/podcasts
Interview with Jerred Mace, Founder & CEO, OneCourt
Published January 21, 2026 by Dr. Kirk Adams
https://drkirkadams.com/podcasts
(Access Information News for Monday, January 26, 2026 – Volume 1051- https://www.accessinformationnews.com/ain2026/01262026/)
Dr. Adams talks with Jerred Mace of OneCourt about how haptic technology can make live sports dramatically more accessible for blind and low-vision fans. Adams shares his own “hands-on” encounters with the OneCourt device, feeling the raised layout of a basketball court and the vibrations of a synced, fast-moving play, and later experiencing baseball through touch by sensing pitch location, ball flight, and baserunners in real time alongside the radio broadcast.
Jerred traces OneCourt’s origin to his University of Washington days, inspired by a video of a blind fan following a soccer match through touch and shaped by his personal experience growing up in a family where disability was “the norm.” He describes early prototyping, building a multidisciplinary team, and the company’s momentum jump after receiving a Microsoft AI for Accessibility grant in June 2023. The conversation also looks ahead: OneCourt is expanding team and league partnerships while designing a direct-to-consumer version, built to be more affordable and paired with sport “packages” like a streaming model, and invites listeners to join the newsletter and waitlist via OneCourt’s website (onecourt dot io).
***
Olympics, Paralympics to Be Audio Described in Stereo
(The American Council of the Blind’s Dots and Dashes January 20, 2026)
NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be accessible to more viewers of all abilities than ever before, providing the excitement of the Olympic Games with enhanced closed captioning, audio description, and improved digital content accessibility.
Closed captioning will be available for all Olympic events airing across NBCU’s properties, as well as the Gold Zone whip-around show on Peacock. NBCUniversal will also provide closed captioning for digital livestreams with commentary across Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app for all live events and full event replays from linear coverage.
Audio description (AD) will be available on the second audio program (SAP) for viewers who are blind or have low vision. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will provide more AD than any previous Winter Games. All coverage on the NBC network (including full event replays) and the Gold Zone whip-around show on Peacock will feature Audio Description.
In a first for a U.S. broadcaster for a Winter Olympics, audio description services for coverage on NBC will be provided in stereo, enhancing the quality of sound for viewers. NBC Sports’ Paralympic broadcast team of Tony Ambrogio, Adam Giardino, Pat McCarthy, Tony Simeone, and Norma Jean Wick will be providing audio description.
Additionally, improved web content accessibility, including keyboard navigation, color contrast and support for screen readers, will be available on NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, and the NBC Sports app. Livestreams and replays which offer audio description will have English audio description as a language choice within the players on these digital platforms. To easily find all events with audio description visit- https://www.nbcolympics.com/audio-description
To read the full press release, visit- https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbcuniversal-enhances-accessibility-its-coverage-milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
****
Case Closed: The story of technology, a blind woman and an eyewitness account to solve a mystery.
By Kristen Dockendorff
November 1, 2025
I have been working with a community group that helps people with vision loss and this experience is proving to be some of the most rewarding of my life. Together, Michelle Puzzo and I run a support group at UR Community Tech Center, and thanks to her tireless efforts securing grants, the center now offers more than thirty-five different devices for people to test. We strive to ensure that those with blindness and low vision can access and try a wide range of equipment, from electronic magnifiers to high-tech smart glasses.
Michelle often recruits high school and college interns, introducing them to both the challenges and the rewards of working alongside people with disabilities. She
views this as an opportunity not only for career exploration, but also for promoting
greater inclusion.
Recently, during one of our support sessions, we met a young man with unique eye issues. My connections in the low-vision tech world seemed especially relevant for him, so I scheduled time at the center to show him available resources and demo devices. When I arrived, Michelle introduced me to a new teenage intern. Keeping with our support group custom, as a vision-impaired person I reached out my hand first, a small gesture
that avoids the awkwardness of trying to find someone else’s when you cannot see it. She shook my hand, and I realized I was wearing my smart glasses, which I quickly removed, thinking perhaps they were distracting.
A moment later, the intern’s gaze lingered on my Meta Ray Ban smart glasses. Suddenly, she gasped, “Oh my God, it’s Mrs. D!” To my astonishment, I recognized her as Morgan, a former student from my years as a public school art teacher, before retinitis pigmentosa prompted my retirement from the classroom. She had been in second grade when we’d last met; now, after ten years, she was a high school senior seeking her future career path. The reunion was deeply moving, and the day became even more meaningful as we helped our young guest explore technology options, connect with resources, and learn about the latest advancements.
Morgan was especially curious about my Meta smart glasses. I demonstrated the hands-
free camera and video features, showing how easy it was to take pictures, read signs, and send images to contacts, a boost for someone who lives with vision limitations. Sharing these innovations, along with the many other devices available at the center, filled our visit with excitement and community spirit.
Toward evening, I received a text from Michelle. “You’re not going to believe this,” she wrote, “but the police from a neighboring town just called. They say my car was involved in a motor vehicle accident!” We both knew this was impossible, as Michelle had been at the
center all day, with her car parked outside. She named me as a witness, but soon
after, she texted again: “Is there any way to prove I was at the center?”
Thinking it through, I realized that, with ParaTransit services unavailable, I had arrived by Uber instead. Thankfully, the Uber app’s activity tab clearly logged the date, time, and location. I took a screenshot of the trip details and sent it to Michelle, who forwarded it to the police. Soon another message came: “That proves you were here, but it doesn’t prove
that I was.”
Michelle wondered if any further evidence existed. I remembered that, while demonstrating my Meta smart glasses, I had snapped a photo showing Morgan, Michelle and the young man together. Although the picture was a candid, no attempt at a formal composition, I had
deleted it from the gallery. On a hunch, I asked my glasses AI how to recover deleted photos. Following its instructions, I checked my phone, and there it was: the photo from that precise date. I promptly sent it to Michelle.
The image clearly showed Michelle at the center, yet there was another obstacle, the police insisted on a timestamp. Thankfully, my phone’s information button provided both the location and timestamp. I screenshot this data and sent it on. Minutes later, the police called to confirm: “Did you take the picture with your glasses?” Yes, I replied. “Thank you,” the officer said, and hung up.
Half an hour later, Michelle texted again. Two words: “Case closed.”
This day stands out not simply for having solved a puzzle, but for the sense of empowerment and camaraderie that permeated my every interaction. Sharing
knowledge with others who have just begun their journey of vision loss is deeply rewarding. Seeing a former student again, I realized teaching creativity doesn’t require paint or clay, it’s the gift of new tools and possibilities. Connecting all the technological threads to support Michelle meant putting my skills to the test.
I will continue to encourage people to take the step to jump into technology and share their new knowledge with others. And you never know, it might keep a friend out of jail. As someone who cherishes mysteries, I find it a delightful irony that the person who acquired all the eyewitness evidence to resolve the case was, despite vision impairment, me.
Kristen Dockendorff is a retired art teacher and has been legally blind for 25 years. She collaborates with UR Community Tech Center. Kristen resides in Manchester, Conn., with Winny, her Golden Retriever seeing-eye dog.
***
Poem, Mouth Wars
Ann Chiappetta
breaths curl in the winter air
challengers meet
leaping into the drifts
chest to chest
the exchange of Saliva
fur freezing
muzzles freckled with white
in the moment
until the meal calls
Dedicated to May and Iowa
***
Finding Joy in a Shared Challenge
By PTGDU member and book author Sue W. Martin
(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users February 2026 Monthly News Update, www.pinetreeguidedogusers.org)
I love cross-country skiing. It’s exhilarating, it tests your balance and skill, and it’s fun.
Sharing my life with my guide dogs is all inclusive. It doesn’t begin when the harness goes on and it doesn’t end when the harness comes off.
Put those two things together and the next step becomes inevitable. Skiing with my dog.
It’s not complicated but it’s not easy.
Kasey is trained to guide me. When we ski together, she is not guiding me. She is not harnessed. When not wearing her harness, she considers herself off duty. Her rules of behavior change. And she’s young, energetic, and eager to interact with the world around her. I need to, at least somewhat, tame that eagerness without squelching her enthusiasm.
I started by skiing on our road. We live on a private, unpaved, dead-end road. When it snows, there’s always a layer of snow on the road, even after its plowed. My goal was to get her to stay on my left side and run along with me. Since she’s trained to pull out in harness, she naturally moves out ahead of me. I just needed to teach her not to pull too hard.
With skis on, poles in hand, and the loop of her long leash grasped around my left ski pole, we began.
At first, Kasey trotted nicely along on my left side. Then, it was like a light went on in her head. “Hey, we’re trotting down this road, I’m not wearing my harness, yahoo, let’s go!” Angling my right ski to slow down, I gave the command, “Steady,” and pulled back on her leash. When she stopped pulling, I praised her. We continued down the road as I repeated the process.
During our third trip down the road, I had her trotting nicely along on my left side. It was time to try skiing together for real.
We went to a local forest reserve with nicely groomed trails. And off we went. Occasionally, Kasey spun in a circle or two. But it didn’t interrupt our progress so I just laughed at her exuberance.
Then we came to the first hill.
What a thrill! I picked up speed. We flew down the trail together. She ran straight and true and my skis stayed nicely in the groomed tracks. Knees slightly flexed and leaning forward, I adjusted to each change and bend in the trail as it came. Then the trail leveled out. I praised Kasey effusively and we continued.
Another hill. We flew together with Kasey pulling a bit harder. “Steady,” I instructed. She eased her pull. The trail leveled out. And we continued. I kept up a running dialog with Kasey, ensuring her engagement in this new activity.
At the half-way point, we took a break. Taking off my mittens, I crouched before her, held her face gently in my hands, and told her what a good girl she was.
After two hours, we cruised down the last hill and skied out of the forest. We had done it!
About the author. Sue Martin is happily retired and living in northern Michigan where she delights in exploring the great outdoors. When she’s not hiking or skiing, she’s writing, taking care of her plants, or just hanging out in front of the fire with her husband, Jim. Sue is currently working her sixth dog, a female German shepherd from The Seeing Eye.
***
CurbToCar app (Only for iPhone)- FREE!
(Pine Tree Guide Dog Users February 2026 Monthly News Update, www.pinetreeguidedogusers.org)
Where’s my ride? Whether you’re searching for a rideshare vehicle or a friend’s car, The CurbToCar app can help riders find their ride using the phone’s camera. Co-designed with blind users through the MIT Assistive Tech Club, this free app for iPhones uses object detection and real-time tracking along with continuous audio feedback and distance estimation to locate the car.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/curbtocar/id6748715225
****
Article- Traveling with a Service Dog: Part 1
Written by- lucy Greco, Accessibility Expert
(https://accessaces.com/traveling-with-a-service-dog-part-1/)
I recently made a significant life change that means I’ll be traveling more than ever before. If you know me, you know I always travel with a guide dog. This means I spend significantly more time preparing for a trip than most people. Traveling with a service animal requires more steps than you might expect. In the next few posts, I’ll discuss some of the challenges that make traveling with a service dog more difficult than necessary.
Why a Dog?
I have always traveled with my dogs. It helps me be as independent as I can. I feel faster and more confident when I am working with my dog. I am a proficient white cane user, but it’s just not for me. I’ve always felt it’s wrong to avoid running into someone or something by hitting it with a stick. When I travel with my husband, my dog’s job is to follow and keep me close to him. This way my husband doesn’t have to guide me, and we don’t create a two-person-wide obstacle in airports or other public spaces. I also love being able to walk at my normal pace, since my husband tends to walk much faster. The dog and I walk at our own pace, and we catch up with my husband whenever he stops.
Navigating Airport Security: The TSA Gauntlet
I always felt a thrill when leaving on a trip, but nowadays it’s not as fun or exciting. Going through TSA is always a chore no one likes, but it’s worse when you add a service dog to the situation. As with most difficult situations involving service animals, the lack of education among the people involved is what causes the problems. All the service dog schools teach the same procedures to their graduates and have done their best to reach out to local airports and TSA offices, but this still isn’t enough. More often than not, when I am in the TSA lineup, multiple problems occur. I was trained to have my dog sit in front of the metal detector while I hold onto his leash and walk through, then call him to me. However, the leash always sets off the metal detector. I’ve modified the process: when my dog sits, I tuck his leash into his harness and have him stay while I walk through the detector. Once I am through, I call him to me. I expect the agent will then pat him down and check his harness for any foreign objects. While he is being patted down, I expect him to sit or stand quietly. And he always does! However, most agents seem nervous and fidgety and are afraid to touch him. Some go the other way and talk very excitedly, which overstimulates him. It’s a very tricky balance.
At no point should a service animal handler be expected to remove any of the animal’s equipment. However, on one occasion when I was going through the TSA lineup, agents insisted that I had to remove my dog’s collar, harness, and leash so they could send them completely naked through the metal detector. This is completely against the rules. I don’t normally have my dog’s collar off even at home let alone in a busy airport! But when you’re standing in the TSA lineup and people behind you are getting angry, what do you do? My dog, as always, performed phenomenally in this situation.
The Constant Challenge: Advocacy and Logistics
These incidents are just a few examples of the constant negotiation and advocacy required simply to get through the airport. I’ll share more stories in upcoming posts, focusing on the regulations that consistently fail to provide safe travel and simplicity or support for service dog users, and delve into the intense logistical burden of preparing for a trip when juggling health restrictions alongside the service dog’s needs. The challenges often feel insurmountable, but sharing these experiences is the first step toward greater understanding and systemic change.
*****
Snowplow
Ann Chiappetta
Prismatic chips
clatter against glass frames
blacktop and tarmac
await the scrape
chink-a-chink
chink-a-chink
chink-a-chink
Steel maw cleaves the twilight, metal dentures rumbling.
***
Blind woman scares off wolf trying to attack her guide dog
Harriet Barber
(From: Blind woman scares off wolf trying to attack her guide dog)
Sat, December 13, 2025 at 8:27 AM EST·3 min read
Marloes Schaap sensed something was wrong when her guide dog began growling
A blind woman in the Netherlands scared off a wolf when it attempted to attack her guide dog.
In an encounter that has intensified concerns about public safety as the country’s wolf population continues to grow, Marloes Schaap said she sensed something
was wrong when her guide dog began growling.
“He never does that to other dogs; he’s very sociable,” she told Dutch public broadcaster Nederlandse Omroep Stichting.
With only limited vision, she said she tried to keep the animal in sight. “I could see it had four legs, a tail and upright ears, because they stood out
against the forest, so to speak,” she said. “That’s how I could distinguish it.”
Ms Schaap said the animal then ran towards them, getting as close as seven metres. “He kept staring at us. I started shaking really badly. And crying.
You get a physical reaction; you can’t help it. I was aware that this animal is faster and stronger than us, and he’ll close that distance to my dog, Toto, in a second.”
Wolves are now present in areas, such as Veluwe with another confrontation between a wolf and a dog taking place.
Ms Schaap said she eventually scared the animal away by striking her cane hard against the ground. “Back away, make yourself big, make a racket. So I raised
my cane high and slammed it hard on the pavement,” she said.
The Dutch association for guide dog users said that the incident was not isolated, citing at least one previous confrontation between a wolf and a guide
dog on the Veluwe, an area of natural parklands in the Netherlands just north of Arnhem.
Concerns are also being voiced more widely within the visually impaired community. Blind podcaster Ferry Molenaar has been producing a series on wolves
and accessibility, and told NOS he has received dozens of messages from people who now avoid unfenced areas when walking their dogs.
The municipality of Ermelo, where the encounter occurred, is organizing a meeting for blind and visually impaired people to discuss wolf safety.
Expanding wolf population fueling concerns
The encounter has added fuel to a national debate over how the Netherlands should manage the apex predators’ return. Wolves re-established themselves several
years ago after being hunted to extinction more than a century ago and are now present in areas including the Veluwe, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and parts
of the north.
Their comeback was welcomed by conservationists, who celebrated footage in 2019 of the first wolf cubs born in the wild after animals began crossing into
the Netherlands from Germany.
But the expanding population has also fueled tensions, driven by livestock attacks, safety warnings in nature reserves and a small number of close encounters
with people and pets. There have been no known fatal or serious attacks on humans.
(note from editor’s guide- “you did notice the guide dog’s name, right? Of course, Totos are known to be curiously brave!)
***
Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon
Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.
May 3-4, 2026
Introducing the 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon 2026
Registration is now open!
Register NOW to participate!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4pTRrYsIh5BsU9HXVT2IOf8erYzmGE5M6SYNlmakqwrtK-A/viewform
What is the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon?
A Bird-a-Thon is a birding event during which birders try to see or hear as many bird species as possible during a set period of time, in this case, a 24-hour period within two days in May.
The goal of the 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon is to encourage blind and partially sighted birders of any age, experience, or location to head outdoors, tune in, and celebrate the sounds and songs that make birding such a powerful practice of connection.
Birders can identify species by sound or whatever sight is available to them, solo, in a group, or as part of a team, from any location in the world.
When and where?
Dates: Sunday and Monday, May 3–4, 2026
Timing: 12:01 a.m. to midnight local time either day
Participants may choose one of the two days that best fits their schedule and transportation options, and bird for at least two hours – all at once or spread throughout the day. You can bird in your neighborhood, backyard, local park, favorite trail, or anywhere you find birds.
These dates coincide with spring migration and peak bird song in many regions of the Northern Hemisphere, a perfect moment to listen for your avian neighbors and build birding community.
Who can participate?
Anyone who is blind or has low vision is warmly invited to take part. Birders may participate individually, in groups, or as a team, and may choose to bird with or without sighted volunteers.
All are welcome, from experienced birders to beginners just discovering their first birdsong.
How does it work?
Participants count any bird they hear or see during their 24-hour period, which will be reported to your country’s species compiler. You may use tools such as the Merlin Bird ID app or recording devices to assist in identification. If you bird with a sighted partner, birds they identify can be counted if you also hear or see them yourself.
There is no cost to participate – this is about awareness and community building!
All participants must follow the Birding Code of Ethics (adapted below from the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics), which prioritizes the welfare of birds and respect for people, property, and place.
Blind Birder Community Conversations
In anticipation of our 2026 bird-a-thon, we are hosting a series of opportunities for learning and community-building each month. All sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET. Recordings will be available for all registrants. You don’t have to attend any of the sessions to participate, but you are welcome to attend as many as you would like.
November 18, 2025- Mnemonics and Birding by Ear with Jerry Berrier
for those who weren’t able to join us for this session, which offered participants an introduction to birding by ear and practical tools for remembering bird sounds using mnemonics, The video recording of the 1st Community Conversation is available at
December 9, 2025- Merlin Identification with Alli Smith from Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Merlin Bird ID app has connected over 30 million people to the world of birds with its almost magical ability to identify species by sound. This talk will cover how Merlin works behind the scenes and the vital role that birders play in building and improving it. The video recording is available now at- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkcdrGbXrb8
January 20, 2026- Using Equipment & Apps to Record Bird Sounds with Jerry Berrier The video recording is
Curious about how to capture the soundscape around you and bring those recordings home to enjoy and study later? In this session, longtime blind birder and audio enthusiast Jerry Berrier will discuss a variety of accessible tools for recording bird sounds, from simple smartphone apps to more advanced gear. We will talk about what equipment works well for blind and low vision birders, how to get started without spending a lot of money, and practical tips for organizing and sharing your recordings so that listening can deepen both your bird identification skills and your connection with the natural world. for those who weren’t able to join us for this session, it is available at- https://youtu.be/xnOaknMFuCY
February 3, 2026- The Pleasures of a Bird Soundscape with John Kricher
Birds are commonplace and diverse in virtually all of the world’s habitats. They are audio-visually oriented as to how they perceive their world and audio perception is often more important than visual. John Kricher will explain how being attuned to bird sound provides knowledge, learning, and satisfaction.
March 10, 2026- Living on the Wind: How and Why Birds Migrate with Scott Widensaul
Scott will discuss how migratory birds travel extraordinary distances each year, navigating through means that seem more like science fiction than natural history, undergoing almost incomprehensible physical changes as they move across tens of thousands of miles.
April 14, 2026- Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Info Session
The Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Info Session is a gathering created by and for blind and low-vision birders, as well as sighted allies, to learn about this global celebration of birds and belonging. Join us to explore how the event works, receive practical tips for accessible birding by ear, and discover resources that can help you and your community participate.
These sessions are open, informal, and designed to support both new and experienced participants. You’ll learn birding-by-ear skills, explore technology for recording and identifying sounds, and connect with a growing community of blind and low-vision birders. You can register for sessions at this link.
Prizes and celebration
All registered participants in the U.S. will be entered into a drawing for donated items. Other participating countries may hold their own drawings, and a list of other countries participating and their contact information will be made available as the event approaches.
After the event, we’ll gather virtually for a post-event celebration to share stories, celebrate results, and reflect on what we learned. Check back soon for an updated list of prize donors and celebration details!
Questions?- For questions, contact Martha Steele at marthajs@verizon.net
Resources for sighted volunteers and bird clubs:
For sighted folks or birding clubs interested in supporting the Bird-a-Thon, please check out these resources:
Brookline, MA created a video called How to Guide a Person With Vision Loss which is a good explainer of how to offer assistance and then guide someone desiring your assistance. Produced by the Town’s Commission on Disability, along with Brookline Age-Friendly Cities TV and Brookline Interactive Group, the video is simple and offers repetition in the demonstrations to make learning and remembering easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eddk-5SBv8
In addition, you can find more birding-specific information in this guide called Birding Field Trips for All that was created by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, in collaboration with Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Adapted Birding Code of Ethics (abridged)
Put birds first. Avoid disturbance, respect habitat, and never use playback recordings to attract birds.
Respect people and places. Follow laws and obtain permission when needed.
Keep bird feeders and nest structures safe.
Be a community birder. Share knowledge generously and practice inclusion in every space you bird.
****
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 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:
